Fedora Fever

This happens every October, usually around Halloween; the crisp fall days begin to give way to that winter chill. Every now and again it feels more like wintertime then it does autumn. As New Yorkers we have two options, dress your best and work with the bipolar aspect of the weather or be caught somewhere in-between often being to hot when it is cold or to cold when it is hot. I found that often times what you wear on your head could be the deciding factor of comfort in this ever-changing climate. I was never much of a hats guy until I came to New York City, aside from the comfort aspect, they allow you to take what your wearing to a whole different level. Lately I have been wearing a variety of different types of fedoras, from variations on color and style to different brands and makers. The Fedora was originally a woman’s fashion item in the mid 1800s but as men’s fashion began to develop the hat was seen predominantly on men in the early 1900’s it was worn as a staple item of the middle class. The hat represents an adaptation of the Homburg hat which was made popular at the same time as the Fedora.

The reason there is such popularity behind this headpiece is its deep roots with American pop culture. It is often associated with major American gangsters of the early 1900s as well as law enforcement officials during the prohibition era. The hat was also dawned by Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry during his tenure with the football team. The hat was used to complete his signature look; he is often portrayed with it on in the number of monuments and memorials commemorating what he did as a coach. What separates the Fedora from other major hats and headpieces sported by American gentleman is its connection with history, by wearing the hat you not only wearing an accessory, you are wearing a part of our counties past.

By taking to the streets, you can see how popular the Fedora is. From elders to children to the rich and the poor, individuals who wear this hat aim to achieve the cool trendy feeling it gives off. The fedora is not the only turn of the century headpiece that is currently gaining popularity, the Homburg hat as well as the Porkpie hat have been sported by celebrities and style experts in recent time. The men’s style blog Street Etiquette recently did an entry on the Porkpie hat, exclaiming to its audience what it achieve as a staple fashion item. Before the winter months and first snow hit, you have to take necessary measures to keep you head warm. Picking up a fedora or two might be the perfect solution to being comfortable and stylish all at once.