Motoring duster and ensemble, 1910-1915, maker unknown, FIDM Museum [3454 x 4320]

Motoring hats for women typically had a wide brim, and were tied very loosely under the chin, and often had a face veil covering that went over the hat. The wide brim was fashionable in the early Edwardian era, but also offered greater covering from the sun and/or rain. The tie across the top of the hat and under the chin was usually a sheer woven chiffon-type fabric, made of a water-proofed silk and/or cotton. It secured the hat to the head while moving at full speed. Sometimes glasses or goggles were added to further protect the driver, especially if the car did not have a windshield. Undoubtedly some form of eye protection would have been necessary for a long drive to shield the wearer from the dirt from the road. With your hands exposed to the rays of the sun, precipitation, wind, and cold, a covering for your hands would be needed for a long drive. Leather gloves were best for gripping the wheel. The sturdy leather would have been a good material for protection and still stylish. Duster coats were originally made for horseback riding. They were typically of a lighter material that were full length with a slit up the back, but easily adapted to riding in an open vehicle. Usually the ensemble was very fashionable, but also practical in terms of its full coverage such as this coat. The sleeves were loose to allow for more movement.