Types of Hats

Ball Cap This hat has become an American icon that has long since moved out of the ball field. For many, it’s an easy choice for comfort and practicality. Newer styles and a funkier edge have taken this humble piece into its place in pop culture iconography.

Cloche is the French word for ‘bell’, which best describes this style of hat. It is a rounded felt hat which sits tightly on the head, its narrow brim framing the face. No other style of hat is so easy to date as this Art Deco era piece which reflected an increasing trend of women rejecting the excessive head-dress of the Victorian era and embracing the elegance of functionary style.

Bowler or Derby is a stiff felt hat with a round crown and brim popular in the mid 1800’s. Its rounded shape was designed to prevent game-keepers from losing their more awkwardly shaped hats when working, as the popular Top Hat style of the time proved in-conducive to out-door work. They are often mis-represented in period films as an upper class fashion item when in fact it was very much a working mans hat in the Victorian era. For this reason it quickly became popular in American frontier, worn by railway workers, farmers and sheriffs.

Toque – Canadian for Beanie or woolly hat! While elsewhere a toque is the French derived name for a chefs hat, in Canada it refers to knitted, brimless hats worn in winter.

Trilby – Named after a mid-nineteenth century stage adaptation of the George du Maurier novel. Similar to a fedora, this felt or straw hat has a lengthways crease with a frontal pinch but has a narrower brim with a greater up-turn at the back.

Tricorne – So called because of its three corners. Popular in pre-revolutionary France, this style was worn by both civilians and military people. It ranged from basic fabrics to extravagant gold trimmed pieces, depending on ones status. Think Johnny Depp in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ – although his is very much a poor mans version!

Mini- Top Hat- First created by Steven Jones, it is a light-hearted take on the top hat. Worn by women and usually attached at an angle with a strap or hair pins, they are whimsical and often adorned with feathers and veiling. Popular at formal occasions such as weddings.

Quirky take on the Top Hat from Anthony Peto!

Top Hats became popular at the end of the 18th Century, taking over from the tricorne as the latest fashion. Originally made from Beaver fur felt, they eventually permeated all classes. Men who worked outdoors topped their with a layer of oil for protection while social dandys wore silk versions. At the height of the popularity (pun intended!) the higher the hat, the better.  There are two types of Top Hats, the Stovepipe is straight while the Chimney pot is slightly truncated and conical, the top of the crown being wider. Today, these hats are still worn both formally and now for fun.

Pork Pie – have always been popular with Jazz, sca and blues musicians. Worn since the mid-nineteenth century, this round, flat topped felt  or straw hat remains an icon among musicians. While previously associated with American Soul, Jazz, and Funk it is seeing a massive resurgence in the East London indie music scene. One cannot walk down Shoreditch High Street without spotting one! With so many different ways to wear one, this classic hat always looks fresh.

Pill box – Also known as a Kilmarnock, was originally a style used in military uniforms and is still worn today by the Royal Military College of Canada. It’s simple round shape became popularised in fashion by Jackie Kennedy in the 1960’s. Worn in its pure form or embellished with veiling, feathers or flowers, from felt or fur, it is always a sophisticated and classic look.