Maritime fashion history has gotten complicated with all the misinformation flying around. As someone who’s studied nautical traditions and collected vintage maritime memorabilia, I learned everything there is to know about the iconic boater hat. Today, I will share it all with you.
What Is a Boater Hat?
The term “boater” refers to a type of semi-formal hat, also known as a basher, skimmer, cady, or sennit hat. It is primarily made of sennit straw and has a stiff brim and a flat top. The boater is often associated with men’s summer attire from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States and England.
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The style was popular among seamen and boatmen, which is largely how the hat earned its colloquial name. This name reflects the hat’s association with boating and waterfront activities, which were leisure pursuits common among its wearers during this period.
The Ribbon Tradition
The boater hat is traditionally adorned with a ribbon around the crown, typically in colors or patterns that signify a particular club, organization, or school. This practice added to its popularity in social and sporting events, especially during the summer months when such outdoor activities were most frequent.
That’s what makes vintage boaters so collectible today. You can trace a hat’s history through its ribbon, identifying the social circles of its original owner.
A Fashion Statement
In its heyday, the boater was not just a practical accessory for shade and protection from the sun but also a significant fashion statement. It was commonly seen at boating or sailing events, reinforcing its connection with maritime activities. Over time, the boater hat became a symbol of leisure and was even adopted by barbershop quartets, becoming an iconic part of their uniforms.
The hat’s rigid structure and formal appearance provided a sharp contrast to the more relaxed styles of casual summer wear, embedding itself firmly in the fashion landscape of the era.
The Boater Today
Despite its decline in everyday use, the boater hat remains a nostalgic emblem of a bygone era of elegance and outdoor leisure. It still appears today at traditional boating events such as the Henley Royal Regatta and in various vintage fashion revivals, continuing to evoke the charm and distinctiveness of its origins.
The name “boater” not only describes the hat’s function and style but also encapsulates a rich cultural history tied to the social and sporting customs of the past.
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