Snood

Unknown

ca. 1943 · wool, cotton · Costume Institute

Milliners were experimenting with various engaging and whimsical sculptural forms during the 1930s and '40s, offering women copious options for topping off their ensembles. Especially during the war years, women appreciated interesting color combinations and unexpected shapes for the liveliness they added to their rationed ensembles. This variation of a snood, a style particular to the 1930s and '40s, was popular because of its practical capability to hold the hair back as the woman worked, which many women did as part of the war effort. This particular snood allows the wearer to contain their coiffure within the pouch at back, but also has the benefit of the stylish purple brim, decorated with contrasting yellow-green stitching and topped with a dollop of yellow green jersey, completing the confection-like quality of this piece.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1943

Medium

wool, cotton

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Myles Friedman, 1960