What is Felt Hat Day?

Felt Hat Day is celebrated annually on September 15th primarily in the United States, honoring the classic felt hat, which has long been a staple of fashion. The day encourages people to wear felt hats, from fedoras to bowlers, as a tribute to the elegant headwear of the past. Originally, felt hats were worn for both fashion and practicality, providing warmth and protection from the weather. This day is about remembering and appreciating the craftsmanship and style that made felt hats a must-have accessory for men and women alike.

History and Origin

Felt Hat Day is rooted in the time when wearing a hat was a daily necessity, particularly from the 19th century through the mid-20th century. Felt, made from wool or fur, was a popular material due to its durability, warmth, and stylish appearance. While the exact origins of the celebration are unclear, it likely emerged as a nostalgic nod to this once-common fashion accessory. The rise of casual wear in the mid-20th century led to a decline in everyday hat-wearing, but Felt Hat Day seeks to bring back the charm of these timeless fashion pieces.

Who Celebrates Felt Hat Day?

• Hat Enthusiasts: Lovers of vintage fashion celebrate by wearing their favorite felt hats or adding new ones to their collections.
• Milliners and Hatmakers: Hatmakers use the day to showcase traditional hat-making techniques and promote the craftsmanship behind felt hats.
• Fashion Enthusiasts: People interested in fashion history or retro style use the day to mix modern clothing with classic felt hats.
• Historical Reenactors: Felt hats are a staple in historical reenactments, making this day a perfect excuse for reenactors to dress up in period attire.

Slogans and Themes

The themes of Felt Hat Day focus on style, nostalgia, and the craftsmanship behind hat-making. Slogans like “Tip Your Hat to the Past” and “Bring Back the Classic” reflect the desire to celebrate the elegance of a bygone era when hats were part of everyday attire. It’s a day to appreciate not only the beauty of the hats themselves but also the art of millinery.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

• Colors:
  • Black: Symbolizing elegance and timelessness, black is a common color for formal felt hats like fedoras.
  • Brown and Gray: Earth tones are common in more casual, practical felt hats, offering a rustic, traditional feel.
  • Navy Blue: A bold, yet classic color that was often seen in men’s felt hats during the mid-20th century.
• Symbols:
  • Fedora: One of the most recognizable felt hats, symbolizing class and style.
  • Bowler Hat: Popularized in the 19th century, the bowler hat is a symbol of British style and sophistication.
  • Hat Block: A tool used in millinery, representing the traditional craft of shaping felt hats.
• Patterns:
  • Feather and Ribbon Accents: Often used as decorative elements on felt hats, these patterns represent the personalization of classic styles.
  • Plaid Linings: A common pattern in vintage hats, adding a touch of elegance to the interior of felt headwear.
  • Hat Brim Lines: Represent the different shapes and sizes of hat brims, from wide-brimmed to narrow-brimmed designs.

Most Used Hashtags

• #FeltHatDay
• #VintageStyle
• #ClassicFashion
• #HatAppreciation
• #HatDay

How to Celebrate

• Wear a Felt Hat: Dust off your old felt hat or buy a new one to wear for the day. It’s a great way to bring back a touch of vintage charm to your wardrobe.
• Learn About Hat-Making: Visit a milliner or explore online tutorials to learn about the craftsmanship behind creating a felt hat.
• Host a Hat-Themed Party: Invite friends to wear their favorite hats and celebrate classic fashion together.
• Explore Hat History: Use the day as an opportunity to dive into the history of hats, learning about how styles evolved over the years.
• Share Your Hat Look Online: Post a picture of your felt hat on social media, using the event hashtags to join the celebration and connect with others who appreciate vintage fashion.

Importance of Felt Hat Day

Felt Hat Day is important because it celebrates the history and artistry of millinery, highlighting a time when hats were an essential part of everyday fashion. The day brings back the elegance and style of wearing a felt hat, encouraging people to embrace classic fashion and support traditional hat-making. It also offers a fun, nostalgic way to connect with the past while adding a touch of timeless style to the present.