This spiralled into laws being passed in 1908 that limited the length of the pin to 8 inches, down from up to 13. Suffragettes used the hat pins for the same purpose, only their targets included the policemen arresting them for protesting. This was standard practice for independent women and was especially popular with the followers of the Suffragette movement. Their compact design was also a benefit as it was easy to conceal, giving the lady an element of surprise. This freedom led to many experiencing unwanted advances from men but brandishing a hat pin and giving the offender a sharp jab helped keep them at bay. It signified more freedom for women as they could get jobs and go out to events without a chaperone.
In addition, a long pin provided women with a handy weapon for self-defence purposes during the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The popularity of hat pins during the 1820s was almost exclusively towards pins made in France that were shipped over to the UK.īecause of this, a law was passed by the British Government stating that hat pins manufactured abroad could only be bought on January 1 st and January 2nd each year, leading to hatpins becoming fairly rare possessions up until the mid to late 19 th century. They were next recorded as being in use during the 1400s, which is surprising considering their popularity did not truly peak until the early 1800s and lasted through to the early Edwardian era.Īccording to the Sam Waller Museum, the main function of a Victorian hat pin was to securely pin large hats to a lady’s hair without messing up the carefully styled elaborate updo that characterised the fashion of the day.Įarly hat pins made in this era were produced by hand by families in trade. The first known instance of a hat pin being used was during the Roman era, when women would use small pins to secure their wimples and veils to their heads. Some people enjoy collecting hat pins depending on their age and design.
Though they are a very rare addition to an outfit in the 21 st century, they are revered for their beauty and functionality. Hat pins have been an accessory favoured by women for centuries.
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