Why is it called a bowler hat?

The bowler hat is an iconic headwear of British culture that gets its name from its resemblance to a melon, a round fruit. This hat has crossed eras and continents with elegance and distinction. But what is the history of this hat, which has seduced both gentlemen and clowns? We will reveal all the secrets of the bowler hat, this timeless symbol of men's fashion.

What do we know about the captivating epic of the bowler hat?

The bowler hat was born in 1849, designed by brothers Thomas and William Bowler, London hatmakers. Originally, it was created for a client who was looking for a sturdy headwear to protect his head during horseback rides. The client, Edward Coke, nephew of the Earl of Leicester, reportedly tested the hat's durability by standing on it. He reportedly paid 12 shillings for the hat, which took the name bowler in English, in honor of its creators. At that time, the bowler hat was mainly used as a protective element, rather than as a fashion accessory.

From birth to consecration

With its distinctive shape and durability, the bowler hat quickly gained popularity among horsemen, and over the years, it became a distinctive sign of the upper classes, a symbol of British elegance, worn by personalities such as Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, or even James Bond. Subsequently, the bowler hat spread beyond the borders of England, becoming a symbol of male elegance worldwide.

The international rise of the bowler hat

Over time, the bowler hat managed to distinguish itself and became an essential piece of men's wardrobe worldwide. A British gentleman without his bowler hat is an almost unimaginable picture, isn't it? In the 1950s and 1960s, the bowler hat experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to iconic figures in popular culture, such as British actors Patrick Macnee and John Steed in the television series "The Avengers". The bowler hat then became synonymous with British sophistication and elegance.

Today, the bowler hat is still highly appreciated and worn by individuals from all walks of life, becoming a versatile fashion accessory. Although the bowler hat has evolved over the years, its unique charm and timeless elegance endure. Whether worn by a modern dandy in the streets of London, a businessman in New York, or a movie star in Hollywood, the bowler hat continues to be a powerful symbol of elegance and refinement.

What are the illustrious personalities who have worn the bowler hat?

Many personalities have contributed to popularizing the bowler hat. At the forefront is the unforgettable Charlie Chaplin. His character of the Tramp, with his peculiar walk, mustache, and bowler hat, has become a universal symbol of silent cinema. The bowler hat was also adopted by the American comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, adding a touch of elegance and absurdity to their costume.

The bowler hat was also worn by political figures, such as Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, or Alfred E. Smith, the Democratic candidate for the 1928 U.S. presidential election. The bowler hat has also inspired artists, such as the surrealist painter René Magritte, who depicted a man in a bowler hat in several of his works, such as: "The Son of Man" or "The Lovers". The bowler hat is therefore a cultural object that has marked history and the collective imagination.

What is the uniqueness of the bowler hat?

The bowler hat is mainly distinguished by its unique shape: a spherical form with a rounded dome and a short, upturned brim.

How is it designed, with what materials?

The hat is generally made of felt, a material that gives it exceptional durability and a unique texture. Felt is obtained from animal fibers, such as wool or fur, which are agglomerated by pressure, humidity, and heat. The felt is then molded on a wooden or metal form, then reinforced by a chemical treatment based on shellac.

The bowler hat can also be made of straw, leather, velvet, or plastic, according to individual tastes and needs.

How to discern an authentic bowler hat?

To recognize an authentic bowler hat, you need to pay attention to several details. First, the bowler hat should have a rigid and rounded shell that doesn't easily deform. Next, the bowler hat should have a short and upturned brim that doesn't extend beyond the width of the face. Finally, the bowler hat should have a ribbon, often made of leather or grosgrain, that goes around the base of the shell. The ribbon should be solid, smooth, and well-sewn. It should be in harmony with the color of the felt, without creating too strong or too weak a contrast.

The bowler hat should also bear the manufacturer's signature, which is usually found inside the hat, in the form of a label or stamp. If the hat doesn't have these characteristics, there's a good chance it's an imitation.

Guide to choosing a bowler hat

What size to choose?

To choose the size of your bowler hat, you need to measure the circumference of your head using a tape measure. Place the tape measure above your eyebrows and ears, and go around your head keeping the tape horizontal. Then, match the measurement obtained to a correspondence table, which indicates the hat size in centimeters or inches. For example, if the head circumference is 57 cm, the hat size will be 57 or 7 1/8. Choose a hat that is neither too tight nor too loose, that stays well on the head without slipping or compressing. Also take into account your hairstyle, which can influence the hat size.

What material and color to choose?

The choice of material and color for the bowler hat depends on personal taste, as well as the climate and occasion. Felt is the most common material for the bowler hat, as it offers good resistance to weather and impacts. Felt can be of different qualities, depending on the origin and fineness of the fibers used. Beaver, rabbit, mink, or chinchilla felt is softer, more flexible, and more durable than wool felt.

Felt can come in different colors, but the most classic ones are black, gray, brown, or beige. Black is the most formal color, suitable for solemn or professional occasions. Gray, brown, or beige are more casual colors that adapt to various situations. Straw is another possible material for the bowler hat, which is lighter, cooler, and more summery than felt, it can be of different kinds, such as rice straw, wheat straw, panama, or sisal.

Straw can come in different colors, but the most common ones are white, beige, yellow, or red. Straw is a more casual material that is suitable for sunny days or vacationers.

Leather, velvet, or plastic are rarer materials for the bowler hat, which are more original, but also more fragile and difficult to maintain. Leather can be in different colors, such as black, brown, red, or green. Velvet can be in different colors, such as blue, purple, pink, or burgundy.

Plastic can come in different colors, such as white, yellow, orange, or pink. These materials are more suitable for festive or offbeat occasions that require a bit of boldness and fantasy.

What style of bowler hat to choose?

The choice of bowler hat style depends on the personality, taste, and look of each individual. There are several styles of bowler hat, which are distinguished by the shape of the shell, the width of the brim, the height of the ribbon, or the presence of an accessory. For example, we can mention:

• The classic bowler hat, which has a round and domed shell, a short and upturned brim, a thin and discreet ribbon, and no accessory. This is the most sober and elegant style, suitable for all faces and all outfits.
• The retro bowler hat, which has an oval and flattened shell, a wide and flat brim, a thick and eye-catching ribbon, and sometimes an accessory, like a feather or a flower. This is the most vintage and original style, suitable for thin and elongated faces, and retro or bohemian outfits.
• The modern bowler hat, which has an asymmetrical and hollowed shell, an irregular and tilted brim, a contrasting and stylized ribbon, and often an accessory, such as a badge or pin. This is the trendiest and boldest style, suitable for round and oval faces, and urban or rock outfits.

What is the price of a bowler hat?

The price of a bowler hat varies depending on the quality, brand, and place of purchase. Generally, you should expect to pay between 50 and 200 euros for a good quality bowler hat, made of felt or straw. You should expect to pay between 200 and 500 euros for a very high quality bowler hat, made of fur or leather. You should expect to pay between 10 and 50 euros for a poor quality bowler hat, made of velvet or plastic. It's better to buy your bowler hat from a specialized shop that can advise you and guarantee the authenticity of the product, rather than on the Internet where scams are numerous (unless it's the website of an online hat shop).

Why is the bowler hat at the heart of contemporary trends?

The bowler hat is at the heart of contemporary trends because it is an accessory that combines tradition and modernity, elegance and originality, sobriety and fantasy. The bowler hat can be worn with different clothing styles, from the most classic to the most offbeat, from the chicest to the most casual. It can also come in different colors, from black to pink, through red or yellow. The bowler hat can thus bring a touch of personality and charm to any outfit. The bowler hat is also a cultural symbol, evoking history, cinema, literature, or art, it can be associated with famous characters, as we mentioned above. It can therefore be a means of expressing one's creativity and originality. The bowler hat is a hat that has managed to cross eras and fashions, adapting to the tastes and needs of everyone. It doesn't go out of style, but constantly reinvents itself. It can accompany you on all occasions, whether for work, going out, or traveling, and can make you feel unique and elegant. It has character and style, it's a hat that deserves to be worn and appreciated.

How to wear a bowler hat properly?

The bowler hat is an accessory that can help you warm up, embellish yourself, and express yourself, provided you wear it well, according to your face, hair, and outfit. To wear a bowler hat with style, you can follow these tips:

• Wear the bowler hat on top of your head, positioning it slightly to the side to create an offset and movement effect. Avoid wearing it too far back, which will flatten your hairstyle, or too far forward, which will hide your eyes.
• Style your hair according to the bowler hat, creating volume and texture. For example, you can opt for a short and layered cut, a medium-length and wavy cut, or a long and tied-up cut. Avoid hairstyles that are too flat or too voluminous, which will unbalance your silhouette.
• Match the bowler hat to your outfit, creating harmony or contrast. For example, you can opt for a classic bowler hat with a suit, a retro bowler hat with a dress, or a modern bowler hat with jeans. Avoid outfits that are too busy or mismatched, which will detract from the elegance of the hat.

Conclusion

The bowler hat is a hat with a fascinating history, an original shape, and a timeless style. It is appreciated for its elegance, comfort, and personality. But it is also often imitated by unscrupulous manufacturers who take advantage of its notoriety to sell poor quality products. To recognize a real bowler hat, you must therefore be attentive to details. If you follow these tips, you will be able to buy a real bowler hat and enjoy this exceptional hat.