1.Mob Caps in 1910
The era of 1910 saw an interesting mixture of modern day influences alongside historical dress. Fashion in this period was a gateway to understanding the changing nature of culture and society. For those who worked as servants, the arrangement of what they wore and the styling accented by their mob caps revealed their relative status within the master’s household.
Mob caps were a common item of clothing worn by servants in the beginning of the 20th century. Not only did they shield the hair, but they also gave a certain air of authority, allowing one to recognize the rank of the servants with the household. During this period, the mob cap had become a more formal part of the uniform for servants. The design and styling of the cap distinguished those in higher positions from the others. It was a way for employers to demonstrate their social superiority by adorning their workers with articles of clothing that conveyed a certain level of class.
2.Mob Caps and the Influence of Servant Culture
In the early 1910s, servants in England were considered part of the aristocracy and held great power in the homes of the wealthy. If a house staff or someone who worked in an aristocratic household had a mob cap, they had the ability to influence what kind of décor, clothing and other items the master purchased. These types of hats were highly sought after because of their ability to give the appearance of elegance and respectability for female workers, even when wearing the same attire as less formal servants. Many women chose to proudly display their caps as a way to show their position within the household.
3.Mob Caps: Reflecting Age and Position
In the early 1910s, wearing a mob cap was largely dependent on the servant’s age and their position within the home. Usually, those of higher rank could wear the cap, while those of lower rank often lacked access to this particular piece of clothing. For example, housemaids would typically wear a form of a mob cap that was a slightly fancier version than what a general servant would wear. This distinguished the two by their level of duty and the amount of respect they had within the home.
4.Mob Cap Style
The style of mob caps of the early 1910s varied depending on the occasion or the servant. Some had a flat-topped, almost saucer-like style whereas others had a wider brim with trim and gathered fabric. The colour of mob caps also played a role, with those of higher rank usually wearing bolder shades. Patterns also had a role in how the caps were worn, with the most formal occasions needing something more intricate or ornamental in style.
The mob cap was deemed necessary for any modern servant’s wardrobe at the beginning of the 20th century and the styles of the era helped them accessorise and look fashionable in the eyes of their employers.
5.Impact of Mob Caps Today
Although mob caps are no longer seen every day, they still continue to be a popular part of film and television costuming. Period pieces often feature these accessories, allowing viewers to take a step back in time. The impact these caps had on the class distinctions of the 1910s can still be seen today, albeit in a much different form. Women in the corporate world still strive to look the part by wearing clothing that conveys authority and power.
6.Modern Day Versions of Mob Caps
Modern day versions of the mob caps of 1910 are now making their way into the workplaces of today. Simple, understated styles of the mob caps have become popular, giving a power nod to the style of the past. Structured shapeless caps and hats help convey an air of professionalism and authority as much as the original versions of the caps used in the 1910s.
7.Mob Caps in the Medical Field
Mob caps have historically been used not only in aristocratic households, but in the medical field since the late 19th century. Wearing a white mob cap signified that the person was part of a medical figure. This practice has continued and come full circle, as now many hospitals use a different colour mob caps to distinguish between the roles of medical personnel in hospitals.
8.Mob Caps in Fashion
Due to the popularity of the mob caps in the early 1910’s, mob cap styles have been continuously reinvented by the fashion industry. This modern interpretation of the caps opens up the opportunity for people to don a piece of history as they go about their everyday life.
9.Conclusion
Though the useful practicality of mob caps by servants in the early 1910s may have been forgotten, its influence has certainly not been. The lasting impact of mob caps remains as an intrinsic part of English culture. And although the era of aristocrats and servants may remain distant memory, the influence of the mob caps from 1910 remains a fashionable and timeless accessory for all.
