Pillbox hat

A pillbox hat is a small woman's hat with a flat crown and straight, upright sides, and no brim.

Pillbox hat of Jackie Kennedy.

History

Pillbox hat shown in Memorial Stained Glass window, Class of 1934, Royal Military College of Canada

Historically, the pillbox was also military headgear, often including a chin strap, and can still be seen on ceremonial occasions in some countries, especially former members of the Commonwealth. For example, the Royal Military College of Canada dress uniform includes a pillbox hat. A pillbox cap, also referred to as a kilmarnock, is a modern manufacture of the traditional headdress worn by members of virtually all Gurkha Regiments.^[1] During the late Roman Empire, the pillbox, then known as the pilleus or "Pannonian cap" was worn by Roman soldiers.

In military terms the pillbox is a round defence structure for ground troops, popularized in World War I by the British.^[2] Pillbox fortifications still stand today and are particular prevalent in Wales, such as those at Nant Ffrancon.

Cultural references

• Jacqueline Kennedy, First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, was well-known for her 'signature pillbox hats' in the 1960s, designed by Oleg Cassini.^[3]
• Pillbox hats are mentioned in the song "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat" by Bob Dylan. The song first appeared on his 1966 album Blonde on Blonde.
• The students of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film) uniforms included a blue pillbox hat.
• In the anime series Galaxy Express 999 and its sequels/spinoffs, the character Maetel wears a pillbox hat in various colors.

References

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