What is a "hatpin"?

A hatpin is a long, slender pin that is used to secure a hat to the hair or the head. Typically made of metal with a decorative head, hatpins were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when hats were an essential accessory for both men and women. The pin was inserted through the hat and into the hair, holding the hat securely in place. Some hatpins were quite elaborate, with jeweled or enameled heads, and were considered fashion accessories in their own right. Hatpins fell out of use in the mid-20th century as hats became less common, but they remain a collectible item for antique and vintage fashion enthusiasts.