Although not as popular today as they were a few decades ago, hats still play an important role in people’s lives. Over the years, this accessory was not only a way of expressing one’s creativity, but also an indicator of the social position, profession, age, religion, and other important aspects of one’s life. However, there’s even more to it: for the last centuries, some types of hats have also become symbols of social movements, as well as a key element of a nation’s economy. With this being said, let’s take a look at some iconic hats of the 20th century and how you can wear them today in a classy manner.
Fedora
Interestingly enough, although today we associate these hats with the men’s wardrobe, fedoras were first worn by women, which made them a symbol of the feminist movement after becoming particularly popular among activists for gender equality. The word “fedora” was created in 1891 after the French writer Victorien Sardou’s play “Fedora,” in which the main character, Princess Fedora Romanov, played by the then-famous actress Sarah Bernhardt, wore a center-creased, soft-brimmed hat. It was almost 25 years later, in 1924, that Prince Edward of Wales, a fashion icon at the time, started wearing a fedora hat, which inevitably lead to its popularization among men as well. These days, fedora hats aren’t as popular as they used to be, but we still associate them with iconic movie characters such as Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones franchise.
Irish flat cap
Technically, Irish flat caps don’t truly belong on this list, as they were invented much before the 20th century, but the peak of their popularity was surely the 1920s decade. A rounded hat with a small stiff brim in front, you’ve 100% seen them worn in the Peaky Blinders series, thanks to which they are not back in trend. Back in the day, it was part of the uniform of the Irish and British working class, but later on, they got adopted by the members of the aristocracy who used to wear them when playing sports and hunting. Today, they are a classy accessory that men of all ages wear especially during spring and autumn, and it’s really easy to pair them with almost any outfit you put together. To spice up your looks this spring, find your perfect men’s Irish flat cap.
Beanie
Beanie hats are less formal than the styles that we’ve mentioned before, but their versatility and practicability are exactly what make them so great. Despite being invented long before the 20th century, they became especially popular in the second part of the last century, specifically in the 1990s. If you’re looking for something strictly from a practical point of view, this hat, closely fitting to the head, is perfect for a cold day when you want to keep yourself warm, but still, look stylish. At the same time, it can be much more than just a warming accessory, as a brightly colored beanie can also represent a way of expressing yourself and experimenting with your sense of style.