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Smoking Caps Q&A
What is the purpose of a smoking cap?
Smoking caps (also called lounging caps) were designed in the Victorian era to protect gentlemen's hair from cigar smoke odors and ash while relaxing at home. They also provided warmth in drafty Victorian houses during evening leisure time and completed the gentleman's at-home attire when paired with a smoking jacket.
What are other names for smoking caps?
Smoking caps were also known as lounging caps, tuque caps, tassel caps, or "fez" style house caps. In Victorian literature, they might be referred to as "Turkish caps" or "Oriental caps" due to their Middle Eastern design inspiration, while in aristocratic circles they were sometimes called "scholar's caps" when worn during reading or study time.
Where did smoking caps come from?
Smoking caps originated from Middle Eastern and Turkish headwear designs, particularly the fez, which became fashionable in Europe during the 19th century as part of the Orientalist trend. Victorian gentlemen adopted and modified these exotic designs after the Crimean War (1853-1856), incorporating embroidery, tassels, and luxurious materials to create a distinctly Western version for at-home leisure wear.
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