The hats worn at the Kentucky Derby are commonly referred to as “Derby Hats” or “Kentucky Derby Hats”. These elaborate hats are typically made of straw or sinamay, and come in an array of styles and colors.
Typical style options include wide-brimmed (“garden”), pill box, fascinator, boater, or fedora styles. Derby hats are often adorned with feathers, bows, ribbons, flowers, or other decorations. Women have been wearing elaborate hats to the Derby since the mid-1800s, when the inaugural running of the Kentucky Derby was held in May of 1875.
Thus, the hat has become an iconic fashion accessory at the horse race.
Why is a derby hat called a derby hat?
The derby hat is an iconic style of hat characterized by a curved brim and a tall, round crown that slightly slopes to the back. It also sometimes has a brim that is wider in the front and narrower in the back.
The hat has several names, including a bowler hat, coke hat, and stove pipe hat, but it is most commonly referred to as the derby hat.
The hat’s stylish look dates back to 1849 when it was designed by the hat-makersJames and Thomas Bowler. The hat was originally made for Edward Coke, the brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester, to wear during horse races at the Epsom Racecourse.
The hat became popularly known as a derby hat and later became closely associated with country house life and wealthy landowners.
In modern times this style of hat has become an iconic symbol of British culture and is often worn by figures in fashion, music, and entertainment. Though the hat has changed and evolved over the years, its popularity and widespread recognition remain.
What’s the difference between a fedora and a derby hat?
The primary difference between a fedora and a derby hat is in their distinct silhouettes. The fedora is a creased, soft brimmed hat with a lengthwise dent running down the middle, whereas the derby is a stiff brimmed hat with a dome-like crown and no creasing.
The fedora usually has a wide brim of around 3 inches, while the derby typically has a narrower brim of around 2 inches. Additionally, a fedora is generally made of felt or wool and can come in various colors.
A derby, on the other hand, is usually made of stiffer material, like cloth or fur felt, and is typically black or grey. Style wise, a fedora is more of a fashion hat, suitable for casual settings, while the derby is a classic men’s hat, often seen at the races or formal engagements.
How do you wear a Derby hat?
When it comes to wearing a derby hat, there are a few style tips that you should follow. First, it is best to choose a hat that fits your head shape. Women’s derby hats are traditionally more structured and angular, while men’s hats are rounder with crimped edges.
Choose a hat that complements your face shape and is appropriate for the occasion.
When wearing your derby hat, it should be placed at a slight angle slightly above the eyebrows and just above one eye. This is a traditional style that will look great when paired with a classic suit or dress.
Whenever you wear a derby hat, it should be gently held in place with the chin strap. This will help the hat remain in place and will provide you with the most secure fit.
In addition, choose accessories that will go well with your hat. A silk scarf or necktie, as well as a set of gloves, can be a great addition to a stylish derby hat.
Finally, if you are attending a formal event, you may want to consider a top hat. This type of hat is typically worn with a jacket and waistcoat, and can create an elegant and distinguished look that will have you looking your best.
Why does the Kentucky Derby have fancy hats?
The Kentucky Derby has become a tradition over the last few decades of incorporating the wearing of elaborate hats among its female attendees. Although the modern-day Kentucky Derby has come to be associated with these striking and often expensive hats, their origins date back to the early 1890s.
At this time, the race was a formal event that brought together the upper classes from around the Southeast of the United States. As fashion at this time sought to replicate the styles of elite Europeans, it was commonplace for the wealthy in attendance to wear outfits befitting the social norms of the day.
Because the Kentucky Derby was seen as a luxurious and prestigious event, the upper classes often wore extravagant and elaborate hats that ranged in various forms of physical decorations and size.
In addition, the popularity of attending the Derby was taken to such an extent that the event was often complimented by the social atmosphere created by the prosperous attendees. Women, in particular, adorned their hats with various items, allowing them to show off their wealth and social status.
Therefore, fancy hats became an integral part of the race day experience, with women making an effort to make their outfits stand out from the rest.
The tradition carries to this day, with fancy hats still seen as an essential part of the Derby. With the event becoming iconic for its fashion, the small town of Louisville has become world-renowned as a one-stop shop for stunning hats in all colors, textures, sizes and designs.
Through the various styles that have come and gone over the years, the Kentucky Derby has become a fashion tradition known throughout the world.
What is a billycock hat?
A billycock hat is a type of hat that was popular in England during the 19th century. It is identified by its low, dome-shaped crown which is balanced on a wide, curved brim. It tends to have a ridged or curled front brim and side brims that can be left flat or snapped up.
The dome-shaped crown of the hat is made of layers of felt and often includes a narrow elastic band – typically known as a “gutter” – that goes around the head. The billycock was originally worn by farmers and laborers, but eventually became a popular fashion accessory, especially among young men.
Its popularity declined after World War I, though some people still sport them today.
What does a bowler hat symbolize?
Throughout the 20th century, the bowler hat was seen as a symbol of authority and status. The hat was adopted by bankers, barristers and other professional classes, who wanted to demonstrate their seriousness, stature and class.
In the 1930s and 1940s, the hat was especially popular with the British upper class, associated with gentlemen and the country gentry. Furthermore, the bowler hat was worn by employees at the Bank of England, earning it the nickname, “the banker’s bowler”.
The black-colored bowler hat has often been associated with the fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, a character in Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional stories about a detective and his companion, Dr. Watson.
As a result, the hat has been linked to notions of intelligence and being a problem solver.
More recently, the bowler hat has been adopted by the punk subculture and even modern fashion as a sign of strength, rebellion and, ironically, nonconformism, although it is remains most strongly linked to traditions of upper-class sophistication.
Why do ex servicemen wear bowler hats?
Ex-servicemen in Britain typically wear bowler hats to show their pride and respect for their service in the armed forces, as well as to commemorate their accomplishments. The bowler hat, also known as a “billycock,” has been a popular item of headgear since the 1800s and is often associated with British Royalty and the landed gentry.
In the British Armed Forces, the bowler hat is traditionally considered to be the headgear issued to officers, and it is also the headgear of choice for attending regimental events or other formal occasions, such as the Remembrance Sunday parade.
For many ex-servicemen, wearing the bowler hat is a tangible way of showcasing their accomplishments. It also allows them to connect with their service and remember the lives of those who have gone before them.
What hat do the peaky blinders wear?
The Peaky Blinders were an English criminal gang that originated in Birmingham in the late 19th century. The gang was known for its members wearing distinctive, stiff flat caps. Specifically, the hat was called a ‘peaky blinder’, which was a flat, cloth-covered cap with a stiff peak that was made from tightly stitched cotton material.
The peaky blinder hat was usually black or brown, and could even be slanted to one side, giving the hat a distinct style. The peaky blinder became a widely-recognized fashion accessory in the early 20th century, and it is still a popular choice for men today.
Where did the bowler hat come from?
The bowler hat is considered to have originated in England sometime in the mid-1800s. It was created by the hat-making firm of Lock & Co. of St. James’s Street in London. The bowlers were innovated as a working-class hat, meant to protect the wearer from accidental head injury during outdoor activities, like riding horses or shooting.
The hat was initially known as the “Coke Hat,” for the company’s chief clientele, the wealthy patrons of the soda company, the Coca-Cola Company. Later on, it earned the moniker of the bowler due to its similarity in shape to a cricket bowler’s hat.
This style of hat soon became popular with the upper classes of London society, and eventually spread across the world due to British imperial expansion throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, the bowler is considered an iconic symbol of British style and culture.
When was the bowler hat invented?
The bowler hat was invented in 1849 by the London hat-makers Thomas and William Bowler. The hat was designed to protect the heads of gamekeepers who rode horses while on the hunt. The practical and stylish design of the bowler proved to be popular, with the hat being adopted by the English upper class and eventually being associated with the famous English businessman, the “City Gent”.
It gained international acclaim in the 20th century, when it was worn by agencies such as the British police, military officers, Queen Elizabeth II, and film stars such as Charlie Chaplin. The bowler hat remains an iconic piece of fashion, offering a classic and timeless look that has persisted for over 150 years.
Is a bowler hat a derby?
No, a bowler hat and a derby are not the same. A bowler hat is a style of hat that has a round crown and is made of felt or heavy fur felt. It typically has a short brim that is curled upwards and it also has a curved band at the bottom.
A derby, on the other hand, is a style of hat that has a round crown and a brim that is either straight or slightly curled at the sides. The trademark of a derby is that the brim curves down about halfway around the hat and is trimmed at the back.
Both styles can be made in various materials, including felt, leather and fur, but even though the shape of the two hats is similar, they are not considered to be the same.
What makes a fedora a fedora?
A fedora is a type of hat named after a character in an 1882 play called Fédora that was written by the French dramatist Victorien Sardou. Typically, a fedora has a soft brim that is creased lengthwise down the crown and usually pinched near the front on both sides.
The front part of the crown is low, and a ribbon is often attached around the base of the crown. Historically, fedoras were made of surfaces like wool, fur, or felt, but today they can also be made of synthetic fibers like nylon.
The style of fedora originally became popular with men in the early 20th century and remains popular today as a style statement.