Nursing Caps and Uniforms

Printed embroidery design medical scrub

It's easy enough to find details about the history of nursing uniforms and nursing caps, but where did the business of wearing hats on your head come from anyway? Was it born of necessity or fashion? Logical protection from the elements or vanity? Well, here's a bit of history regarding the origins of millinery - women's apparel for the head - which you may find interesting. 

"The first depiction of a hat was found in an ancient tomb in Thebes; the image showed a man wearing a straw hat. It wasn't until the 16th century that women began wearing structured hats, similar to those of men; previously, they had worn veils, scarves or wimples

The term milliner comes from the city of Milan in Italy, which was once home to the most talented and famous hat makers. At many times through history a lady's hat was a status symbol. Status could be judged on the quality and cost of materials, size or height, level of decor, or the re[censored] tion of the milliner who designed and produced a hat. 

The expectation that a lady will wear a hat is still a part of society today and is seen in certain religious events, royal weddings and even the Kentucky Derby. Many ladies enjoy this opportunity to show off their finest headwear while showing some personality and creativity." 

That history was shared from www.wuhankinglong.com, where they know a thing or two about apparel. Now that you know a little history behind the origin of a hat, we can talk further about the purpose. 

We know that many hats, or caps, are not worn strictly for fashionable vanity. Hats are worn in many vocations for protection from the weather or falling objects. Picture the cowboy hat, which protected these hardy souls from all kinds of weather, as does the modern policeman's hat; or the construction hardhat, fireman's hat, and football player's helmet which protects the wearer when in dangerous situations. 

Sometimes, as in the wearing of nursing caps, the head gear imparts professional respect and identification and is part of an overall uniform - another reason for the policeman's hat, as well as sailor's caps, and the wearing of the old top hats by gentrymen. In each of these instances, the wearer is easily recognized by their status in the community, their education, experience, position, or job, by the hat, or cap, worn upon their head. 

Wearing a nurse's cap was an instant identifier for the patient to discern the level of experience of the caregiver encountered, and the cap fostered respect for the nurse's education and abilities. 

So, although nursing caps are a thing of the past now, it is interesting to reflect on the history of millinery which made them possible in our time and culture in the first place.