Pom poms on winter hats are a much-loved decorative element, but what are they doing there and why? Their history is surprisingly rich and has its roots in distant times. From simple accessories, these details have had practical, symbolic and even military purposes, transforming over the centuries into a fashion icon.
The origins of the pom pom: from the Vikings to Scotland
The first known example of a pom pom dates back to the Viking era, in 790 AD, when a statuette of the Norse god Freyr was found wearing a hat or helmet adorned with this detail. Found in Sweden in 1904, the sculpture leaves room for questions: did the pom pom have a practical function or was it just decorative?
Later, pom poms also appeared on traditional Scottish hats, such as the Balmoral and the Glengarry, where they took on a distinctive function, identifying the regiment they belonged to. This use was particularly important during the 18th century, when the pom-pom-adorned Scottish headdress became an iconic symbol.
Interestingly, pom poms also had a practical function in Scandinavia: the extra material on the top of the hat provided additional thermal protection, crucial in harsh Nordic winters.
From the battlefield to the French navy
The military use of pom poms was not limited to Scotland. During the Napoleonic Wars, the French infantry used them to distinguish ranks and battalions. This practice was particularly useful in chaotic battle scenarios, allowing soldiers to be easily identified. French sailors also adopted pom poms, but for a more practical reason: they served to protect the head from hitting the low ceilings of ships during rough seas.
When they became fashionable
In indigenous cultures of South America, however, pom poms were used on clothing to communicate personal information, such as marital status. Even in the Catholic Church, hats adorned with colored pom poms indicated the rank and duties of the clergy.
With the advent of the 20th century, pom poms began to be appreciated for their aesthetic value. During the Great Depression, knitters, to take advantage of leftover yarn, used them as decorations for hats, transforming them from utilitarian elements to stylish details.
In the 1950s and 1960s, pom poms became a symbol of youth culture and winter sports. Ski teams adopted them as part of the uniform, associating them with sporting activity and leisure. In the 80s and 90s, designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood brought them back to the catwalks, reinterpreting them in a haute couture key. Today, brands such as Woolrich, Moncler and Canada Goose use them as a distinctive element of their hats, often replacing real fur with synthetic alternatives for ethical reasons.
Because the name in French
The name “pon pon” comes from the French “pompon”, which means “small ball of cloth”. This terminology is linked to its use in the French army and has spread over time reaching us.
In 2025, the issue of sustainability has transformed pom pom production. While they were traditionally made with animal fur (fox, raccoon, rabbit), today the market is moving towards cruelty-free alternatives: synthetic fur, recycled wool and even vegetable fibres. Current trends also see XXL pom poms, multicolored and interchangeable, which allow you to customize the look without changing hats.
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