Mob cap

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Simple mob cap, 1805

A mob cap or mob-cap is a round, gathered or pleated cloth (usually linen) cap consisting of a caul to cover the hair, a frilled or ruffled brim, and (often) a ribbon band, worn by women in the Georgian period. Originally a lower-class style, the mob cap became a high-fashion item as part of the adoption of simple "country" clothing in the later 18th century. It was an indoor fashion, and was worn under a hat for outdoor wear.

By the Victorian period, mob caps lingered as the headcovering of servants and nurses, and small mob caps remained part of these uniforms into the early 20th century.

Mob caps continue to be worn in the medical industry, in cleanrooms, and in other sectors where the hair has to be contained. Modern mob caps are usually a simple circle shape with an elastic band and may be made of disposable materials such as Spunbound polypropylene or of nylon net.