Bigoudène

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Bigoudène

The Bigoudène is a tall coif (Breton hat) worn by women as part of the traditional Breton costume. The word can also refer to the women who wear the hat and costume.

Where and who
The headdress comes from the Bigouden Country along the Bay of Audierne in Finistère, Brittany, France. The region has long been part of Finistère.

Etymology
The term bigoudène first appeared in French in 1881, borrowed from Breton bigoudenn. It is linked to related words such as bigoudi (hair curler), bigot, and bigue (a type of pulley).

History and use
The height of the coif increased in the interwar period and reached its peak around World War II. Everyday wear was simpler, often a black velvet ribbon around the comb with the hair tied in a chignon behind. The tall headdress is surrounded by myth—the idea that it was made taller to imitate steeples is not accurate. In recent decades the headdress mostly disappeared from daily use. In 1977, many women wore it; by 1993 only a few hundred did. In 2011, Maria Lambour was noted as one of the last women to wear it daily. Today it is mainly worn at cultural events and by a small number of enthusiasts.

Ceremonies and museums
The Bigoudène headdress is worn for ceremonies or mourning. The oldest known example dates from around 1830. The Bigouden Museum in Pont-l’Abbé preserves the costume, and the annual Feast of Embroiderers in Pont-l’Abbé celebrates the craft.

In fashion and art
The Bigoudènes’ costume is a landmark of French fashion and craft. It has inspired many artists over the years, including Gauguin and Lalaisse.

In popular culture
Since the 1970s, Breizh Cola and Tipiak ads have shown older women in Bigoudènes shouting “Tipiak, Pirates!” The slogan helped make Tipiak a symbol in certain online cultures. A famous sticker of a bigoudène on cars worldwide helped make Brittany recognizable. The coiffe remains a symbol of Breton identity and appears in museums and tourist materials.

Pâtisserie
The Bigoudène briochée is a pastry from Loctudy. It is a raised dough wrapped around a cylinder and cooked on a spit. There are two versions: a savory one with Emmental cheese and olives, and a sweet one with sugar or chocolate. It is associated with Locronan and the region’s culinary traditions.

Notable notes
The bigoudène is not only a piece of clothing but a symbol of Brittany’s culture, history, and craft, kept alive in festivals, museums, and everyday memory.