The History Of The Development Of Bucket Hat
aungcrown
Aung Crown
2021-03-15 12:10:26
When it comes to fashion, aesthetics play a significant role. However, many fashion staples have had a lasting impact because they are not only fashionable but also functional. One such item was the bucket hat.
You see them on beach-goers’ heads as they frolic by the waves as well as on students who wish to keep up with the latest fashion trend…everywhere you go, there are people sporting bucket hats on their heads. It’s a bucket hat invasion!!! But, why do so many people find this peculiar-looking hat so attractive?
The bucket hat appeared in the early 1900s in Ireland as a way to protect farmers and fishermen from the elements. The downward-slanting brim helped shield wearers from the rain. The original hats were made of raw wool that contained waterproof lanolin. They were easy to clean, and you could fold them to fit in your pocket, making them highly portable.
First off, what is a bucket hat? A bucket hat has a wide, downward-sloping brim and is typically made from heavy-duty cotton fabric such as denim or canvas. It can also be made with heavy wool such as tweed. “Keyholes” or metal eyelets are placed on the crown of the hat for ventilation.
Interestingly, when the Irish first invented the bucket hat in the 1900s, practicality — not aesthetics — was the goal they had in mind. These iconic hats were first worn by Irish fishermen and farmers to shield themselves from rain. The slanting design of the brim effectively kept the farmers’ faces from getting wet. Additionally, these hats were very convenient and could be easily folded and fit into a pocket. During that period of time, bucket hats were seen as useful and practical objects by the common people.
You see them on beach-goers’ heads as they frolic by the waves as well as on students who wish to keep up with the latest fashion trend…everywhere you go, there are people sporting bucket hats on their heads. It’s a bucket hat invasion!!! But, why do so many people find this peculiar-looking hat so attractive?
The bucket hat appeared in the early 1900s in Ireland as a way to protect farmers and fishermen from the elements. The downward-slanting brim helped shield wearers from the rain. The original hats were made of raw wool that contained waterproof lanolin. They were easy to clean, and you could fold them to fit in your pocket, making them highly portable.
First off, what is a bucket hat? A bucket hat has a wide, downward-sloping brim and is typically made from heavy-duty cotton fabric such as denim or canvas. It can also be made with heavy wool such as tweed. “Keyholes” or metal eyelets are placed on the crown of the hat for ventilation.
Interestingly, when the Irish first invented the bucket hat in the 1900s, practicality — not aesthetics — was the goal they had in mind. These iconic hats were first worn by Irish fishermen and farmers to shield themselves from rain. The slanting design of the brim effectively kept the farmers’ faces from getting wet. Additionally, these hats were very convenient and could be easily folded and fit into a pocket. During that period of time, bucket hats were seen as useful and practical objects by the common people.
Years later, bucket hats became standard issue for the troops during World War II and the Vietnam War. These hats were made of olive cotton for camouflage and were used to protect the heads and necks of soldiers. Since troops were stationed in jungles, the lightweight cotton hats provided more relief from the heat than the traditional wool alternatives would have.
This viewpoint did not change much during World War II (1940–1941) and the Vietnam War (which started in 1954), for these hats were used to protect soldier’s necks from getting burnt by the sun. Just like many other functional pieces of equipment from the military, the bucket hat soon became a fashionable staple.
By the mid-sixties, both civilians and celebrities donned bucket hats. Some women in the sixties wore a modified version of the bucket hat that had a wider brim and enlarged crown (to contain their elaborate hairstyles of course).
In the eighties and nineties, the bucket hat was deemed as extremely fashionable. The bucket hat’s gain in popularity was credited towards cultural movements of hip hop in the United States. Numerous rappers around that period of time also swapped their beanies for bucket hats.
While the bucket hat served as a functional piece of clothing for many years, it wasn’t until the 1960s that it became fashionable. At the height of the mod movement, new bucket hats were made of felt and other stiff fabrics to maintain a particular aesthetic for women’s hats. However, the traditional tweed fabric remained popular among men throughout the 1970s.
In the 1980s, the bucket hat became the sought-after headgear for rappers in the hip-hop community. Many rappers wore these style of hats in music videos and on album covers. However, despite its popularity among rappers, the bucket hat never quite acquired the fame of other hats.
Some believe the reason for the hat’s lack of popularity has to do with its utilitarian roots. Others believe its association with characters like Bob Denver from the TV show “Gilligan’s Island” has impacted the general perception of the hat.
This viewpoint did not change much during World War II (1940–1941) and the Vietnam War (which started in 1954), for these hats were used to protect soldier’s necks from getting burnt by the sun. Just like many other functional pieces of equipment from the military, the bucket hat soon became a fashionable staple.
By the mid-sixties, both civilians and celebrities donned bucket hats. Some women in the sixties wore a modified version of the bucket hat that had a wider brim and enlarged crown (to contain their elaborate hairstyles of course).
In the eighties and nineties, the bucket hat was deemed as extremely fashionable. The bucket hat’s gain in popularity was credited towards cultural movements of hip hop in the United States. Numerous rappers around that period of time also swapped their beanies for bucket hats.
While the bucket hat served as a functional piece of clothing for many years, it wasn’t until the 1960s that it became fashionable. At the height of the mod movement, new bucket hats were made of felt and other stiff fabrics to maintain a particular aesthetic for women’s hats. However, the traditional tweed fabric remained popular among men throughout the 1970s.
In the 1980s, the bucket hat became the sought-after headgear for rappers in the hip-hop community. Many rappers wore these style of hats in music videos and on album covers. However, despite its popularity among rappers, the bucket hat never quite acquired the fame of other hats.
Some believe the reason for the hat’s lack of popularity has to do with its utilitarian roots. Others believe its association with characters like Bob Denver from the TV show “Gilligan’s Island” has impacted the general perception of the hat.
However, despite not being considered high-fashion, bucket hats persist as a style option and even make appearances on the runway from time to time. Within the last decade, several designers have tried to revive the hat by creating variations on the old design, including bringing the hat back to its functional, waterproof roots. Additionally, they have found a niche market among professional archers, since the flexible brim is perfect for shielding an archer’s eyes from the sun while not interfering with the string of the bow.
While we don’t see crowds filled with bucket-hatted heads, there’s no denying that it’s a favorite within certain circles. Even though the bucket hat hasn’t made a full-fledged return to fashion, it’s still considered a classic hat and won’t likely go away anytime soon.
Nowadays, these iconic little hats can be seen on models as they prowl down fashion runways. Multiple well-known brands such as Stussy, Gucci, and Burberry have also helped promote this type of hat. Clothing brands make bucket hats of all sorts of colors, styles, and designs. Thus, this is the story of how the bucket hat first started as a shelter from the rain and turned into a hat adored by celebrities and common folks alike.
Looking for a place to buy a classy and affordable bucket hat? aungcrown is the perfect website to shop for the bucket hat of your dreams! aungcrown is packed with bucket hats of all sorts of colors and patterns! Find your bucket hat through this link: accaps.com.
While we don’t see crowds filled with bucket-hatted heads, there’s no denying that it’s a favorite within certain circles. Even though the bucket hat hasn’t made a full-fledged return to fashion, it’s still considered a classic hat and won’t likely go away anytime soon.
Nowadays, these iconic little hats can be seen on models as they prowl down fashion runways. Multiple well-known brands such as Stussy, Gucci, and Burberry have also helped promote this type of hat. Clothing brands make bucket hats of all sorts of colors, styles, and designs. Thus, this is the story of how the bucket hat first started as a shelter from the rain and turned into a hat adored by celebrities and common folks alike.
Looking for a place to buy a classy and affordable bucket hat? aungcrown is the perfect website to shop for the bucket hat of your dreams! aungcrown is packed with bucket hats of all sorts of colors and patterns! Find your bucket hat through this link: accaps.com.