The Bollman Hat Company continued to grow in size and production in the 1880's as did taller crowns for women's hats. The 1880's also witnessed creation of the Brooklyn Bridge and the very first skyscraper in Chicago. Kodak camera and film were also introduced by George Eastman in this decade. President James A. Garfield was assassinated in 1881 by Charles J. Guiteau, a rejected and disillusioned Federal office seeker.
The slimmer silhouette fashion continued into the early 1880's and by the mid-1880's the bustle dress made its resurgence appearing bigger than ever. The bustle grew smaller by the end of the decade and the skirt draperies disappeared. As the bustle decreased in size, the size of the upper arm sleeve increased. Hats grew larger with taller crowns and were worn for all different occasions. For example, a dapper top hat like the Equestrian, paired with tulle or a silk scarf, was popular for riding. We selected this equestrian hat in burgundy with matching grosgrain band and binding to represent this decade. This hat comes in a special edition Bollman Heritage Hat Box.