Hatbox Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งข
hatbox
[หhรฆtหbษks ]
Definition
clothing accessory
A hatbox is a cylindrical container specifically designed to protect and store hats. These boxes often come with a lid and may be made of various materials, such as cardboard, plastic, or fabric. Hatboxes are essential for maintaining the shape and integrity of hats, especially wide-brimmed ones that can easily become misshapen. Historically, hatboxes were used by travelers and fashion enthusiasts to keep their headwear in pristine condition.
Synonyms
hat case, hat storage, headwear container.
Examples of usage
- I placed my favorite hat in the hatbox.
- She carefully stored her winter hats in a decorative hatbox.
- The vintage hatbox was passed down through generations.
- He received a stylish hatbox as a gift for his collection.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Fashion
- In the 19th and early 20th centuries, hatboxes were essential for traveling, particularly for women, who often wore elaborate hats.
- Some hatboxes were decorated with artistic designs, turning them into fashionable accessories themselves, rather than just storage.
Art and Design
- Hatboxes often feature unique shapes and patterns, making them popular subjects in artโboth in painting and photography.
- In modern times, designers have created artistic hatboxes, sometimes transforming them into decorative art pieces rather than mere storage.
Pop Culture
- The image of a hatbox is often used in movies and cartoons, usually to signify a character's elegance or fashion sense.
- In some classic films, characters are seen dramatically pulling hats from hatboxes, symbolizing glamour and sophistication.
Collectibles
- Vintage hatboxes are now collectible items, valued by enthusiasts for their history and design.
- Some companies produce reproduction hatboxes that celebrate the vintage styles of the past, appealing to both fashion lovers and collectors.
Origin of 'hatbox'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'hat', which comes from the Old English 'hรฆtte', meaning head covering, and 'box', derived from the Latin 'buxus', a type of wood used for making boxes.
- Historically, hatboxes were designed to keep fancy hats in good shape, particularly during the Victorian era.
The term 'hatbox' dates back to the early 19th century when hats became a prominent fashion accessory for both men and women. As a part of daily attire and social status, hats needed protection to preserve their shape and quality. Hence, the development of hatboxes became essential for the storage and transport of these delicate items. Originally, hatboxes were crafted from sturdy materials to withstand wear and tear, often adorned with decorative elements to reflect the owner's taste. With the ongoing evolution of fashion, the design of hatboxes has changed, but the core purpose remains unchanged: to safeguard and present hats elegantly.