1920s HATS
In the 1920s
Mens Fashion it was very uncommon to see a man without a hat (that is, while he was outside. Inside it was considered rude to not remove it.) For a man, wearing a hat symbolized authority and power, it was thought that a covered head showed nobility. Different hats signified different social standings, typically working class men were seen wearing newsboy caps (not just reserved for newspaper sellers.) Middle class men would typically wear a bowler hat or a derby hat- always seen in black or brown. Formal occasions called for a top hat. Whatever the reason or style a man chose to wear, it was essential for shade and warmth, as well as to convey his social standing and style.
As with modern fashion, mens hats also rotated with the seasons. The colder winter months would see more conservative styles and darker colors. The Fedora, Bowler, and Derby hats were all excellent choices to protect from the cold. In the warmer months filled with outdoor parties and events the men would choose to wear lighter hats made of straw or linen. Straw Boater hats or straw hats with a decorative ribbon were very common. Linen Flapcaps, Panama hats and Longhorns paired with a Seersucker suit was a popular look to protect from the sun and stay cool.
Mens
1920s Mens hat fashion was popular from the early 19th century and peaked in the 1920's,
Mens Hat several theories have been speculated as to its decline in popularity, however we are seeing a resurgence in its popularity amongst men once again. Many people who are unused to wearing a hat can feel conspicuous or silly at first. However, finding a hat which reflects your personal style will naturally make you feel more comfortable. As with suits or shoes, it is the style, size and fit that matter most!
The boater hat, with its flat crown and wide brim, enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the 1920s. Often made from straw, the boater hat became synonymous with summertime leisure and outdoor activities. It was a common sight at events such as regattas and garden parties, where men paired it with crisp white suits or blazers for a dapper and relaxed look.
The boater hat represented a departure from the formality of other hat styles, offering a more casual and approachable option for those embracing the spirit of the carefree and optimistic Jazz Age.
The Panama hat , despite its association with warmer climates, also made waves in 1920s fashion. Made from straw and characterized by its lightweight and breathable construction, the Panama hat became a popular choice for men seeking to stay cool in the summer heat while maintaining a debonair appearance. It became a symbol of leisure and sophistication, often worn with linen suits or casual summer attire. The versatility of the Panama hat made it a staple for those who valued both style and practicality.
The 1920s also saw the emergence of the newsboy cap as a casual and sporty alternative to more formal hats. Also known as the flat cap or the Gatsby cap, this hat featured a rounded body and a small brim, creating a relaxed and youthful silhouette. The newsboy cap became a favorite among the younger generation and working-class men, reflecting the influence of popular culture and the desire for a more laid-back aesthetic. Worn with tweed suits or even with more casual attire, the newsboy cap added a touch of informality to men's fashion while retaining a sense of timeless charm.
The beret, with its soft, round, flat crown, became another unconventional choice in 1920s headwear. Although historically associated with military and artistic circles, the beret found its way into mainstream fashion during this era. Men embraced the beret as a symbol of bohemian flair and artistic expression. Worn tilted to the side or pulled low over the forehead, the beret added a touch of nonconformity to men's fashion, aligning with the avant-garde spirit of the time.
Vintage men's hats from the 1920s exude an undeniable charm, each style contributing to the tapestry of a fashion era characterized by innovation and rebellion against the sartorial constraints of the past.
One iconic hat that epitomizes the 1920s is the boater hat, a timeless and versatile accessory that transcended its traditional association with boating and leisure. The boater, characterized by its flat crown and wide brim, became a symbol of elegance and informality. Men of the 1920s embraced the boater as a staple of summer fashion, often pairing it with crisp white suits for a dapper and polished look. Whether attending garden parties, outdoor events, or leisurely strolls, the boater hat added a touch of sophistication and a nod to the carefree spirit of the Jazz Age.
Examining the evolution of
men's hats in the 1920s also unveils the impact of Hollywood and its charismatic leading men on fashion trends. Silver screen icons like Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, and Buster Keaton left an indelible mark on popular culture, influencing the choices of men's hats and other wardrobe essentials. The fedora, in particular, became a symbol of leading men's suavity, shaping the aspirations of men who sought to emulate the debonair charm of their on-screen idols.
The distinct hat styles of the 1920s reflected not only fashion trends but also societal changes and the spirit of the times. As the world emerged from the aftermath of World War I, a sense of liberation permeated the air, and this was mirrored in the fashion choices of the era. Men embraced a more relaxed and individualistic approach to dressing, bidding farewell to the formality of the past.