The Cloche – A Little Bell with Big Style

Some hats never lose their charm, and the cloche is one of them. Its sleek, bell-shaped silhouette feels effortlessly modern, yet it carries a century of fashion history. From period dramas to today’s catwalks, the cloche quietly steals the scene.

A Brief History (and Why It Works)

At the turn of the 20th century, extravagant, oversized hats began to feel impractical—especially with the rise of motor cars and public transport. In Paris, milliners began experimenting with smaller, close-fitting shapes. Between 1908 and 1914, French talents including Caroline Reboux and Lucy Hamar refined the bell-shaped hat we now call the cloche. Reboux in particular popularised the look, often sculpting felt directly on a client’s head to achieve that made-to-measure fit.

By the end of the First World War, the cloche was everywhere. Women were cutting their hair into chic bobs, and the snug, brow-skimming line of the cloche framed those new hairstyles perfectly. Worn low over the eyebrows, it gave a subtly mysterious, self-assured look that became synonymous with the modern woman of the 1920s.

Materials & Embellishment

Traditionally, cloches were blocked in felt, but evening versions appeared in silk, lace, or satin. Art Deco taste shaped the detailing—think beading, appliqué, brooches and stylised trims. The beauty of the cloche is its simplicity: a pure silhouette that invites just the right flourish.

Revivals & Reinventions

Though the cloche softened in popularity during the 1930s, it returned with gusto in the 1960s, seen on icons like Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy. Designers have revisited it ever since because the line is so wearable—clean, elegant, and flattering. Whether neat and close-fitting or eased out with a slightly wider brim, the cloche adapts beautifully to changing fashions.

How to Wear a Cloche Today

• Everyday chic: a smooth felt cloche in a neutral shade pairs perfectly with a wool coat.

• Occasion wear: elevate the silhouette with lace, silk, or a polished trim for weddings and winter races.

• Face-framing magic: the brow-level line draws attention to eyes and cheekbones—one reason clients love it for portraits and photos.

Making & Bespoke Options

For would-be milliners, the cloche is a wonderful starter project: many styles can be blocked-in-one on a cloche block, or hand-draped on a poupée (dolly head) for an asymmetrical, sculptural finish. Fabric cloches can also be sewn from patterns without blocking.

Prefer to leave the steaming and sculpting to a professional? Pat can create a bespoke cloche to fit your head, hairstyle, and outfit—choosing felt, fabric, and trims that flatter your colouring and occasion. We also run seasonal workshops where you can learn the techniques hands-on (keep an eye on our website and socials for dates).

Why We Love It

The cloche is proof that less really can be more: a clean, confident shape that flatters, frames, and feels wonderfully current—no matter the decade.

Thinking of a cloche for your next event? Pop into the boutique or get in touch—Pat will happily guide you on shape, colour and finish to make your hat truly extraordinary.