The Indispensable Accessory for Bold Styles: The Hat

We delve into the centuries-old history of hats and explore style suggestions.

Did you know that depictions of people wearing hats were first found in France around 15,000 years ago? The history of hats dates back to ancient times. Originally, hats served as protective tools against falling stones or the cold. With the emergence of early religions, hats began to carry spiritual significance. For example, in ancient Egypt, hats protected the head, believed to be the residence of the soul. Egyptian pharaohs' headdresses symbolized honor and holiness, as they were considered sons of the Sun God Ra and his earthly representatives.

In the Middle Ages, hats also indicated social status. The rich and noble wore refined designs and valuable fabrics like velvet. The first hat shops emerged in the 13th century, with Venetian and French milliners gaining fame. In the 1400s, French kings Louis XI and Charles VIII popularized hat fashion further. The real boom occurred in the 1500s when various types and materials of hats were produced, enriched with feathers, veils, and precious stones. During the Renaissance, the use of more elegant materials and designs clearly elevated the status of hats.

The Golden Age of the Hat

In the 19th century, hat-wearing became widespread, especially among women. We see many styles from this period, from models tied with a ribbon under the chin to elaborate designs adorned with feathers and ornaments. The 19th century also saw the birth of the famous top hat, made iconic by President Abraham Lincoln. Top hats were significant to Lincoln, as they enhanced his already tall stature. Rumor has it he even carried important documents under his hat. However, top hats could be cumbersome on long journeys due to their size. To address this, Frenchman Antoine Gibus created the shorter "Opera Hat" in 1823, featuring thin steel springs that allowed it to be compressed for easy storage.

By the 1900s, almost no one left home without a hat. Hat styles proliferated, many of which are still in use today. There was a shift from the flashy fashion of the previous century to simpler, minimalist lines. The "Cloche" hat, born in 1908 in the workshop of the famous Parisian milliner Caroline Reboux, quickly became iconic among noble women and celebrities. Cloche hats were especially popular in the 1920s and 30s, coinciding with the fashionable "Eton Crop" hairstyle, a very short and stylish cut.

Italian Influence

The 20th century was particularly significant for Italy, as hat production became a major economic driver. "Made in Italy" hats became symbols of elegance and prestige, especially through Borsalino, an esteemed Italian company founded in 1857 specializing in luxury hats. Borsalino has maintained a special relationship with the film industry; for example, one of their fedoras was worn by Humphrey Bogart in the 1942 film Casablanca.

Expanding Uses

After World War II, people began to venture out without hats, but the accessory's popularity remained. Fashion evolved, and unisex models emerged. The famous baseball cap also originated during this period, becoming not only a staple for athletes but also part of some armed forces' uniforms. Baseball caps, or "snapbacks," gained prominence with hip hop culture. Despite price variations today, these caps, beloved for their comfort and affordability, are now offered by major fashion brands at high prices.

The hat has indeed come a long way since its inception as a means to protect the head from cold or danger. Now a fashion object and status symbol, hats have even created their own collectors' market. It’s no surprise that Charlie Chaplin's famous bowler hat sold at auction for $57,600.