The Boater Hat: This Oval Straw Hat

What is a boater hat made of?

Boater hats are most often made from natural straw. This can be any type of straw, flat or braided to create a boater hat. The typical boater hat has a flat crown and flat brim. It is usually adorned with a thick outer ribbon made of fabric, either striped or plain, all around the crown.

The history of the boater hat

The boater hat as we know it actually comes from the Arawak canaoa meaning canoe; and from the Spanish canoa meaning small boat. This headwear is an oval-shaped straw hat with a flat crown and brim, which was first worn by women and then men, and was popularized by boating enthusiasts, hence its name at the end of the 19th century.

From 1860 until the 1930s, this headwear was the elegant hat par excellence. During this period, it was one of the symbols of carefree living and joie de vivre, as notably shown by Renoir in his famous painting titled Luncheon of the Boating Party.

As surprising as it may seem, boater hats were primarily worn by women and children in the 1860s. The boater hat was only adopted by men 20 years later (1880). After being incorporated into men's wardrobes, it quickly became popular in the summer hat category.

This model was very popular in the 19th and 20th centuries and was not only worn daily but also during boat trips or sailing, hence its English name boater hat.

In Paris, the first sailboats appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, and the police authorized their circulation under certain conditions, of course. Boating then became a form of entertainment, rowing became a pleasure, as did carousing in the various open-air cafes and other pleasure spots of that era. At that time, Parisian boaters didn't want to remain in "bourgeois" attire while operating their boats, so they adopted a costume inspired by that of sailors, including their regulation hats of the time.

Its success was also popularized by Maurice Chevalier (1888-1972), one of the most popular French Music Hall artists during the Roaring Twenties, as well as a recognized actor in Hollywood in the 1930s. As we can see in this photograph, the way to wear it was codified; the fashion at the time dictated that it should be worn tilted forward and inclined "casually" over the ear.

Boater hats were also very popular among women when they engaged in sports, particularly cycling, and allowed them to assert their social status. Here too, the boater hat had an icon, and not just any, as it was Gabrielle Chanel (1883-1971) otherwise known as: Coco Chanel; she wore this hat in reaction to the heavily adorned headwear of women of the time. It was at this point that the shape of the boater, which had been invariable until then, underwent some modifications in its dimensions according to fashion trends: becoming narrower or wider, taller or shorter.

The tradition of Straw Hat Day 

In the past, when all men wore hats, there was a special day when they had to set aside their felt hats for straw ones. Of course, the exact date of this special day varied from place to place.

Where are you most likely to see boater hats worn? 

Unfortunately, boater hats are rarely worn nowadays. Nevertheless, you can spot them at outdoor events, particularly music concerts. You may have noticed that boater hats have become a key piece in jazz musicians' outfits or among school uniforms in England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. 

How to wear a boater hat?  

Nowadays, few men dare to wear the boater hat in everyday life. We can't blame them; it's true that the boater is a very beautiful hat for summer, but it's not an accessory that goes with all outfits and styles. The boater hat is also a hat that doesn't suit all face shapes.

As mentioned earlier, the boater hat is a rather formal hat for summer. Thus, to wear it in the best way, we advise you to pair it with a blazer or a summer suit. Moreover, it's important to consider that it will enhance certain face shapes more than others.

Generally, wide brims will complement oval face shapes more, while smaller brims will enhance rounder face shapes. But keep in mind that it also depends on how you wear it - the more confident you are, the better the hat will complement you! 

 Today, the boater hat is worn on many occasions, such as jazz performances or concerts, countryside festivities, vintage car collector meetings, and of course in films depicting this period, like in The Great Gatsby...

Conclusion

Even if the boater hat will require you to wear it with a bit more ease than other shapes, like the Panama or the straw porkpie, we are convinced that you will wear it with flair! 

And what do you think about the boater hat? Give us your opinions in the comments.