Why was the tricorn hat shaped the way they are

[Rusty Barrels]

I've often wondered what good are they , they don't seem to offer much protection against the elements

[HarborMaster]

So the Rich Peacocks could show off their wigs !

Speaking of rugs I need to get me a wig.., Something in a dark brown shag

[kass]

I dunno... Fashion? And you don't usually need much in the way of sun protection in Northern Europe.

[The Doctor]

Have ye ever noticed how a properly fit tricorn won't blow off yer noggin in a stiff wind? Aerodynamics (actually, fluid dynamics. But I was an engineering geek). Not that they knew of such back then, just as they didn't fully understand the aerodynamic properties of a sailing ship - if you cut down her quarterdeck and fo'c'sle, she ran a damn sight faster than those what didn't. That's all that mattered to them.

I appreciate a hat that won't blow off when I'm on deck or astride a horse. :)

[CaptainJackRussell]

I guess it's a military solution. Try to shoot a muzzleloader while wearing a hat with a wide brim. It will be more then just uncomfortable.

With the brim dressed up it's a lot easier not to get in conflict with head and gun and not to burn the hat by pan's flash.

Also manouvering within the lines is easier.

Many tricorns had loops and hooks to release the brim when weather is bad or you stand sentry in the rain.

Jack

[Red Cat Jenny]

Interesting... perhaps a hint lies in the type of hat worn just before the tricorn appeared? Kass?

Although I would agree with the brim being out of the way.

[Capt. Sterling]

Have ye ever noticed how a properly fit tricorn won't blow off yer noggin in a stiff wind? Aerodynamics (actually, fluid dynamics. But I was an engineering geek). Not that they knew of such back then, just as they didn't fully understand the aerodynamic properties of a sailing ship - if you cut down her quarterdeck and fo'c'sle, she ran a damn sight faster than those what didn't. That's all that mattered to them.

I appreciate a hat that won't blow off when I'm on deck or astride a horse. :)

Yes from practical use, the large cartwheel hat I wear is period correct and great for rain, but an absolute nightmare in high winds... a cocked hat on the other hand, not only collects a lot of the rain (which will run out one of the corners when you tilt yer head so you can control it), but doesn't "go" anywhere in the wind...

[Red Sea Trade]

I agree that folding one side of a round hat up (the left) assists with shouldering a musket. Folding the other side up keeps it from getting scorched by the flash of a musket pan.

Why were all three sides folded up? I can only say that it was a silly fashion. That is the reason that some kids today wear baseball hats backwards or sideways--it is stupid and renders the hat non-functional, but people still do it.

I don't believe that human nature ever changes.

[kass]

Interesting... perhaps a hint lies in the type of hat worn just before the tricorn appeared? Kass?

Although I would agree with the brim being out of the way.

The hats that existed just before the three-sided cocked hat were basically un-cocked hats or hats cocked on only one or two sides. So you can definitely see the evolution of the style.

[blackjohn]

I agree that folding one side of a round hat up (the left) assists with shouldering a musket. Folding the other side up keeps it from getting scorched by the flash of a musket pan.

Why were all three sides folded up? I can only say that it was a silly fashion. That is the reason that some kids today wear baseball hats backwards or sideways--it is stupid and renders the hat non-functional, but people still do it.

I don't believe that human nature ever changes.

Right. Cocking the left side draws it up out of the way of shoulder arms. Similarly, cocking the right side does the same for advance arms. From there, you have to cock the back for appearances sake!

:)

And I agree completely about human nature.

[Cap'n Pete Straw]

The cocked hat resulted in a pointed brim, instead of a rounded brim, and allowing the most discerning gentleman the advantage of squishing the cockroaches hiding in the corners.

... Sorry.

Actually, an added advantage: if your hat is weather-proofed like mine and you do NOT uncock it in the rain, the cocking gives you gutters, allowing you to dictate the directions of the runoff to the fore, to the sou'west, or to the sou'east. Aye.

... But that is not a historical opinion, just a practical one made from first-hand observation.

And I concur -- I have worn my cocked hats on some blustery days. A slight downward tilt of your head redirects the force downward, securing the hat on your head, rather than lifting it upward and away. It really sucks trying to chase your hat, especially when it is is racing across the rolling waves...

[Cpt. Alva]

I discovered that unique property of the Tricorn when leaving my tent on a rainy day.......

as I came out under my fly, the weight of the water collapsed the front of the fly, and a large amount of water drained directly into my hat......

the corners acted like rain gutters, deflecting the water out of the back of my hat.......pretty cool...but then, that's not gonna work for EVERY type of tricorn, mine was a colonial style, and the cockades sat lower in the back.....

[kass]

I've had a similar experience. I was wearing a cocked hat with my riding habit when we were doing a Tavern Night at a local historic site. It was pouring rain and the doors to the site were locked because they didn't want the public strolling in early. So I was sheltering under an overhang that wasn't quite as wide as I was. I didn't know it, but the roof was directing buckets of rain right onto my hat...

...and back out the other side. I didn't even know what was happening. My friends were just laughing at me and saying, "Don't move! Don't move!"

Unfortunately I turned my head and got a stream of rain down the center of my back. But I dried off soon enough.

[MadL]

hmmm, bit o' an old thread perhaps, but I not see that anyone has taken to the task of solving the puzzle: "Why was the tricorn hat shaped the way they are"?

Not sure it be true but read somewhere that it was more a choice of convenience. The way I heard it be that the cocked tricorne came about when large wigs became fashionable on the gents. Fer ye see the tricorn did not fit too very well o'er them big fuzzy wigs but as no proper gent would be wit'out he's hat they took ta carry'in them under thar arms, thus it became easier to do so ifin the brim be folded o'er and that be bring'in about the various shapes of the Tricorn as we be know'n them today.

Well, that least be what I read on some parchment somewhar...

[William Brand]

Aye...the rain. I remember standing with Jack in the rain at PIP and watching him tip his hat a little to one side and it drained out ever so nicely. You have to remember to tip the hat out in a direction that won't dump rain water in your food.

[Captain Jim]

And never, ever look down at a woman's...um..assets while conversing with her in the rain. The deluge you unleash will be directed directly at said assets. Not good.

[Jack Roberts]

Sounds like you speak from experience?

[Nathaniel Cross]

And never, ever look down at a woman's...um..assets while conversing with her in the rain. The deluge you unleash will be directed directly at said assets. Not good.

Not good? Mate that sounds down right delightful. Um, I mean, ohh right. That must be most unfortunate for said lass. My apologies dear, let me help you wit' that eh.

[Captain Jim]

Yes, yes, always carry a towel to help out in time of need.

[callenish gunner]

That's right 'never go anywhere without your marvelous towel!" ...........oops wrong story

[Lady Alyx]

While researching Tricorns for shaping my new hat blanks I also found the same two statements as before. One was to show off the fancy curls from the wigs and the other to direct rain away. I did not know about the advantage in the wind...I will now test out my new hats to that effect.

info on tricorns

[HanaRead]

Have ye ever noticed how a properly fit tricorn won't blow off yer noggin in a stiff wind? Aerodynamics (actually, fluid dynamics. But I was an engineering geek). Not that they knew of such back then, just as they didn't fully understand the aerodynamic properties of a sailing ship - if you cut down her quarterdeck and fo'c'sle, she ran a damn sight faster than those what didn't. That's all that mattered to them.

I appreciate a hat that won't blow off when I'm on deck or astride a horse. :)

Aye! Tis true! I be wearin a tricorn at the renaissance festival, and even with the strongest breezes me hat stayed firmly on me head.