The History Behind the Classic Fedora Hats

The ‘center-creased, soft-brimmed hat’ otherwise known as the fedora is considered iconic today. It seems to have been around forever, with Hollywood stars of the 1950s and early 1960s making fedora hats for men wildly popular. In fact, this hat had become the defining characteristic of a whole generation of well-dressed men!

It will come as a surprise to many that the fedora first debuted as a female hat way back in 1882. French dramatist, Victorien Sardou penned a play named Fédora with the titular role of the Russian Princess, Fédora Romanoff played by then famous actress Sarah Bernhardt. As part of her costume, she wore this new style of hat which soon became popular with women. It was even adopted as the defining symbol of women’s rights activists. 

The fedora crossed the gender line years later - in 1924 - when Prince Edward of Britain started favoring this soft and comfortable hat in place of the stiff Homburg. The fedora was adopted by men and soon replaced bowlers, flat caps and top hats, especially for horse races and Polo matches. It was propelled into a stylish accessory and even went on to become associated with prohibition and gangsters.

In the 1940s and 1950s, just as the fedora was on the wane, Hollywood brought it back in the mainstream with top names like Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant sporting fedoras with aplomb on the silver screen. Coupled with crooner Frank Sinatra flaunting the hat on stage, the fedora soon transformed into an icon of manliness and mystery.

The fedora lost popularity once more with the advent of more informal clothing. But Harrison Ford’s ‘Indiana Jones; revived the legacy of the fedora and it continues to linger till date. Over the years, many pop stars like Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Brittany Spears have sported fedoras in their live appearances and kept it trending.

Apart from these celebrities, legendary college football coach Paul Bear Bryant is remembered for his trademark fedora while standing on the sidelines of his teams’ games. Even professional athletes like Cam Newton and LeBron James incorporated the fedora into their post-game interview look. In today’s times, fictional characters from Mad Men to Peaky Blinders are again associated with the fedora. Professional boxer, Floyd Mayweather also never misses a chance to parade his iconic collection of fedoras.

When it comes to where to pick the best fedora hats for women and men, there’s no question of looking beyond Keith & James (www.keithandjames.com). The top-billed hat maker offers a wide range of fedora hats in varying styles, colors and sizes. They are crafted from pure wool and straw versions are also available for the summer days. The signature red suede brim and logo pin ensures that these hats stand out for all the right reasons!

Not Just in Looks but Comfort, The Ultimate Fedora Hat

 

The perfect center dip on the crown, a wide brim with the signature under brim peeping from below, the iconic red button belting the crown makes it the ultimate style statement. The Kings collection fedora hats for men from Keith and James is set to reign high in the fashion circuit. Match your size and own your fedora hat. Don't forget the red satin carry bag bearing the logo pin. Fasten the string when you carry your hat to places. Splash your sense of style, order today from https://www.keithandjames.com/.

Doffing Your Hat To The Head Gear Fashion Trends of 2021

It’s a brand new year with new beginnings and hopefully good tidings in store. As the world gears up for a slow return to normalcy with the roll-out of different vaccines around the globe, the fashion world is also marking a return with new trends in store.

After being stuck inside for most of 2020 in shorts, sweatpants and hoodies, 2021 will soon see people stepping out in their fashionable best once again, albeit with their masks firmly in place.

The fashion trends seem to be more inclined towards smart silhouettes and soft colors with sustainability being the buzzword all around. This is going to be the year of the accessories as they make a comeback from the rear of our wardrobes. Indeed, it is going to be all about footwear, bags, belts, hats, scarves and of course, the masks, shields and gloves if you so wish.

The hat trends are actually here to stay as they add a sense of drama to a smart outfit and can elevate a simple one to an exciting and exuberant level. You can use a hat to protect your hair, cover a bad hair day or just look chic when it suits your fancy.

For instance, fedora hats for women are the easiest way to stand out from the crowd for the right reasons. It can be plain and practical – like a simple wool fedora to ward off the chill of the winter – to stylish and conspicuous options in bright neon colors.

The trick here is to plan out the look in advance rather than just popping a favored hat just before stepping out. Pair a bright fedora with a monochrome outfit for a daring pop of color or team a vivid dress with a wide brimmed fedora in a muted shade. Either way, the brim of the fedora will keep the sun out of your eyes and protect your skin even as it makes you look classy and fashionable.

Similarly, the year is going to be big on bucket hats. But if you prefer a more serene look, you can opt for a neutral-toned beret to look trendy. The hats can be further styled with knitted accessories, flowers, buttons or even a lapel pin. They can be paired with fashionable attire or every day clothes too.

Keith and James (www.keithandjames.com) offers a wide range of fedora hats for men and women in different styles and colors. There are vivid and rich tones and classic pastel color palettes, including some unusual hues as well. There is definitely a hat here for everyone, including the most fastidious of shoppers. The material ranges from pure wool for the cool fall and winter days to straw fedoras for summer days and beach parties.

How To Care For Your New Fedora Hat

A good hat – like a fedora – is an investment that should ideally last for a lifetime. And it is indeed possible to keep the hat looking like new by taking good care of the same.

Basic care and maintenance in handling, cleaning and storing fedora hats for men can make all the difference:

• Firstly, it is always important to handle the fedora with clean and dry hands only as dirt and skin oils can easily transfer to the hat. Do not touch the hat immediately after applying skin lotion either.

• Always hold the hat by the front and back of the brim and never from the crown. Holding from the top can cause a crease, spoil the pinch, rip the fabric or weaken the shape of the crown.

• Loose dust and dirt can be removed with a soft-bristled – preferably a horsehair – brush. Brush gently with the nap of the fabric in small motions. It is preferable to use a brush with light-colored bristles for light-colored hats and dark bristles for dark hats to circumvent the possibility of the bristle color transferring to the hat.

• Remove any lingering fuzz or hair with a lint roller or sweeping the sticky side of a tape across the hat.

• If the hat catches a stain, wipe the spot gently with a mix of detergent and water and let it dry out naturally. Oil stains can be cleaned with a dusting of powder as well. It is better to treat stains as quickly as possible before they dry.

• The sweatband can also get wet with perspiration, body oils and what not. Turn it out and allow it dry before wearing the next time.

• Similarly, if the fedora happens to get wet, let it air dry by placing it on its brim on a dry towel. Do not use a hair dryer or even leave it in the sun as the heat can distort or shrink the hat.

• It follows that the hat should not be left in a car or even by the window for prolonged periods of time as the sunlight can dry, fade and shrink the hat.

• In case the fedora gets deformed, expose it to a little steam from a kettle or steamer until it is slightly damp. Gently reshape it to the original condition and allow it to air dry.

• Keep in mind that a fedora should always be placed upside down on its crown and not the brim. Otherwise it can sag and lose its shape. The hat can be hung on a soft or padded hook, but only for short periods of time.

• It is best to store fedora hats for men in special hat boxes (offered by professional hat maker, Keith and James at keithandjames.com) and keep them in cool and dry place.

Can Women Wear Fedora Hats?

A fedora hat is considered primarily a male bastion of style. Men do look exceptionally dapper and fashionable with a smart fedora paired with formal wear or even smart casuals.

It can come as a surprise to see a woman donning a straw fedora hat women with an indented crown and soft brim. So, can you believe that the fedora was actually first designed for a woman?

Indeed, it was actress Sarah Bernhardt who first wore the felt hat for her role as Fédora Romanoff in the stage play, aptly titled ‘Fedora’. This classic style was quickly adopted by men and grew into a favored male accessory. It was further popularized by the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra and Indiana Jones, with the latter giving it a rakish appeal. Male celebrities and fashionistas across the world plop a classy fedora on their heads to get an instant uber-stylish air.

However, the charm of the chic fedora cannot escape women for long either. Pop stars, gliterrati, classic-stylists and other women do not hesitate to don the ‘traditional men’s’ fedora. And no, they do not look boyish while doing so. Think of the fashionable Katherine Hepburn or the more feminine style of Eleanor Roosevelt and you will get the picture. If you are looking for more recent inspiration, reigning pop queen, Beyonce also loves to throw on a fedora on occasion!

Women wearing fedoras

There are no hard and fast rules for women when it comes to wearing a fedora hat. In fact, unlike men, they can easily get away with bending the rules or even breaking them to suit their outfit.

Consider this – a fedora can be paired with a simple tank top and well-fitted jeans to look cool and chic without trying too hard. It will go well with a sundress, a maxi dress or even a skirt (of any length). You can wear it with a coat for the classic-timeless look or go sharp with a leather jacket. Paired with a smart suit, you cannot not look professional and sophisticated. Keep yourself warm with a wool fedora and scarf or knitted sweater in the fall and winter months or pair fedora straw hats for women with shorts, rompers or even a bathing suit in summer!

What’s more, you can use a fedora to break the monotony of an all-black or brown outfit.

In sum, there are different ways to style a fedora. What is important is that the hat should fit correctly without looking floppy or too tight and uncomfortable. Also angle it right to ace the elegant and attractive look.

Keith and James (www.keithandjames.com) opens the doors to a splendid collection of unisex fedoras in a dazzling variety of styles and colors. The hats are characterized by ultimate style and quality that is being favored by fashion influencers.

Black Fedora Hat For Women Of Style

 Ever thought of trying the black fedora hat for women? The classy hat spells elegance and is the ultimate style statement. Carry it to office, to evening parties, to post-lunch meets, just about anywhere. The elan of this single fashion accessory will make you stand apart from the crowd. Your sophistication will be appreciated. How to team the black hat with your dress?

 The black hat

The Queen (Jet Black) has a soft luxurious feel that automatically makes the wearer feel soft and loved. Not just your mirror but you too will fall in love with yourself. The rich 100% pure wool looks sophisticated with the suede brim while the cotton sweatband extends a perfect fit and maintains comfort. 

 Black fedora for office

Your black fedora hat with its smart center dent and wide brim can be matched with a white bow tie, blouse and slim A-line skirt in dove grey. Adding character to elegance this would be charming office wear. You could keep experimenting with other colors as the black fedora has a certain style that stands out with anything.   

 Black fedora Just for the morning 

Lower the fedora hat stylishly over the left eye while keeping the right side up. Tie your hair in back brush and a single ponytail. Keep your make-up simple with a touch of eye makeup. Wear a sleeveless outfit and let the black fedora hat add a touch of mystery to your personality while bringing out the woman in you. Wear dangler loops and shimmer your lip lightly with gloss, and you will turn heads.  

 Black fedora in the evening

Want to party with friends at the disco? Your black fedora hat is a must. Wear a black leather outfit or any black deep neck dress. You could also wear a spaghetti string long or short dress in black. You also try tan, navy, olive green it’s totally up to you but keep your black fedora on and tastefully apply make-up, your eyes should say it all. 

 Conclusion 

Order you black fedora hat for women from https://www.keithandjames.com/products/queen-jet-black. Don’t forget to order your satin carry bag with an authentic logo pin. Follow the size chart for a perfect fit. 

Packing the Hat For The Road

Hats – they are fun to wear and make you appear stylish. It is an easy and fun way to dress up an outfit and stand out from the crowd. The only drawback is that a hat does not travel well!

Indeed, you cannot simply stuff a smart hat in a backpack or even a suitcase. Folding or rolling the hat will also spoil its appearance, no matter how carefully you do the same. In fact, people often try rolling a hat into itself or even packing it upside down by stuffing the inside with small items so that it holds its form. However, the hat does ultimately turn out the worse for it, telling the tale of travel abuse every day.

The answer….

If you don’t want to end up with a crunched, bent, wrinkled or otherwise damaged hat that spoils your trip, investing in a good hat travel kit is the best option.

Indeed, there was a time in the early part of the 20^th century, when men of stature were always seen carrying their personal hat boxes as part of their luggage. While wearing sophisticated headgear is not as imperative now as it used to be earlier, a hat box is still the safest way to transport hats.

At Keith and James (www.keithandjames.com), we are keenly aware of the solemn importance of facilitating safe hat travel. Accordingly, we not just provide a varied range of fedoras in different colors, sizes and styles, but also offer sturdy and convenient hat boxes to keep them intact during any kind of travel.

Our signature Keith and James hat travel kit features a hard shell box with a handle that makes it easy to carry around. The top quality build is lightweight, durable and water resistant. The dimensions are suitable for most types of fedoras. We have ensured that it is appropriate for the Keith and James King, Queen, Prince and Derby style fedoras. The box is handy for traveling with your prized fedora hat and can be used for storage as well.

The travel kit also comes with a top quality hat brush that proves handy for maintaining the pure wool of the fedora. Gently brush the hat in a counter-clockwise direction to remove dust and other debris. This will keep the wool looking like new.

Embark on your next business tour, vacation getaway or adventure trip with your favored hats in tow. With the hat travel kit, you can stay secure in the knowledge that the roughest of journeys will not wreak any kind of havoc on your valuable hat. Zip out the fedora for a formal dinner, a day out on the beach or simply exploring the countryside and pack it in for a safe return journey again.

Visit : www.keithandjames.com