This cabinet card features two attractive young women, obviously sisters, posing in white clothing and wearing dark leather caps. What is the story concerning the caps? The headwear is certainly quite unusual to be seen in a photograph from this era. Are the caps part of an occupational uniform? One wonders if the caps are driving caps, but the automobile was likely not around all that long when this photograph was taken. Any theories about the hats would be welcome from cabinet card gallery visitors. Please leave a comment with your theories. This cabinet card was photographed by the Baker Art Gallery of Columbus, Ohio. To learn more about the gallery and to view other photographs by the Baker’s, click on the category “Photographer: Baker Art Gallery”.
TWO PRETTY YOUNG WOMEN: SISTERS WEARING LEATHER CAPS IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
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THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
My family has a photo of two women, mother and daughter, wearing similar hats. The photo shows them posing with their car for a road trip, in the early 1900s, or possibly as late as 1910. Until I read your post above, I hadn’t thought about the cap as having a purpose, such as driving outfit. These two seemed to have taken their driving hobby seriously, making interstate road trips.
If you have an Ancestry subscription, you can view the photo here: http://mv.ancestry.com/viewer/e37fa2af-5aee-4bad-b12f-13579ae82a67/251207/-2103923271?_phsrc=Wts881&usePUBJs=true
Thanks for sharing the terrific family photograph. I think its so interesting how in that era they used baskets as we use our car’s trunk. The three people in the car look as if they are about to go on an adventure. In those days, every time you went out in a car it was an adventure. Thanks again.