Hats have been around since the beginning of people. First used in a totally functional role, hats quickly became much more. They conveyed rank, wealth and power. But, they never lost their functionality as we always find ourselves in need of shading from the sun, protection from the rain and shielding from the cold. So, for the last few thousand years, hats have performed this dual role as protector and symbol of style and status.
I have to admit, I love hats. I have my Civil War era hat that I have worn for 19 years. It has become a part of me when I am in period attire. A few years ago I mentioned to some of my reenacting friends that I was thinking of getting a new hat. They unanimously voiced their opinion that a new hat was not needed, the one I had fit me so well that any other would not look right. And so, I continue to wear that hat when in uniform.
I also have a couple of fedoras, one brown, one gray that I like to wear when head cover is called for. In my younger years, I wore a lot of ball caps. I still have a few for those occasions when a cap works best, but for shade in the summer, I refer a straw panama style hat. I realize this is against the grain today. Ball caps are everywhere. But I have to day, ball caps just don’t have the style and grace of a real hat. Sure, they will tell you what team someone roots for, or where they went to college or even what beer they like to drink. But they don’t tell you anything about the person. With a fedora, the color, height of the crown or size of the brim is a personal statement. Then there is the tilt of the hat. To the right, to the left or even straight back. All of these things are a personal statement, not a glaring message from a corporate logo.
Beside, when you wear a proper hat, you can use it to say things without words. A slight tip of the hat is a greeting. Tilting it back while listening shows an increased interest. Pull it down over your eyes and you are bored. And nothing says respect like taking your hat off when you enter a room. In short, a proper hat makes the man, because a nice hat demands a well-dressed man underneath it. Doesn’t mean a suit necessarily, but certainly a pride in appearance. Fortunately, real hats can still be found, mostly online and, with any luck will see a comeback with a corresponding return to a time when acting the gentlemen will once again be valued and appreciated.
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