What Exactly is a Hennin? Uncovering the Medieval Headpiece That Defined Royalty

If you’ve ever seen a picture of a medieval queen with a tall, cone-shaped hat and wondered, “What is that?”: congrats, you’ve spotted a hennin. These dramatic headpieces were the ultimate medieval accessory for noblewomen, and today, we’re diving into the history of this iconic hat.

What is a Hennin?

A hennin is basically a tall, conical hat that women of high status used to wear in the 15th century, mostly in parts of Europe like France and the Netherlands. These hats were extravagant and were worn to signify a woman’s wealth, nobility, and social standing. In other words, the hennin was the medieval version of carrying a designer bag : if you had one, you were the girl to know.

Hennins were usually worn tilted slightly back on the head, with a flowing veil draping down from the top, sometimes almost reaching the ground. The point of the hennin could be super tall, like a mini skyscraper on the head, or more modest in height. Either way, it was a look that screamed “royalty” (literally: only the elite could get away with this much fabric and flair).

Why Were Hennins So Important?

Back in medieval Europe, fashion wasn’t just about looking cute: it was all about showing off your rank in society. Clothes, accessories, and even hats were used as visual cues to tell others who you were, how rich you were, and how connected you were to royalty. The hennin was no exception.

At the time, women of nobility weren’t just following trends for fun. Wearing something like a hennin was a way to align yourself with royalty and show that you were living your best, most luxurious life. The higher and more extravagant your hennin, the more powerful you appeared. It was a symbol of refinement, and medieval queens and princesses didn’t step out without it.

The Different Types of Hennins

Not all hennins were created equal! There were a few different styles, each sending a slightly different message. Here are the main types:

1. Single Cone Hennin: The classic cone shape that comes to mind when you think of a hennin. This version was often quite tall and had a veil flowing down the back.

2. Double Hennin: A more extravagant version where the hennin was divided into two cone-like structures, often giving the appearance of two tall peaks. It was almost like a split crown, making the wearer look even more queenly.

3. Butterfly Hennin: Imagine a hennin with the veil spread out wide at the top like butterfly wings. This style was the dramatic showstopper of the medieval headwear game.

Who Wore Hennins?

Hennins were worn primarily by noblewomen and royalty, especially in regions like Burgundy (modern-day France and Belgium). Queen consorts, duchesses, and other high-ranking women were often seen sporting hennins as part of their formal court attire.

A famous figure who wore the hennin was Isabella of Portugal, Duchess of Burgundy. She was known for her fashion-forward thinking (even by medieval standards) and for taking the hennin trend to a whole new level. With her, the hennin became more than just a hat: it became a symbol of power, elegance, and nobility that spread throughout Europe.

The Symbolism Behind the Hennin

Hennins weren’t just about looking fancy; they also had deeper meanings. The tall, towering shape of the hennin was often interpreted as a representation of social superiority and unattainability. The veils that draped from them created a sense of mystery, hiding part of the woman’s face and making her seem distant and, well, royal.

In some cases, hennins were even used to emphasize the idea of chastity. The pointy hat made the wearer seem closer to heaven: like a medieval halo. Some noblewomen also wore hennins as part of their bridal attire, symbolizing their purity and high social standing as they prepared for marriage.

The End of the Hennin Era

The hennin’s reign in fashion wasn’t endless. By the late 15th century, the hat started to fall out of favor, partly because its impracticality became hard to ignore (I mean, can you imagine walking around with a tower on your head?). As new styles emerged, the hennin was gradually replaced by lower-profile hats and more relaxed fashion trends.

Still, the hennin remains an iconic symbol of medieval European fashion, capturing the imagination of history lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike. Even though we don’t see hennins on the streets anymore (not yet, anyway), their influence continues to pop up in modern art, film, and fashion history discussions.

So now you know, babe! Next time you see one of those medieval cone-shaped hats, you’ll know it’s not just a weird fairy tale costume: it’s a hennin, with centuries of fashion history behind it.