We use everyday objects so frequently that they often blend into the background, going unnoticed and unappreciated. We assume we know what everything is made for, but did you know that your sneakers, computer keyboard, and cooking utensils might have hidden features waiting to be discovered? Unleash the full potential of the objects in your life by exploring these fascinating, mind-blowing hidden features hiding in plain sight.
The lid on a tic tac box allows you to get one candy at a time.
Tic Tacs are some of the most delicious mints out there. But their container seems to always disagree with us: we’ll either get fifteen candies at once or they’ll all get stuck inside the box. Here’s the trick: Turn the box upside down so one Tic Tac will be held in the indentation on the box cap.
The brushes on the side of escalators are meant to keep everyone’s feet away from its skirt panels and avoid accidents.
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We all have used the brushes on the sides of escalators to clean our shoes. Most of us even thought this was their real purpose. But actually, these brushes are meant to keep our feet away from the escalator’s skirt panels and avoid accidents.
Brass doorknobs are so commonly used because of their antibacterial quality.
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Brass doorknobs were very common a few decades ago, and it wasn’t because of how elegant they looked. It turns out that not only does it look beautiful. this material can also destroy bacteria.
The ridges around coins were added to prevent criminals from filing them and selling the shavings.
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Back in the 18th century, criminals would file the sides of gold and silver coins and sell the metal shavings. To stop them, the U.S. Mint added ridges to coins’ edges to make it impossible for people to shave coins without it being perceptible.
The metal stub on the end of a tape measure can be nailed to the wall while measuring an object so you don’t need an extra set of hands.
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Most retractable tape measures have a metal stub with a small slot on them. The slot allows you to hang the tape on a nail and measure an object without needing an extra pair of hands.
The loop on men’s shirts allows you to hang them on hooks when there aren’t any hangers around.
As you probably know, men’s button-down shirts have a loop right where the pleat meets the yoke in the center of the back. This loop was originally added to Gant shirts in the 1960s so that Ivy League students could keep their shirts wrinkle-free in the locker room.
Toblerone bars are triangular because it makes breaking chocolate pieces easier and smudge-free.
Known for its distinctive shape, Toblerone is formed by a series of joined triangular prisms. Most people assume the chocolate bar has this shape to resemble the Swiss Alps, but the real reason behind its triangular shape is to improve its functionality. By simply pushing at the top of a triangle, it breaks off easily without making your fingers smudged with chocolate.
The ridges on the bottom of Ikea mugs keep the water from collecting when using the dishwasher.
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This is so smart we don’t understand why other companies don’t do the same thing. By adding ridges on the bottom of the mugs, the dishwasher water doesn’t collect there. Genius.
The small cylindrical module on chargers is there to block radio waves.
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If you own a laptop, you have probably wondered why there is a cylindrical module on your charger cable. This module is called a ferrite bead, and it has a very important purpose. It is able to block the emission of radio waves from the cable so all the electrical power it receives is used only for charging.
The crinkled side of bobby pins is meant to be facing your head for better grip.
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If you have ever used bobby pins before, you have probably wondered what was the purpose of their crinkled side. Is it an aesthetic detail? Is it a design flaw? No, the crinkled side on bobby pins is actually supposed to face your head in order to have a better grip on your hair.
Toasters have removable trays to catch crumbs.
If you have always struggled to clean your toaster, we are here to tell you how to fix your biggest kitchen nightmare. It turns out the answer is a lot more simple than you would have imagined: a removable crumb tray. Yes, apparently, toasters have a tray that catches all the crumbs that fall off your bread when you make toast. This means you don’t have to stick your fingers in your toaster to clean it, you just have to pull out the little tray.
Soda bottles have narrow tops to keep your beverage cold for longer.
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The way soda bottles are designed has more to do with function than aesthetics. The reason they have a narrow top is so people can keep their grip around the part of the bottle where there’s no liquid, keeping their warm hands far from their beverage and keeping it cold for longer.
You are supposed to reverse the carton to pour your milk without any splashes.
For some reason, we all assume that we are supposed to pour milk or juice out of the carton with the plastic spout touching our glass. However, if you reverse the carton, you allow air to flow in and out, so when you pour your drink it won’t splash everywhere.
The loops on shopping carts are where you should hang your light items, like bread or eggs.
Not many people have noticed this loop before, let alone know its purpose. But it turns out this loop on every shopping cart is there so you can safely hang your shopping bags with light or breakable items, such as bread or eggs.
Exit signs are placed on the side the exit is on.
Driving on the highway can be a little tricky. If you are driving to a new destination, you might not always know which side of the road your exit is on, so you might end up missing it. It turns out there is a simple way of figuring it out as soon as you spot a road sign: if the exit number on top of the road sign is to the right, your exit is to the right, and if it’s on the left side of the board, your exit is to the left.
Chinese food containers can be unfolded and used as plates.
There is nothing better than getting a Chinese takeout after a long day at work. The only annoying part about this experience is trying to reach the last pieces of orange chicken on the bottom of the package. But worry not, here’s what you should do: just unfold the box and use it as a plate. You’re welcome.
Paper condiment cups can be expanded to hold a lot more ketchup.
If every time you go to a fast-food restaurant, you fill up hundreds of little paper cups with ketchup, this one is for you. These paper cups can be unfolded and turned into little bowls that can hold a lot more ketchup than their original form.
The wings on a Macbook charger can be flipped up to wind the wire and keep it organized in your bag.
If you have a Macbook, grab its charger and take a look at the corners of the large power adapter. It turns out you can flip out the two “wings” on either side of the MagSafe charger in order to wrap the cable and clip it in place. You’ll never have a tangled-up laptop charger again.
The black rim on bus windows prevents UV rays from deteriorating the window sealant.
Known as frit, this baked-in ceramic painting actually serves several purposes. It is mainly used to intermediate the production of raw glass as it heats up quicker than the rest of the glass, reducing stress points in the window. Besides, it offers a more abrasive surface for the window sealant and prevents UV rays from deteriorating it.
The arrow on your car dashboard indicates the side of your gas tank.
Remembering which side your gas tank is on is seriously hard. For this reason, car manufacturers add a little arrow on your dashboard to remind you. So next time you’re at the gas station, don’t freak out trying to remember: the arrow points to the side where your filler cap is.
The tiny dot by your iPhone camera is not a flash device. It’s an extra microphone.
If you have ever wondered why your iPhone had a tiny hole near the camera, this one is for you. Even though there is a microphone on the bottom of your device for phone calls, iPhones also have a rear microphone that records audio and cancels out noise when users film videos using the back-facing camera.
The tiny buttons on your jeans support strain points and keep them from ripping.
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The tiny buttons on denim pants, also known as rivets, are a small but major feature of jeans. They are added to strain points in the pants’ pockets so that their seams won’t rip so easily. They were first introduced to jeans back in the 1870s when Levi Strauss and his partner Jacob Davis received the US patent No. 139,121 for an “Improvement in Fastening Pocket-Openings”.
The hole in a pasta spoon holds the recommended portion for one serving size of spaghetti.
Have you ever wondered why the hole in the center of all pasta spoons is always the same size? Well, although it is actually used to drain water as you lift out your noodles, this hole is also meant to help you figure out how much spaghetti you should make per person.
Pushing in the tabs on the sides of foil boxes will keep the roll in place.
While this sounds like a no-brainer, not everyone knows the purpose of the side tabs on foil packages. In fact, most people have probably never noticed they exist. Next time you need to use foil to line your baking tray, pay attention to the box. By pushing those side tabs in, you will lock the foil roll in place.
Most electric coil stovetops lift up so you can clean underneath.
If you have a gas stove, this hidden feature doesn’t make cleaning any easier for you. But if you have an electric coil stove, you are welcome – your life will never be the same. It turns out open coil cooktops can be lifted up for cleaning and replacing sealed burners.
The “12M” marking on beauty products means they will expire 12 months after being opened.
If you have never noticed the small marking behind or on the bottom of your beauty products, it’s time to take a quick look at your collection. While some products can last up to 24 months after being opened, others last only 6 months.
Yogurt lids can be folded and used as spoons.
We can all agree that yogurt is a very practical (and tasty) snack. It is small enough for you to keep in your bag and nutritious enough for you to only need one cup. So next time you want to have a quick snack, just fold your yogurt lid like shown in the picture above and enjoy!
Keyboard letters are arranged randomly to slow down typing.
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Known as QWERTY, the computer keyboards we all use today are based on the layout of an 1873 typewriter. Originally, typewriter keys were arranged in alphabetical order, but this allowed typists to work faster than the machines could handle, which meant their arms would constantly end up cross-wired and stuck. By randomizing the layout of the letters, manufacturers managed to slow down typists in order to keep their machines running properly.
The holes on the side of your Converse sneakers are actually additional lacing holes.
Although most people do not know, Chuck Taylor All-Stars were initially developed as basketball shoes in the early 20th century. This means some of the features in these sneakers are simply a remnant from the past. In this case, the two extra holes on the side of the shoes were initially put there for extra lacing options.
The footrest in some Jeeps says “sand snow rivers rocks” in Morse code.
Jeep is famous for manufacturing off-roading vehicles, and the designers want you to feel that from your head to your toes. The footpad next to the brake pedal in many Jeeps contains a hidden message in Morse code. It reads, “Snow Sand Rivers Rocks” — all of the terrain in which Jeeps are designed to drive.
Every elevator should have a keyhole on the door for firefighters.
The seemingly mysterious hole that often appears on elevator doors actually serves an important purpose. It is specifically designed to accommodate the hoistway key, a crucial tool used by authorized personnel to access the elevator’s hoistway or shaft. The hoistway key is inserted into this hole, allowing trained individuals to unlock the doors and gain entry to the shaft for maintenance, repairs, or emergency situations.
Water weighs one kilogram per liter
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Using a large water bottle as a weight is a practical and budget-friendly fitness hack. Fill the bottle to the desired weight, securely fasten the cap, and grip the bottle by its handle. It can serve as a makeshift dumbbell for exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, or tricep extensions. The water’s shifting weight adds an extra challenge to your workouts, engaging your muscles in a unique way. It’s a convenient option for home workouts or when you’re on the go.
The small hole in airplane windows keeps the air pressure stabilized.
Maybe it’s just us, but there’s something very intriguing about the little hole in plane windows. We know that planes are supposed to be pressurized and the windows cannot be opened during flights, so why is there a hole in the glass? Don’t worry, these holes are actually made to keep the cabin pressure stabilized. In fact, airplane windows have multiple layers, only the interior glass is punctured and the outside remains intact.
The blue discs in soda caps are meant to keep your drinks fizzy.
If you have ever wondered what was the purpose of the blue disc inside a bottle cap, here is your answer. This plastic disc is used as a pressure seal, making sure your soda stays fresh and carbonated as long as the cap is closed.
Notebook margins were originally created to keep notes safe back in the day.
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Most people think that margins on ruled paper are meant to give us a place to keep notes. But in reality, they were added to notebooks back in the day in order to protect the paper. Centuries ago, rats were a common household issue, so wider margins meant your notes would stay safe in the center of the page.
Broken Deodorant sticks can be opened with an Allen wrench
When faced with a broken deodorant twist stick, an unexpected hero comes to the rescue: the humble Allen wrench. If the mechanism fails and you can’t twist the deodorant up or down, an Allen wrench can serve as a handy tool. Simply find an appropriately sized Allen wrench, insert it into the bottom of the deodorant container, and gently turn it counterclockwise. This action should release the locking mechanism, allowing you to access the deodorant product and continue its use without frustration.
Baseboards are only meant to hide ugly transitions between construction materials.
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Baseboards are the accent details on the bottom of your walls. If you thought they were just there to create some visual interest in your walls, you were wrong. But their purpose is aesthetic, though: they are added to hide the difference in materials between the wall and the floor.
The hole in lollipop sticks is made to keep the candy in place.
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You heard that right, the hole in a lollipop stick is not a whistle. It is actually made to keep the candy in place during manufacturing. When the caramel is poured into the mold, it seeps into this hole and hardens, preventing it from falling off the stick.
Headrests are detachable so they can be used to break windows in an emergency.
While it makes sense that headrests are adjustable so they can be comfortable for a taller or shorter person, not many people know why they are detachable too. It turns out that in case of an emergency if someone is trapped inside a car, they can use the metal bars to break the window.
Bathtub faceplates are just there to hide ugly drain pipes.
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Have you ever wondered what is the purpose of the silver round plate between your bathtub faucet and drain? Apparently, its purpose is plainly aesthetic. It hides the overflow drain pipe connection, which prevents flooding.
The tiny holes on the bottom of padlocks are meant to drain water.
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Padlocks meant for outside use have an extra hole next to the keyhole. This hole is there for two reasons: to drain water, preventing it from rusting or freezing, and to oil up the lock if needed.
The black dots on your microwave door are there to block electromagnetic fields.
We all have heard that microwaves are dangerous for our health and that we should not stand near them. But as it turns out, there is nothing we should be worried about: the little black dots on the microwave door take care of protecting us from electromagnetic fields.
There’s a Danish flag hidden in the Coca-Cola logo
The “hidden” Danish flag in the Coke logo has long been the subject of speculation. Although it’s just a coincidence, Coca-Cola used it to its advantage for a marketing campaign in Denmark. People arriving at Denmark’s biggest airport were greeted by a giant poster of a Coca-Cola, and they could pull a Danish flag directly out of the logo.
The patches some backpacks have can be used to attach equipment using a string.
While these patches are common on most backpacks, not many people know their purpose. Lash tabs, as they are called, allow you to attach gear to the outside of your bag. All you have to do is thread a strap through the two slits and around your equipment.
The hole on ballpoint pens’ caps is made to allow breathing in case somebody swallows it.
Believe it or not, chewing on pen lids is such a common activity that pen manufacturers had to adapt their product to guarantee everyone’s safety. Holes were added to the top of the lids to allow people to breathe in case there is an accident.
The serrated edge on measuring tapes allows you to mark a surface without using a pencil.
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Imagine you are measuring your wall before buying a new painting. You are on the top of a ladder, using both hands, and just need to mark the exact measurements on the wall. Using the serrated part of your measuring tape, you won’t need to get off the ladder or call someone for help.
The first buttonhole on a shirt is horizontal to ensure it stays fastened all day.
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If you wear button-ups frequently, you have probably noticed that your top buttonhole is rotated horizontally. This feature was added to shirts when designers realized that this is the hardest button to keep fastened throughout the day.
The tiny pocket in your jeans was initially created to keep pocket watches.
This feature was added to jeans back in 1879 when workers needed a place to keep their pocket watches safe. Levi’s added this little pocket to their jeans back then and still keep it even today to maintain the integrity of the original design.
The spike in tube lids is meant to puncture the tubes’ protective foil.
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If you ever had to go around your house looking for a sharp object to puncture the protective foil on a cream tube, this is for you. Creams have a spike in the center of their lids that we can use to perforate it.
Dimples on golf balls were created to mimic the feel of used golf balls.
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Apparently, golf players didn’t enjoy playing with brand-new golf balls because of how smooth they were. Apparently, they were not as good to play with as the used ones. So manufacturers redesigned the balls to have dimples to recreate the worn-down feel that players wanted.
Workout Leggings are Designed To Protect And Enhance Your physical Performance.
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It turns out the spandex look isn’t just a fashion choice. Gym leggings are specifically designed to give compression that enhances blood flow, reducing energy spent and allowing you to run faster. They also are designed to help regulate your body temperature, keeping you from getting overheated like you would in sweatpants, or too cold in weather that’s a lower temperature.
The letter arrangement on your keyboard is meant to slow down your typing.
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First, we should explain that computer keyboards mimic typewriters, which were already randomly arranged. Typewriters were once arranged alphabetically, but typists started working too fast, making the machines break. So manufacturers randomized the order of the letters to slow them down and keep the machine running.
The little ‘pocket’ in your underwear is actually just a cotton lining to allow your skin to breathe.
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Many pairs of underwear have a small “pocket” on their bottom made of a different fabric. But this extra layer of fabric is not meant to be used as a pocket, it’s just an inner layer of soft, natural fabric for comfort and protection.
The blue side of erasers does not erase ink, it erases pencil markings from delicate papers.
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Back in school, most people have heard rumors about the blue side of these erasers being able to erase ink. They probably also found out the hard way that that’s not true. Actually, both sides are meant to erase pencil markings: the blue side is supposed to be used on delicate papers, and the red on regular papers.
Screwdriver handles have a hexagonal shape so wrenches can slide over them for extra torque.
If you thought screwdriver handles have that shape for better grip, you were sort of right. But the shape is not made to keep hands from slipping. Screwdrivers have this shape to allow wrenches to slide over them for extra torque.
The ridges on your keyboard allow you to type without looking at the keys.
Even if you don’t notice them, the small ridges on the letters “F” and “J” are there for a reason. Using muscle memory, your index fingers can locate all other keys in relation to these ones, which are in the center of the keyboard.
THE INSIDE OF A KEURIG CUP
Have you ever thought about what is inside coffee machine capsules? Well, this is what the inside of a Keurig cup looks like – there’s a hidden pouch that acts as a filter for your coffee. You really do learn something new every day, right?!
Pot handles have slots where you can rest your cooking utensils.
Have you ever been needed to rest your wooden spoon while cooking but couldn’t find a place for it? The notch in the pot handle is actually made so you can attach your cooking utensils while cooking.
Wooden hangers are made of cedar in order to repel moths and other insects.
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Wooden hangers are not made of this material simply because they look elegant. They are actually made of cedar, which is a moth-repelling type of wood.
Jeeps usually have hidden design elements like this spider nestled next to the gas cap.
Ok, we get it. Even if it’s fake, a spider can be quite a scary sight when you are completely unaware of its existence. But once you spot it, it must be pretty nice being greeted by a cute little friendly arachnid every time you fill up your tank.
The colorful bristles on your toothbrush let you know when it’s time to get a new one.
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Everyone knows that toothbrushes should be changed every three to four months. But manufacturers wanted us to have a little reminder when this time comes. The colorful bristles in our toothbrushes are designed to wear off throughout their use to remind us to get a new toothbrush.
The drawer under your oven is made to keep your freshly-cooked food warm.
This is a common misconception. Many people out there believe that the drawer under the stove is meant to keep pans and pots, but its original purpose is actually keeping food warm before serving it.
By adjusting the metal plate on the bottom of your stapler you can create temporary staples.
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Did you know the metal plate on the bottom of your stapler does more than help bend staples? If you spin this plate around, your stapler will create “temporary” staples, leading the staple arms outward instead of inward, making it easier to remove later.
THE STRIPES ON HEADPHONE JACKS ARE MADE OF NON-CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL WHICH CANCELS OUT INTERFERENCE.
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They might look like a minimal feature, but the rings on a headphone plug are essential. They are made of non-conductive material in order to divide the plug into different conductive sections. Each plug has at least two of these sections: while one carries the signal, the other works as a return path and ground which also helps to cancel out any interference picked up by the audio signal.
McFlurry spoons are squared in order to connect to a machine that stirs its toppings in the cup.
Contrary to what everyone believes, the McFlurry spoon is not meant to be used as a straw. It is simply shaped like this in order to attach to the machine that mixes the toppings in the cup. This is also why the spoons are so sturdy.
The shoulder buttons on jackets are meant to hold your bag in place.
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Have you ever wondered why your jackets and coats have a weird button on their shoulders? It turns out the extra piece of fabric around the button is meant to help you keep your bag on your shoulder when you are going around running errands.
The little fabric swatches that come with new clothes allow you to test the fabric with your laundry detergent and softener.
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If you have ever gotten a little fabric swatch when buying a new article of clothing, you probably thought it was meant for patching up your clothes if they got ripped. But these little swatches are actually there so you can wash and dry them using your regular detergent before washing the actual piece of clothing, making sure the fabric will hold up in a normal wash cycle.
The colorful stripes on toothpaste symbolize special ingredients.
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Back in the 1970’s people started caring a lot more about their dental hygiene. So toothpaste companies decided to add extra ingredients to their products. Mouthwash was represented by the color blue and the red stripe symbolizes ingredients that care for your gums.
Bread clips have different colors depending on which day the bread was baked.
Bread tags or metal ties have different colors that indicate each day of the week. For example, Mondays are blue, Tuesdays are green, Thursdays are red, Fridays are White and Saturdays are yellow.
According to popular belief, sleeping with wet socks on can stimulate circulation and fight most infections.
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Although there is no scientific proof of this, many people believe that wearing wet socks overnight has many benefits. According to this theory, due to the contractions of blood vessels that appear when a person’s feet start to cool down, good nutrients are sent to their tissues and organs, stimulating circulation and fighting most infections.
The bumpers on the bottom of the lid of soda cups allow you to use it as a coaster.
If you thought the only purpose of a paper cup lid was covering your drink, you were mistaken. Apparently, these lids even have small bumps that fit perfectly under the cup in order to stay in place.
The buttons on womens’ shirts were initially placed on the left side so chambermaids could fasten them up.
Even though most people are right-handed, the buttons on women’s shirts tend to be placed on the left. The reason for this interesting feature is that back in the day, women who could afford buttons had the help of chambermaids to get dressed.
The tabs on the side of juice boxes help to avoid spilling.
Sure, this feature is not really helpful for adults, after all, we can control the strength we use to hold a juice box. But children will find it a lot easier to hold them by the tabs instead of squeezing the juice out of the box and making a mess every time.
Half-belts were initially made to gather fabric from large coats so soldiers would not trip on their clothes.
Half-belts are fashionable features in overcoats, that’s true. But they are not new additions to these articles of clothing, neither were they created for pure aesthetics. They were created when soldiers used their oversized jackets as blankets and needed help gathering the fabric during the day to walk without stumbling.
Seatbelts have a fabric loop designed to rip under intense stress.
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In most cars, every seatbelt will have a fabric loop right by the buckle – except for the driver’s belt. This loop is designed to rip open under intense stress and cushion the blow of a collision, keeping passengers safe. It has another purpose, though: preventing the buckle from hitting the side of the car as it moves – which is why the driver’s belt, which is always buckled in, doesn’t have a loop.
The latch on the gas nozzle is a lock mechanism that keeps the gas pumping automatically.
Did you know gas nozzles have a piece that flips out and rests in a groove on the handle? This means you don’t have to keep squeezing until your tank is full. We wonder why this isn’t common knowledge – it makes life so much easier!
This is a safety pin that prevents you from adjusting the height of your monitor stand.
If you work on the computer, you have probably had to adjust the height of your monitor stand many times. This little safety pin is usually used to protect the monitor while in transit and can be used to lock your monitor stand at your preferred height.
You can use a USB stick to lock your computer
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It turns out there are tools out there that allow us to turn our USB sticks into a key for our computers. By unplugging your flash drive, you immediately lock all your secret information, which can only be accessed when you plug it back in.
Rolls-Royce cars have a hidden umbrella compartment in their door.
Rolls-Royce cars have umbrella slots that not only store umbrellas but also dry them. Every car comes with a Rolls-Royce umbrella, and although they are designed for durability, it is possible to purchase new umbrellas for only $700.
The scores on your utility knife are meant to be broken off.
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If you own a utility knife, you have noticed that after a while it gets rusty and less efficient. But this is not a reason to get a new one. Utility knife blades are created with scores so that it’s possible to remove each small section to reveal a sharper blade.
this secret button on seat belts ensures the buckle doesn’t slide down the belt
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What may seem like a useless design element is actually a safety precaution. This feature was designed for convenience to make sure the buckle is easy to reach. some cars even have clip holders to keep the seatbelt in place and out of the way when not in use.
The indented strip on the bottom of your cabinets allows opening cabinet doors without hitting your feet.
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We’ll let that sink in (no pun intended). Yes, now that you know you probably think it makes a lot of sense. This indentation is called “toe-kick” and it’s made to allow opening cabinets without hitting your feet and standing closer to the counter. Such a small detail, but so important.
Those little silica gel bags that come with every product are meant to absorb moisture.
Maybe you knew what these little packets were meant to do, but did you know you don’t have to throw them away after you bring your new products home? These silica gel pockets can be used to prevent bacteria in your gym bag, avoid rust in your toolbox, stop jewelry from tarnishing, and much more.
The “57” on Heinz ketchup bottles is where you should tap in order to get the condiment out more efficiently.
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It is true that ketchup glass bottles look nicer than the regular plastic ones, but they are also harder to use. So the number ’57’ is marked on the neck label to show us where to tap to get the sauce.
The bottom of a Gatorade bottle is meant to fit a cap.
The bottom of a Gatorade bottle is designed to accommodate a cap against it when many bottles are stacked on top of each other. This feature makes not only storing but also transporting Gatorade bottles a lot easier.
The rubber strip on your hangers is meant to keep your clothes from slipping.
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While it might sound obvious to some, this information could change lives. Even though these indented rubber strips look like they have no purpose and many people even pick them off, they can keep your clothes from slipping from your hangers. So clever!
Pompoms were initially added to hats to protect sailors from hurting their heads.
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Yes, you read that correctly. Back in the day, French sailors needed extra protection for their heads while sailing in rough weather, so they added pom-poms to their hats. This way, they would not hurt themselves when their heads hit the ceiling.