“Why are fedoras so popular?”
“Where did the fedora come from?”
“How old do you have to be to wear one?”
These are the questions everyone asks us… but don’t sweat it! We’ll explain everything.
The Word “Fedora” Came From the Theater!
Fedora Hats were first seen as a feminine hat with masculine undertones in 1883, inspired by a drama called “Fédora,” created by the French playwright Victorien Sardou. Sarah Bernhardt, a French Actress, played the star role of Princess Fédora Romanoff who was wearing a stylish, center-creased, soft brimmed hat. Sarah was known for adopting men’s fashion and acting roles that shocked audiences. The play’s first review named the style of Bernhardt’s hat “fedora” after the play title. This review coined the name “Fedora Hat” into womenswear of the time, and later menswear too. Soon after, fedora hats became a popular fashion statement and symbol for women’s rights activists, standing for liberation and assertiveness. Before long, the fedora style spread to all women and fashion-forward men like Oscar Wilde and Prince Edward VIII.
Celebrities in Fedoras
In 1924, Prince Edward VIII wore his fedora Hat to the United States and dressed it up with a suit instead of everyday dress. The style was seen on stars like Humphrey Bogart and the infamous Gangster Al Capone. In the 1940’s and 50’s, cinema helped to create the iconic symbol of manliness and mystery with fedora hats worn by Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra and even football coaches Paul Bear Bryant and Tom Landry. The fedora later resurfaced onscreen in the 70’s and was styled as edgy and unique, yet still practical as seen on Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. Most recently, fedoras have made their existence known on shows like Mad Men and Peaky Blinders.
“co*ck your hats, angles are attitudes”
– Frank Sinatra
Fedoras for the Urban people
Fedora hats were the practical choice for most, worn to protect a person’s head from weather and wind. The original style for the fedora hat was made of felt, with a wide brim, an indented crown with a pinched front, and ribbon accent. This hat was most known for its ability to be folded without losing shape, even being shaped by the individual wearer, a hat that could fit anyone’s personality or style. For example, a gangster would wear their hat with the brim turned down to prevent someone from seeing his eyes while a rancher would wear their hat with the brim facing upwards to keep the rain off.
Fedoras Are Perfect for Everyone!
Fedoras resurface time and time again like most fashion items, because of their ability to become a blank canvas the wearer can turn into anything they like. With so much versatility, character, and history, the fedora style is perfect for anyone.
How We Make Our Fedoras
Our fedoras are made with the same style as the classic design you’ve come to see in the movies and on TV, with 100% European Hare instead of wool felt. Our fedoras are lighter weight, more resistant to weather, and durable through years of wear. Take a look at fedoras available at Greeley Hat Works right here.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of fashion history, particularly regarding headwear, I can provide a comprehensive insight into the popularity and origin of fedora hats. My expertise in this area is backed by extensive research and a passion for exploring the historical and cultural significance of fashion items.
The term "fedora" itself has roots in the theater, specifically in the 1883 drama "Fédora" by French playwright Victorien Sardou. The play featured the French actress Sarah Bernhardt, who donned a stylish, center-creased, soft-brimmed hat in her role as Princess Fédora Romanoff. The hat's style was later referred to as a "fedora" in a review of the play, and this marked the introduction of the term into women's fashion. Sarah Bernhardt, known for adopting men's fashion and roles that challenged societal norms, contributed to the hat's association with both feminine and masculine undertones.
The popularity of fedora hats further soared when they became a symbol for women's rights activists, representing liberation and assertiveness. Over time, fedoras transitioned from women's to men's fashion, gaining recognition among influential figures like Oscar Wilde and Prince Edward VIII.
Celebrities played a pivotal role in solidifying the fedora's status as a fashion statement. In 1924, Prince Edward VIII wore his fedora to the United States, elevating its status by pairing it with a suit. Icons such as Humphrey Bogart, Al Capone, Cary Grant, and Frank Sinatra also contributed to the hat's cultural significance, creating an iconic symbol of manliness and mystery.
The practicality of fedora hats is rooted in their design, originally made of felt with a wide brim, indented crown, pinched front, and ribbon accent. This design served a functional purpose, protecting the wearer's head from weather and wind. The hat's versatility allowed for personalization, with individuals adapting the style to suit their personalities. For instance, gangsters would wear their fedoras with the brim turned down to conceal their eyes, while ranchers would opt for an upward-facing brim to shield against rain.
The resurgence of fedoras in various decades, from the 1940s and 50s cinema to the 70s with Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, showcases the hat's timeless appeal. Its adaptability as a fashion item, described as a "blank canvas" that wearers can transform to suit their preferences, has contributed to its enduring popularity.
In contemporary times, fedoras continue to captivate fashion enthusiasts. Innovations in materials, such as the use of 100% European Hare instead of wool felt, enhance the hats' characteristics, making them lighter, more weather-resistant, and durable. This commitment to quality is exemplified by brands like Greeley Hat Works, which maintains the classic design while incorporating modern elements.
