FASHION STORIES - THE STORY OF A HAT

What's a hat? A hat is head covering. It can be worn from protection against sun, cold, wind or other elements, for ceremonial or religious purchases or as a fashion accessory. 

Red Coctail Hat by HandmadeHatsbyElla

First pictorial depictions of hats go back to ancient Greece and Rome. Milliner is a hat maker and the term comes from Milan where best quality hats were made in 18th century. Did you know that is how Coco Chanel started her career? As a hat maker. Since the early 21st century flamboyant hats have made a comeback, so tall headpieces that could be described as wearable sculptures are totally in now!

Portrait of Bob by froganddog

A traditional hat consist of 4 main parts:

1. Crown - the part that covers the top of the head.

2. Peak / visor / bill - a stiff projection at the front, to shade or shield the eyes from sun and rain.

3. Brim - optional projection of stiff material from the bottom of the hat horizontally and around the circumference of the hat.

4. Puggaree / sweatband / hatband - a ribbon or band that runs around the bottom of the torso of the hat. 

Flower Felted Hat by Danfe

There are lots and lots of different types of hats. Everybody probably heard of an ascot cap, baseball cap, beanie, beret, fascinator, fedora, hard hat, top hat or a Santa hat. But here are some that only few can name:

Balmoral bonnet - traditional Scottish bonnet or cap worn with Highland dress.

Bearskin - tall, furry, full dress hat worn by the guards. You've probably seen in front of the Buckingham Palace. 

Bicorne - broad brim felt hat with the brim folded up and pinned up. Like the one on Napoleon.

Audrey Hepburn by FeelingArtsyStudio

Capotain - worn in 16th and 17th century in Europe. Like the one on Pilgrims.

Cordobes - associated with Flamenco but you probably have seen it on Zorro

Deerstalker - warm close fitting tweed cap for hunting. Like the one on Sherlock Holmes. 

Kolpik - brown fur hat worn by Hassidic Jews

Montera - a crocheted hat worn by bullfighters

Wedding Day Mini Top Hat by BelleMillinery

Rastacap - a tall, round, usually crocheted and brightly colored cap. Think Bob Marley.

Toque - a tall, pleated, brimless, cylindrical hat traditionally worn by chefs.

Ushanka - Russian fur hat with fold down ear flaps

Zuccetto - skullcap worn by clerics.

And many many more. Each and every different kind of a hat has it's own name.

Guest Article by:  The Glam Box