Britain’s Brims: Whimsical or Wacky?

107

By: Danielle Nelson

Britain has been brimming with hats as the tradition of formal headwear is kept alive by the royal family and high fashion events.

Hat wearing began as a way to protect the head from inclement weather. It then progressed to symbolizing an individual’s status in society and now in Britain it has become a form of art and a fashion accessory.

“I think they’re fun,” said Jennifer Davidson from Pasco, Wash. “I enjoy looking at all of the hats. It’s something that I like, but the really fun big ones are not necessarily fashion savvy in America.”

Earlier in history, a woman wasn’t considered properly dressed if her ensemble did not include stockings, gloves and a hat.

“One record tells of a young lady venturing out to post a letter without her hat and gloves and being severely reprimanded for not being appropriately dressed,” said Pauline Thomas in her article “The Wearing of Hats.” “The post box was situated a few yards from her front garden gate.”

Now these hats are mainly seen at weddings, funerals and horse races such as the Investec Derby or Royal Ascot where all are expected to adhere to a dress code.

The Royals have stringent guidelines at horse races with rules such as no off-the-shoulder dresses, no mini-skirts and only women wearing a formal day dress with a hat will be admitted. The fascinator, a light and delicate hair piece attached by a comb, headband or clip, has been more recently accepted as a substitute for traditional British headwear. Even men are required to wear suits with a waistcoat and top hat.

“I don’t see anything wrong with wearing them,” said Kendra Oakden, who has previously studied in England. “While American pop icons draw attention to themselves by wearing sleazy attire and glorifying sex and violence, I find it refreshing that British celebrities choose a classier route by defining themselves by their headdress choice while staying fully clothed.”

Laura Gray, a secondary school teacher who spent most of her youth in England, recalls trying on hats just for kicks, but said the average British citizen doesn’t normally wear hats such as ones seen at the royal wedding.

“It’s an expensive, attention-grabbing bit of fun for people who don’t care where their money is going,” Gray said. “Your average Joe would do it for fun or for a laugh amongst friends. My mom wants everyone to wear silly hats at her funeral to keep people from being miserable.”

Although not frequently seen, people are paying attention to these “mad-hatters.” So what similar behaviors do American’s participate in? This could differ depending on opinion, but a few comparisons in the running include the everyday baseball cap, sports team apparel and designer clothing.

“America’s equivalent to Britain’s hats are gowns worn at award shows such as the Oscars, Grammys, etc.,” Oakden said. “The buzz the following day is always a critique of who wore what.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email