The little pom pom on top of a hat looks like a simple decoration, but it actually has some interesting history. 🧶❄️
The pom pom (also spelled pom-pon) comes from old European clothing traditions. The word itself comes from the French “pompon,” meaning a small ornamental ball made from fabric, thread, or feathers.
One of the most famous origins is from sailors. In the 1800s, sailors in the French navy wore caps with red pom poms on top. There are a few explanations for this:
- Practical theory: Ships had low ceilings, and the pom pom could cushion a sailor’s head if they bumped into beams or equipment.
- Identification theory: Different colours or styles helped identify groups or units.
- Tradition theory: It was simply part of naval uniform decoration that spread into fashion.
Pom poms also became common on winter hats and knitted caps, especially in colder regions. The fluffy ball helped by:
- covering the top seam where hat pieces joined
- adding extra insulation at the crown
- making hats easier to spot in snowy conditions
- adding a bit of personality to plain clothing
In places with strong winter clothing traditions, like Canada and northern Europe, the pom pom became strongly associated with toques, beanies, and winter gear.
Today, most pom poms are purely decorative — made from yarn, faux fur, or synthetic fibres — but they carry a bit of history from sailors, soldiers, and people trying to stay warm.
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