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!