The history of hats in America takes this piece of clothing apparel from practicality, to a symbol of uniformity, to a statement of self-expression. Initially, headgear was necessary to keep the elements off the new settlers’ heads. After all, rain, wind, snow and sleet could really chill a person to the bone, since most of one’s body heat escapes through the head. Later, hat makers began to design a series of individualistic, fashionable head-wear garments and by the roaring twenties, nearly every American had caught onto the hat craze. During wartime, soldiers wore caps as part of their official uniform to show their solidarity and protect themselves. Over the years, the popularity of this piece of apparel has lost some favor with the general population, but men and women still wear them for a variety of reasons.
Straw hats became popular from 1880 to 1920 as the perfect piece of apparel to keep the hot sun off one’s face. The stiff, brimmed straw hat was perfect for men and women who spent a great deal of time boating, taking road trips in uncovered cars through the countryside, picnicking and playing tennis. One variety was called “the boater,” which was seen as the perfect addition to a striped blazer or flannel trouser outfit. Today they can be worn with western apparel, dress suits and leisure wear. At www.hats-plus.com, there are a number of fashionable straw hats made by Stetson, Dobbs, Biltmore, Bailey, Scala and Borsalino.
Women also have many different hat styles available to them. At first, women wore headgear to blend in with men, hiding their true identity so they could have equal opportunities with males. However, once discovered, hats were seen as a very beautiful addition to a strong woman. Editor of Harpers Bazaar, Jeannine Larmouth, pointed out: “A hat is a shameless flatterer, calling attention to an escaping curl, a tawny braid, a sprinkling of freckles over a pert nose, directing the eye to what is most unique about a face. Its curves emphasize a shining pair of eyes, a lofty forehead; its deep brim accentuates the pale tint of a cheek, creates an aura of prettiness, suggests a mystery that awakens curiosity in the onlooker.” Womens apparel fashion can be found at www.hatagories.com, which offers berets, cloches, derby hats, large brims, beanies, fedoras, wedding accessories and church apparel. Another worthwhile site, www.louisegreen.com, also offers fine hat selections for women.
Baseball caps first gained popularity in 1860, when the Brooklyn Excelsiors walked onto the field donning them 11 years after the NY Knickerbockers wore the first baseball uniform. The “Brooklyn-style cap” had become exceedingly popular with baseball teams and fans by 1900. Today this is one of the most popular and enduring hat styles in America; tennis player, golfers, truck drivers, boy scouts, mail carriers, soldiers and filmmakers all wear them. Heck, even the Dalai Lama donned a Washington Nationals baseball hat when he visited the capital! “The baseball cap is an iconic symbol in baseball and fashion,” explains John DeWaal, VP of global marketing for Buffalo, New York based New Era Hats. “People have an affinity for baseball, and part of that relationship is the baseball cap. We want to celebrate what the baseball cap has meant to the country, to the world. It’s a fascinating history.” A wide selection of these legendary hats can be found at www.neweracap.com.
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