Poffer

In contrast to Zeeland and the more northern parts of the Netherlands, in North Brabant and Limburg there was never any distinctive folkloric costume worn by either men or women, making the poffer the only folkloric garment in this part of the Netherlands.

[1] The word poffer is derived from poffen, the puffing of sleeves and trousers worn in the mid-19th century.

[4] Prior to 1900, the Brabant area was not prosperous due to poor sandy soil.

The poffer was worn by those who could afford one: the wives of middle-class men, richer farmers, officials and professionals, such as a mayor or doctor.

In the first half of the 20th century, the poffer fell out of favour, largely because of its impracticality, especially when riding a bicycle.

The wearing of the poffer continued until the 1950s but only on special occasions such as weddings, holidays and attending church during which it was replaced by more modern style hats.

It was decorated with pearls and white, gold, silver or glass beads called dew drops.

[1] The poffer was decorated with artificial flowers or fruits in pastel shades or brighter colors depending on the town's tradition.

The type of head garment was found in North Brabant, Limburg from Mook to Roermond and across the German border to just past Xanten.

Then, the poffer was worn as an over-bonnet, either pinned to the hat at the front and or tied beneath the chin.

The hat and poffer were detached for cleaning and washed in soft soap and then laid, still wet, on the grass to be bleached by the sun.

Even so, a baby or young girl's bonnet could be decorated with gauze flowers and had ribbons for securing.

These black bonnets were worn after a girl's first holy communion at about the age of twelve.

Women in those areas therefore indicated their mourning state by wearing a special type of poffer: there would be no lace trim and no beads and few flowers.

In 1996, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the province of North Brabant, a commemorative coin was issued which was called the poffer.

Vincent van Gogh made several woman portraits with poffers during his Nuenen period.