The Tricorn Hat

The tricorn was a popular type of hat during the 18th century worn by both men and women - however women would usually wear a smaller version of the hat. Originally the triangular shape was practical because it protected the wearer's face from rain and sun. This made it ideal to use in the army and the navy but it spread to the court which - of course - turned the hat fashionable. Soon the hat was seen decorated by feathers, silk and small ornaments. Originally the hat worn by soldiers was made of simple black, grey or brown fabrics without any other decoration than the national emblem at the front of the hat. The special feature of the tricorn is that the brims were pinned up to the top of the hat - thus creating the triangular shape.
By the end of the 18th century the tricorn had gone out of fashion and slowly evolved into the bricorn.

Portrait of Marie Antoinette shortly after her
arrival in France 

A young Louis XV wearing a feathered and jewelled tricorn hat