From the Viking era to modern fashion, people have worn pom-poms on their hats for various reasons – and contrary to popular belief, it’s not just for decoration
It’s blooming freezing at the moment and many of us will be wrapping up in as many layers as possible in the coming weeks.
But have you ever wondered why so many winter hats are adorned with pom-poms? It turns out, the fluffy embellishment wasn’t always just for show.
In fact, it’s believed that bobbles have been a feature of clothing since the Viking era. The mythological god Freyr is often depicted wearing headgear decorated with a pom-pom, as seen on a statuette discovered in Södermanland, Sweden, in 1904.
In several European nations, bobble hats were also used to signify rank. In Rome, clergymen donned caps known as birettas, which featured different coloured pom-poms to indicate their specific roles.
Similarly, soldiers such as those in the Scottish Highland regiments and Napoleon’s infantry sported woolly bobbles on their uniforms.
According to The Outline, some experts suggest that the pom-poms served a practical purpose, offering protection against harsh weather conditions. In other cases, they signified the regiment to which troops belonged.
On the topic of the military, sailors wore pom-pom hats at sea, with the added fluff reportedly providing a buffer in tight spaces, protecting the head.
Pom-poms gained mainstream popularity during the Depression, likely because they offered an inexpensive way to add flair to basic outfits without breaking the bank.
The term comes from the French word pompon, which means a small decorative ball made of fabric or feathers and has been used since the 18th century.
Some credit celebrities like Michael Nesmith of The Monkees for popularising the trend, as he frequently wore the accessory on TV and influenced others to follow suit.
So next time you put on your woolly winter hat, you’ll probably have a little more appreciation for the pom-pom on top!