Brief History of 20th Century Hats

1900'S: Proper headwear was required socially; Edwardian (think Titantic); large hats to accomodate masses of feathers and floral trim; full birds of paradise as ornament. Link to the Smithsonian Institution's site for a history of this era's feather trade and the rightful creation of the Audubon Society as a result.

1920'S: After WWI women demonstrated their newly found freedoms and responsibilities, like changing social mores and the right to vote, in their styles of hats; bobbed hair and the cloche were popular, asymetrical and modern; Art Deco and the stock market crash influenced styles.

1930'S: Movies and the glamorous starlets of the screen were the major influences; cellophane straw first used. Surrealism, generally, and Salvador Dali, specifically, greatly influenced many off-beat styles.

1940'S: Glory days of the hat during this century; styles included turbans, doll hats (due to fabric rationing during WWII), snoods, and were menswear inspired.

1950'S: Ultra-feminine hats with lots of floral trim were popular; new manmade fabrics used; synthetic straw first used; cocktail hats very popular; by late '50's hats were falling out of favor due to hairstyle changes.

1960'S: Hats were now considered restrictive and establishment; hair was more important and a symbol of freedom; English mod fashions from Carnaby street inspired some hats.

1970'S--1980'S: Almost no hats are worn in mainstream fashion; pockets of hat wearing, however, included horseracing, weddings, polo matches, and church--particularly in ethnic communities.

1990'S: Hats came back as evidenced in fashion shows and magazines, as sun protection, and as a way, once again of demonstrating individuality and style!