Classification of Hat Types

Types of Hats

1. Thúng Quai Thao Hat:

• According to tradition, the hat-making craft in Chuong village dates back to before King Ly Cong Uan moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La. During that time, the people of Chuong primarily made "thúng quai thao" hats to meet the demands of festivals and court performances during the annual lunar festival.

• This is a wide-brimmed, round hat resembling a large tray. The outer rim has a raised edge running around it, giving the hat a shape similar to a large gong. In the center, there is a “khua” shaped like a rice measuring cup woven from bamboo, designed to fit snugly on the wearer’s head. 
• The thúng quai thao hat is classified into three types: Nón Mười, Nón Nhỡ, and Nón Đấu. As of 2013, only the artisan couple Trần Canh in Trung Chính village continued to make these traditional hats.

1. Pineapple-Top Hat (Nón Chóp Dứa):

• During the early Le Dynasty (1428-1527), alongside the thúng quai thao hats, artisans began creating the pineapple-top hat based on military hats of the Le Dynasty, adding improvements such as using colored threads to stitch floral and animal patterns on the inside.

• From the improved design above, artisans innovated by adding a fabric band that is sewn onto the hat, known as "khua nón."

1. La Gia and La Non Hats: 

• During the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), drawing from their extensive experience, Chuong artisans further refined their craft to create two new types of hats: "nón lá già" (mature leaf hat) and "nón lá non" (young leaf hat).

The evolution of these hat types showcases the skill and creativity of the artisans in Chuong village. While older styles like the thúng quai thao and military hats may have lost their prominence, the innovative spirit of the artisans has led to the creation of the la già and la non hats, ensuring the tradition continues to thrive.