What is ermine toque?
The ermine toque is a close-fitting style of hat made of fur. It is most famously referenced in the writing of Katherine Mansfield, whose character, Mrs. Brill, relates to a woman wearing an ermine toque.Ermine OverviewAn ermine, or stoat, is a short-tailed weasel whose fur whitens during the winter months. Some ermine display a black tail as well. The fur of the ermine has been used for centuries for luxury items and clothing.Toque OverviewA toque is a small women’s hat, either with no brim or a very narrow brim. They are made of soft fabrics and fit close to the head. Toques came into favor in France in the 16th century.DesignErmine toque hats, like other toque-style hats, are soft and unstructured close-fitting caps, most frequently created with no brim. Fur toques are lined most frequently with satin, both for the wearer’s comfort and for durability.Rise in PopularityErmine toques rose in popularity in the late medieval/early Renaissance period in Europe and were considered a luxur
