How a smoking cap is made

At Baturina Homewear, our journey of making (and reviving) smoking caps started when a customer reached out and asked us if we can make him one of these old-fashioned hats. That was back when we just started making dressing gowns and naturally we’ve been intrigued by this antique headpiece. We studied vintage sewing patterns and books and developed our own technique to make hats. Over the years, we perfected the fit and construction, making it as comfortable as it fashionable. A cap is partionally sewn on the machine and partially hand-sewn, making it a truly special piece of headwear with a historical twist.

In this post, we will highlight the craftsmanship behind our smoking hats and the historical origins.

What is a smoking cap?

The smoking cap, also known as a “fez”, has an interesting history. Its origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. The fez was originally worn by men of all social classes in the Ottoman Empire, and it gradually gained popularity beyond its borders.

It is a type of headwear that was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was typically worn by men while smoking tobacco pipes or cigars and was designed to keep the head warm while absorbing smoke and preventing hair and clothing from smelling of tobacco.

Smoking caps were often decorated with intricate patterns, embroidery, or monograms, and were a popular accessory among fashionable men in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were often worn as part of a gentleman’s evening attire and were considered a symbol of sophistication and luxury. Smoking caps and dressing gowns were primarily worn during leisure activities, providing a comfortable and relaxed attire for men in their private spaces. They allowed individuals to unwind, enjoy hobbies, or engage in activities like smoking, reading, or lounging.

Today, smoking caps are not as common as they once were, but they are still available from specialty clothing retailers – like Baturina Homewear – and are sometimes worn as part of historical reenactments or costume events.

What is a smoking cap used for?

In the past, a smoking cap was meant to keep the gentleman’s head warm. It was also a popular gift and Victorian ladies would sew and embroider such caps by hand and gift it to their fiancés.

It is a less common hat today, but remains a favorite among history enthusiats and vintage fashion collectors. The smoking cap is a charming gift and warming hat, made for a select few who value heritage style and historical accuracy. It is also the only kind of hat that is meant to be worn in the privacy of the home, not in public (though you still can wear it outside if you want to).

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our Christmas gift guide.

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At Baturina Homewear, each smoking cap is individually made. We use a wide range of fabrics such as cotton velvet, jacquard, brocade, satin and more. All fabrics used for our smoking caps are either available in extremely small quantities or leftovers from producing robes and pajamas. That way we repurpose fabric leftovers and create unique, matching caps for all our robes, which are not only unique, but also very sustainable and ethically made.

Video: How the burgundy velvet smoking cap is made