Where Do Hats Started

by Kenneth Cole Shoes on November 15, 2009

The history of hats in America takes this piece of clothing apparel from practicality, to a symbol of uniformity, to a statement of self-expression. Initially, headgear was necessary to keep the elements off the new settlers’ heads. After all, rain, wind, snow and sleet could really chill a person to the bone, since most of one’s body heat escapes through the head. Later, hat makers began to design a series of individualistic, fashionable head-wear garments and by the roaring twenties, nearly every American had caught onto the hat craze. During wartime, soldiers wore caps as part of their official uniform to show their solidarity and protect themselves. Over the years, the popularity of this piece of apparel has lost some favor with the general population, but men and women still wear them for a variety of reasons.

Straw hats became popular from 1880 to 1920 as the perfect piece of apparel to keep the hot sun off one’s face. The stiff, brimmed straw hat was perfect for men and women who spent a great deal of time boating, taking road trips in uncovered cars through the countryside, picnicking and playing tennis. One variety was called “the boater,” which was seen as the perfect addition to a striped blazer or flannel trouser outfit. Today they can be worn with western apparel, dress suits and leisure wear. At www.hats-plus.com, there are a number of fashionable straw hats made by Stetson, Dobbs, Biltmore, Bailey, Scala and Borsalino.

Women also have many different hat styles available to them. At first, women wore headgear to blend in with men, hiding their true identity so they could have equal opportunities with males. However, once discovered, hats were seen as a very beautiful addition to a strong woman. Editor of Harpers Bazaar, Jeannine Larmouth, pointed out: “A hat is a shameless flatterer, calling attention to an escaping curl, a tawny braid, a sprinkling of freckles over a pert nose, directing the eye to what is most unique about a face. Its curves emphasize a shining pair of eyes, a lofty forehead; its deep brim accentuates the pale tint of a cheek, creates an aura of prettiness, suggests a mystery that awakens curiosity in the onlooker.” Womens apparel fashion can be found at www.hatagories.com, which offers berets, cloches, derby hats, large brims, beanies, fedoras, wedding accessories and church apparel. Another worthwhile site, www.louisegreen.com, also offers fine hat selections for women.

The top hat was all the rage at the turn of the 18th century, as evidenced in the 1796 Charles Vernet painting, “Un Incroyable.” The first popular hats of this style were made using beaver or rabbit fur. Black oilcloth and silk would sometimes cover the outside to keep the elements off the hat. Everyone from postal workers, to gentlemen, to opera-goers, to US President Abraham Lincoln wore them. However, by the end of World War II, top hats had become associated with magicians, the Monopoly board game, Uncle Sam and satires of the wealthy elite, thus diminishing its popularity. Presently, top hats are still worn by member of the gothic subculture, musicians (like Slash from Guns N Roses and Stevie Nicks) and men in wedding parties.

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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

gin August 23, 2010 at 8:29 am

A light bulb and a short piece of wire will work just fine. Touch center of bulb (the silver part of the socket) to one lug of the cap, use the wire running from the second lug of the cap to the side (brass) of the bulb, then wait for the light to go out.

You don't need to discharge the cap to replace your amp, and during connection, it will not fry the amp.

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