The Evolution of Hats From Form to Fashion

Fashionable milliner Louise Green once said,to a striped blazer or flannel trouser outfit. Today
"Wearing a hat is like having a baby or a puppy;they can be worn with western apparel, dress
everyone stops to coo and talk about it."suits and leisure wear. Popular and fashionable
There is something about hats that inexplicablystraw hats are made by Stetson, Dobbs,
attracts us. It's this open invitation to re-inventBiltmore, Bailey, Scala and Borsalino.
ourselves and recreate our look with a simpleWomen also have many different hat styles
fashion accessory. People can hide balding, frizzyavailable to them. At first, women wore headgear
hair or a poor dye job beneath the folds of ato blend in with men, hiding their true identity so
lovely hat. They can use the colors of the fabricthey could have equal opportunities with males.
to bring out their eyes, match their outfit or callHowever, once discovered, hats were seen as a
attention to the structure of the face. Lastly,very beautiful addition to a strong woman. Editor
through their choice of clothing apparel style, theyof Harpers Bazaar, Jeannine Larmouth, pointed
can show their personal taste.out: "A hat is a shameless flatterer, calling
Straw hats became popular from 1880 to 1920attention to an escaping curl, a tawny braid, a
as the perfect piece of apparel to keep the hotsprinkling of freckles over a pert nose, directing
sun off one's face. The stiff, brimmed straw hatthe eye to what is most unique about a face. Its
was perfect for men and women who spent acurves emphasize a shining pair of eyes, a lofty
great deal of time boating, taking road trips inforehead; its deep brim accentuates the pale tint
uncovered cars through the countryside, picnickingof a cheek, creates an aura of prettiness,
and playing tennis. One variety was called "thesuggests a mystery that awakens curiosity in the
boater," which was seen as the perfect additiononlooker.