Top hats, bowlers, pork pies and drivers all have their place in the Hat hall of Fame. But no hat is as iconic as the simple, stylish and sexy Black Fedora.

Black fur felt Fedora by Bailey

Originally worn by women, this hat was born an icon when it became an overnight sensation appearing on Sarah Berhardts famous head during an 1889 production of the play ‘Fedora’.

As cities grew in the early 20^th century, men adopted the hat for both its practicality and look. Black is considered more formal than an everyday grey and it did not take long for the Black Fedora to become synonymous with stylish and sexy.

Stars such as James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra were quick to pick up on the cool and collected look of a Black Fedora, rocketing the hat into the hearts of urban dwellers everywhere. The trend continued into the 50’s and 60’s – the Black Fedora gracing the heads of musicians, film-makers, poets, artists, politicians and actors.

Experiencing a lull in the decade that style forgot, it re-emerged in the 80’s when the Blues Brothers, who know a thing or two about cool, established the hat as part of their signature image.

However, nobody has done more for the Black Fedora than one of the worlds greatest icons, Michael Jackson. He integrated the hat to his dance routines and style to such an extent that for younger generations this is their first association with the hat.

A recent resurgence in the hats popularity has seen women reclaiming it. A brim dropping casually over one eye is a look sharp enough to make men stop in their tracks. Black Fedoras are sexy and hint at the underlying confidence in the wearer.

The Black Fedora has become so entrenched into the psyche of popular culture it holds its place among blue jeans and the white shirt (which by a happy happenstance, all three go fabulously together!). Like everything timeless and stylish, no wardrobe is complete without one.