The Toque

From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:

Previously, we’ve discussed what types of hats the men of the Corps would have actually worn during the Expedition – the Round Hat, for instance. Today, we’ll look at the toque.

Without a doubt, the French members of the party would have brought toques on the trip. Once the Americans learned how functional and versatile the caps were, they would have quickly found a way to own one. 

These woolen stocking caps featured a fold-over top that hung down on one side to about the level of the wearer’s ear. Some were knit, while others were cut from woven cloth. They were usually of vivid colors – white, brown, blue, red and green, and were often decorated with feathers or metal ornaments.

These hats would have been worn from early fall through late spring, and were favored because they pulled down low over the ears and rarely came off. 




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