The boater hat is traditionally a men’s formal hat, usually worn in the summer. It is totally stiff all over and is made with a kind of stiff straw. It has a ribbon across it like shown in the picture above.
It’s origin dates back to the 1880s when it is believed to have been invented in Italy and brought to the USA by immigrants. It got the name boater hat because it was worn by the gondoliers.
In the 19th and 20th century, it rose to fashion among the middle class and was usually seen being sported for afternoon outings and slightly formal events. Although cheaper version have become popular in political rallies and other similar events.
It has now become fashionable for women to wear it too and it is usually worn with a hair pin to keep it in place. Although a slightly modified, thinner version is more commonly worn by us women.
Now that’ I’ve given you a brief history of this piece of clothing, I’ll tell you that i love it. I miss the days when people used to wear hats and slightly more old fashioned items of clothing and I wish that i could wear the clothes worn in the black and white film period.
Alas, it is not to be unless there is a costume party. But we can still incorporate items of clothing like this into our wardrobes.
I’d wear it with a pair of boyfriend jeans, shoes, a shirt/tank tucked half in and a blazer. Or maybe a full skirt that falls above the knees and a form fitted blouse. Maybe a lovely summer dress to up my girly element (which I hardly do).
I haven’t seen this around anywhere and if I have it has come with a ridiculous pricetag like 4000INR.
I am adding this to my wishlist and will be getting it the second I can. Maybe if I get to do to Delhi sometime or maybe somewhere else, I can scour the flea markets.
TA
Kofykat
*the above information is from various sources like wikipedia.
*Images from polyvore and instyle
I so much want a boater hat, they’re amazing!
They are. So chic. Love them
These hats are amazing.
Agree!