Virtual Gallery

Welsh Hat, part of traditional Welsh folk costume.

Welsh national costume evolved in Wales during the 18th & 19th Centuries as a development of clothes worn by ordinary towns and country people. Lady Llanover was very influential in encouraging the idea and the wearing of a 'national dress.' She was successful because it was an easy way for people to declare their identity. Lady Llanover's choices were based on what she saw Welsh countrywomen wearing. The tall chimney hat, like the one on display, did not appear until the 1840s and was based on a high hat worn in the early 19th Century. The costume in effect is frozen in time, much as wedding dresses are across Britain as a whole.

Traditionally the Welsh national costume for women includes the following:

  • Tall hat made out of hard board covered in beaver skin

  • White cap worn under the hat, made of cotton or muslin with long frilled lappets extending down to the shoulders

  • Bedgown

  • White blouse

  • Petticoat

  • Small red flannel shawl

  • Cloak

  • Skirt, full and made of wool with a black and red check
    pattern (originally the skirt patterns varied around the country)

  • White starched apron

  • Black woollen stockings and black shoes

  • A basket, made from willow withies.

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