The tricorne, (also tricorn, tri-cornered hat or three-cornered hat), is a style of hat that was popular during the 18th century, falling out of style shortly before the French Revolution. At the peak of its popularity, the tricorne was worn both by civilians and as part of military uniform.
The black-coloured tricorne has a rather broad brim, pinned up on either side of the head and at the back, producing a triangular shape. The hat was typically worn with the point facing forward on the head. The crown is low, unlike the steeple hats worn by the Puritans or the stovepipe hat of the nineteenth century.
Tricornes ranged from the very simple and cheap to the extravagant, occasionally incorporating gold or silver lace trimming and feathers. The tricorne later evolved into the bicorne and eventually the cocked hat.
Tricornes survive today as part of the traditional dress of the Chelsea Pensioners (UK), and the Guardia Civil (Spain) (picture of same).
In the United States, the tricorne is associated with the American Revolution and American Patriots of that era, especially Minutemen (militia members of the American Colonies). Participants in reenactment events often don tricorne, and they also can be seen in sports culture surrounding teams with Revolutionary names, such as the New England Patriots (an American football team) and (informally) athletes of the University of Massachusetts.
