The type of hats worn at the Kentucky Derby are wide-brimmed and extravagant. Women in particular are seen wearing elaborately decorated hats which often feature large, colorful feathers, ribbons, and intricate designs.
The hats range from elaborately adorned straw hats, to more stylish feathered headpieces. Many hats have a high crown and large brim, making a bold statement that is the fashion of the Kentucky Derby.
The wide brims also provide necessary protection from the sun’s rays as the event can stretch into the mid-day hours with great heat at times. Women also wear decorative fascinators, which are small headpieces rather than full hats, usually made with feathers and other lightweight materials which also often feature bold embellishments.
What makes a good Kentucky Derby hat?
A good Kentucky Derby hat should be stylish, eye-catching, and appropriate for the event. A tasteful hat can make a bold statement without being too over-the-top. When it comes to color, try to select a hue that compliments your outfit and is on trend.
If you’re going for a more traditional, preppy look, a solid colored hat is a great option, such as a navy blue or crisp white. If you want to stand out, add a pop of color with a bright, bold shade like pink or yellow.
Look for hats with unique details, like intricate, hand-crafted flower trimming, or a ribbon band or bow. The shape and size of the hat should flatter your facial features; a floppy-brimmed hat can soften a defined jawline, while an Ascot-style or wide-brimmed hat adds a dramatic flair.
Ultimately, a good Kentucky Derby hat should reflect your unique personality and aesthetic while never being too wild or over the top.
How do you attach tulle to a hat?
Attaching tulle to a hat is relatively simple. First, cut a piece of tulle that is slightly larger than the circumference of the brim of the hat, as you will want to allow room for the ruffle. Take the piece of tulle and fold it in half.
Lay the folded edge of the tulle across the underside of the brim and pin it in place, leaving a couple of inches of space between the top of the brim and the fold in the tulle. Once the tulle is pinned, use a needle and thread to stitch around the brim, attaching the tulle directly to the hat.
Once the tulle is secured in place, trim the extra tulle that is hanging down from the edge of the brim. To help secure the tulle, use a hot glue gun to attach a small piece of felt to the underside of the brim.
Finally, use a comb to gather the tulle together and create a nice ruffle. This is a great way to add a extra special touch to any hat.
What are horse race hats called?
Horse race hats are typically referred to as either fascinators or wide brim hats. Fascinators are small headpieces, often less than 6 inches in diameter, that are most commonly constructed from feathers and flowers.
These exquisite hats often feature lace and fancy trimmings and are perfect for the races. Wide brim hats usually feature a large brim and usually have flamboyant features with ribbons, feathers, and other adornments.
They are designed to stand out in the crowd and provide dramatic elegance to any outfit. Whichever hat you decide to wear, be sure to make a statement at the races.
Why is a bowler hat called a Derby?
The bowler hat, also known as a derby hat or bombín, is widely-recognized as a classic hat style. It’s also commonly known as the “silent Englishman” for the mute way in which it makes its own fashion statement.
The bowler hat was originally created in London in the 1850s. It was designed by Optimo, a hatter based in the City of London, for a group of English aristocracy who wanted a so-called “hard hat” to wear while they rode on horseback.
Interestingly, one of the customers was the 11th Earl of Derby, which is how the bowler hat got its name. In Latin, the word “Derby” literally translates to “the one wearing the hat”. The hat even had a lifelike nickname adopted by the public—the “Coke bottle hat”—due to the similarity of its shape to that particular bottle.
Since then, the bowler hat has become iconic to a number of different outfits and occasions, including steampunk, cowboys, and even Charlie Chaplin-style appearances. In other words, it’s a timeless article of clothing that transcends cultural and fashion trends, and has become a universal symbol of effortless style.
What’s the difference between a fedora and a derby hat?
The main difference between a fedora and a derby hat is the overall style and shape. A fedora is a soft felt or straw hat that is creased lengthwise down the crown and pinched in the front on both sides, giving it a somewhat indented look.
It usually has a wide, curled brim and a pinch in the center at the front, as well as an extra snap of fabric at the back of the crown. It is usually worn at a slightly rakish angle, facing forward.
A derby hat, sometimes called a bowler hat, has a similar shape but does not have a pinch in the front and instead has a rounded dome-like shape. The brim is also much shorter and more rigid and the back can be flat or have a slight peak.
It is traditionally worn straight on the head and with a very conservative tilt.
The fabrics used to make fedoras and derbies can also be quite different. Fedoras most commonly use wool or felt while derby hats are more often made of a stiffer material such as straw, pressed felt or even plastic.
What is a billycock hat?
A billycock hat is a type of hat that is typically associated with the Victorian era, around the late 19th century. It is also sometimes referred to as a stretch hat or a gutter crown hat. It is a rounded hat, made of stiff fabric or occasionally of fur-felt and is typically creased lengthwise down the center.
This style is considered to be a very formal hat, and is usually black or dark navy blue in color. It is typically topped with a short, stiff brim of the same color and material. The hat’s brim curves slightly upwards at the edges and is typically quite shallow.
It has a rounded, dome-like crown, fixed into place with a band of fabric wrapped around the base. The billycock hat is often worn with a suit and overcoat, with a hatpin used to keep it in place.
What does a bowler hat symbolize?
The bowler hat has a long-standing reputation of being a symbol of the British upper class, established from its origins in the mid-19th century. It has become the enduring symbol of Britain and Britain’s upper-class culture.
It is associated with bankers, lawyers, and other high-status professions who typically wear a bowler hat as part of their workwear dress code. It has also become a popular fashion item in many parts of the world.
The bowler hat often stands for success and ambition, as it is a symbol of the traditional codes of dress of the upper-class. It also signifies a sense of sophistication, as well as a strong and bold fashion statement.
What is a fascinator hat?
A fascinator hat is a headpiece consisting of a headband or comb with decorative feathers, flowers, or fabric designs attached. It is a smaller, more decorative version of a traditional hat, usually worn by women for formal or semi-formal occasions.
Fascinator hats are often seen at weddings and other occasions where the dress code is usually elegant or ceremonious. These hats are usually worn with a special occasion dress, gown, or other special attire.
The hats come in a variety of colors and styles, from elaborate creations to more minimal and classic designs. Some popular styles include birdcage veils, beaded netting, crystal-encrusted netting, and ribbons.
Popular colors include neons, pastels, and jewel tones.
How do I find the right hat for my face shape?
Finding the right hat for your face shape really comes down to trial and error. It can also be helpful to do some research to familiarise yourself with the different hat shapes and how they typically sit on different face shapes.
Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to look for hats that contrast with your face shape. For example, if you have an oval face shape, you may want to go for a wide brimmed hat that covers most of your face to balance the look of your face shape.
If you have a round face shape, a billowy fedora could help to elongate your face and balance out your round chin. In terms of colours, try to opt for neutral tones that are flattering to your skin tone- this will make sure the hat will blend in with your facial features rather than take away or add too much emphasis.
Ultimately, don’t be afraid to experiment- try different hats on and take into account the features of your face, the colouring of your hair and skin, and the type of hat you want before settling on the perfect fit.
Can you shape a crushable hat?
Yes, it is possible to shape a crushable hat. There are multiple ways to do this, depending on the type of material and design of the hat.
For a straw or felt hat, the easiest way to shape a crushable hat is by using steam. Apply a generous amount of steam to the hat, then use your fingers or a hat-shaping tool to manipulate the brim and creases.
Once the fabric has cooled and hardened in the desired shape, allow the hat to dry completely.
For a wool hat, you can shape the hat by using a few basic tools and following a few simple steps. Place the hat brim side down on a covered surface. Then, lightly dampen the hat with a spray bottle filled with water.
Use your fingers to press out any wrinkles and creases. Next, use a hat-shaping tool to mold and shape the brim and crown. Finally, allow the hat to dry completely before wearing it.