What is a Classic Fedora?

The classic fedora is one of the most popular hats for both men and women, worn by people from many different demographics. Fedoras can be worn to dress up a variety of wardrobe styles. Be it high fashion, club wear, or vintage chic, the fedora adds a special touch and helps the wearer stand out in a crowd. Given the many looks that the classic fedora helps create, it is no surprise that it has been around for over a century. This style of hat is noted for its wide rim, somewhat folded in edges that create a dip in the top of the hat, and a pinch at the front that brings the shape forward.

History

The origin of the classic fedora dates back to the late 1800s theater scene. A play written by Victorien Sardou, a French playwright, is where the term fedora comes from. In this play a princess named Fedora dawned this type of hat and this character's name became associated with the style. It served a purpose for people by being not only stylish, but also practical because it was a good shield from stormy weather. In later years the classic fedora became more frequently worn in movies, and best know as the type of hat Humphrey Bogart wore in some of the movies he starred in. Today the hat is associated with many celebrities, including the very fashionable singers Usher and Rhianna.

Significance

The classic fedora is generally worn to convey a sense of fashion, often times high fashion. Celebrities often wear these hats with their high priced clothing, and often times in music videos or during televised shows. In fashion shows and magazines the fedora can add a masculine effect to otherwise feminine apparel when worn by women. The classic fedora is also a very popular costume accessory, and usually worn when a person is dressing as a 1930s era gangster, detective, or hip party-goer.

Types

The classic fedora is generally made of felt and produced in many different colors, most commonly white, brown, gray and black. Some fedoras are made with a more feminine look, and are available in pink, purple and even plaid. Less common types of fedoras are those made of plastic, which give off a shine, as well as fedoras made of velour, tweed, straw weave and wool.

Features

Many fedoras have a wide band around the hat. The band is sometimes a different color than the hat itself, and even a different type of material, such as satin. Other features of classic fedoras include feathers, which give the look gangster appeal, as well as buttons or gems. Most fedoras are easily folded down for storage and carrying. The fedora can be tilted to the side or down toward the face to create a new look and create a sense of mystery.

Considerations

The price of a fedora can vary greatly from the lower end prices of around $10, up to the high quality well-known brands which cost over $200. Classic fedoras can often be found in thrift and vintage antique stores, as well as costume stores, and the prices will often reflect the quality of the brand of the hat. The trendy fedoras are also sold at regular department stores and under brand names that appeal to a younger crowd, such as Quiksilver and Sean John. High fashion retailers such as Gucci also carry their own style of classic fedora.

Resources

• The Fedora Store