Yes, vintage hats can be very fashionable and are often sought after for their unique style and historical charm. Hats were influenced by different historical changes and trends at the time, going back over 300 years. History tells us that they were indeed a fashion statement with their distinctive designs, but also served as protection as well as purpose. Vintage hats offer a way to incorporate a touch of the past into modern fashion which appeal to many. Looking at the kind of hats ladies wore, we turn back to the 20th century.
ANTIQUE TO VINTAGE TRENDS
During the early 1900’s it was considered a necessity for a lady to wear a hat anytime she she left the house. An essential part of her dressing was perching a hat over her bouffy or puffed hairstyle. The long length of hair past the shoulders was considered as un-kept or impractical for every day chores, so it was swept up secured with pins and neatened with a hat held together with extra long straight pins, which also served as a self defense mechanism. There are, but a few of these style of hats, on the market, and you will find some here, online. Boaters or Wide Brimmed Straw Hats not only protected women from the harsh weather, but were a fashion statement depending on how they were adorned. Different styles can be sourced and bought through Etsy. Wearing hats proved challenging perched on top of puffed hair, so they increased the weight and styled them by decorating with large amounts of faux silk flowers, wired bows and beading which became the norm, however, adding a stuffed bird was considered a very popular choice at the time. Due to this trend, the environment was impacted, and some bird species suffered extinction, all in the name of fashion, until the 1918 Bird Migratory Act came into place. You may find some boaters, bonnets and large brimmed hats that can be bought ready to wear through Amazon, at reasonable prices.
FITTED HATS
From the start of the roaring 1920’s the Cloche Hat (which was invented in the early 1900’s) was produced by a french milliner in Paris, became popular during the Great Depression era, especially during 1922 – 1933. The name Cloche was derived from the word bell or bell shaped. Women started wearing these hats as an economical measure, as well as helping to control their hairstyles (which was usually a bob style), as protection from any harsh weather conditions. The cloche hat mainly comes in felt, wool or knitted varieties, lets purchase one today – for that authentic vintage look. These hats were usually quite fitted, and adorned with embroidery, beading or decorated with other embellishments. Bell-shaped hats were a signature style of the Roaring Twenties, often associated with flapper fashion.
Times were changing, and a developing trend emerging at the time was to accessorize your hat, bag and shoes, which saw department stores promoting this as a “Set” to complete an outfit whether this was for day or night time. Also during this era the Skull Cap was born and was very popular as it fitted like a headband pinned on your head, but adorned with side embellishments, beautifying it and making it unique to the outfit you wore. The Skull Cap trend continued throughout the 1930’s – learn what styles are available to purchase today. Boutique owners would employ their own Milliners who would work on matching the whole look as a set, for their very wealthy clients. A cloche hat, turban, or fascinator are trending online to purchase through Amazon. All affordably priced.
WORLD WAR 2
Even though the Cloche Hat was still popular in the early 1940’s, the start of WW2 brought about fabric rationing and the need to keep hair away during daily duties, as women entered the workforce to help aid the war effort. Hats were considered a luxury item, so they were heavily taxed at 33%. Milliners turned to alternative decorative materials, which included recycled upholstery fabrics, as good materials were scarce. Parisians were then considered outlandish, as their hats grew larger in design, speculating that fashion was just as important as the war. Styles at the time included the Beret, the Sailor, the Bonnet, the Pillbox and the Turban. Most hat styles were unadorned, so were plain in design, due to the shortage of fabric, but there were some which were heavily structured. A few selections of the Bonnet, Pillbox and Beret can be still found here, but mainly of wool or felt at this online store also. One of the hats in particular, which was also called the turban, was a popular choice for working women or for those with home duties, an example being Rosie the Riveter. It was made from a small amount of light weight fabric and tied in the front over the forehead keeping hair in place while you worked. Surprisingly veils and fascinators were hugely popular due to the small amount of fabric used, whether it be for a wedding, or a funeral. Fedora and Trilby hats were also a popular choice for women as a stylish alternative, however are making a popular comeback in modern times, with the next generation. You can purchase some online today, and make your own statement with a vintage inspired accessory.
POST WAR TIMES
From the 1950’s through to the 1960’s the obligatory hat became less of a necessity, but more of a fashion statement. The Pill Box hat re emerged, as it was soft and elegant and could be protected in a storage box, and again decorated as you please. Also the “Jackie O” hat was another popular version of the Pill Box hat, named in her honour, as she adopted this style of headwear. 1960’s enthusiasts can emulate her style with the Pill Box hat available now. Flowers started making a big come back with 60’s fashion, and we saw them adorned in and around the Bucket Hat, which was derived from the Lamp Shade style hat. Sourcing originals of these hats may be obtainable through Etsy. Straw hats continued their popularity during the warmer months. Headbands made an appearance during the 1960’s, made mainly from polyester or stretch type fabrics knotted with a long tail either on the side or at the back of the head. Bucket hats also made a comeback in the 1990’s and still considered fashionable in recent years, made from cotton or canvas fabric and worn mainly as sun protection for all ages.
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A CASUAL CHANGE IN STYLE
The 1970’s saw the disappearance of hats in general, as weird and wonderful hairstyles emerged, so it was not an essential item any longer, however some institutions and academy’s still adopted the hat trend for their uniforms during the early decade. Floppy wide-brimmed hats were popular during this time and often associated with the hippie fashion of the era. Whether it’s for the colder weather or for the beach, you can find these styles of hats right here. Slowly, beach and sun hats started to emerge during the 70’s and 80’s as a way of sun protection for all ages, and the trendy “Beanie” became a must for watching outdoor sports or working outside in the cold winter months. Incidentally, the square graduation Academic Hat is still as prevalent in today’s society as it was decades ago, and has been around for generations.
And who can we forget the obligatory country Cowboy Hat which has also been with us for decades, if not centuries. In 1865 a famous hat manufacturer called John B Stetson, developed the Stetson Cowboy Hat in Philadelphia, and since this day many American Cowboys have worn this hat for work, pleasure, formal occasions, or just because they love it that much or feel patriotic. This link provides some different varieties of casual western headwear you can purchase, that have been positively rated.
Vintage hats can be found in second-hand stores, thrift shops, or specialty vintage boutiques. Many modern designers also draw inspiration from vintage hat styles, creating contemporary versions with a retro feel. Incorporating a vintage hat into your wardrobe can add a unique and timeless touch to your overall look.
I hope you have enjoyed my post on vintage hats in general, and have picked up some tips of what type of hats were worn during those times. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to add them to the comments below.
Kind wishes
Helen
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