Vintage hats are a timeless treasure, and a captivating symbol of classic feminine allure.
Why have vintage hats remained so popular? First, here's a little back story. At one time, a woman couldn't go out without a hat, without seeming rude or class-less! Hats used to convey marital status, status for one's place in society, and most importantly, wealth. Hats were also useful tools for women - they protected the complexion from the sun and wind, and could be used as a flirtation device, concealing parts of the face to giggle, or sending a secret, seducing shy glance towards the way of a fine young gentleman.
Hats have been made of cotton fabric, straw, fur, wool felt, and anything you can imagine. The best way to figure out how to date a vintage hat is by looking at the shape. Edwardian times had wide and extravagant hats. In the 1920s, close fitting hats called cloches were a favorite. In the 30s, hats switched from having a cutesy and mysterious shape, to a jauntier design. The 40s brought a graceful and shaped trend, often with veils. The 50s took a whimsical turn, with many hats mimicking idyllic impressionist paintings of women with flowered and bowed hats. Platter hats were also popular in this time. In the 60s the pill box hat was all the rage. Although time has passed and different designs have flitted in and out, vintage hats have stayed popular because their essential meaning to society has remained the same, even though people have started dressing less formally as time goes on.
Vintage hats are a modest investment
High quality and unique vintage hats can be found in a range of prices. This makes them fun to collect and experiment with! Before I started collecting and learning about hats, I was like many others in my assumption that if vintage hats are so unique, ornate, and often using good quality materials, then they must be pretty expensive. I was quite surprised then, when I started seeing that most of the vintage hats I liked, were usually in the $10 to $25 price range. (unless they were rare or made by highly collectible fancy designers). Sometimes, I could find less expensive hats that were damaged at tag sales or thrift stores. Damaged hats with pretty bows, flowers, feathers, etc. can be treasure chests if you start embellishing your own hats, or using the pieces to add to clothing, or create hairpieces or fascinators.
Buying a vintage hat does not cost as much as an entire outfit, but the right hat can create highly fashionable, daring, or classy look. Straw or wide brims are usually worn for daytime casual looks, while closer fitting and more lush styles are usually worn for evening or formal occasions. It's all about the way you accessorize! The low prices of hats means that your dollar goes further and you can buy more than just one, so try experimenting.
The right hat draws attention to the best features in your face. It's important to figure out what hat shape goes best with your particular face shape. Many helpful guides can be found online, or you could just go to a hat store and have a ball trying on all the different hats, to see what works best for you.
Vintage Hats are unique treasures.
Vintage hats are like snowflakes, each one is unique. When you're looking for vintage hats, it's rare that you'll come across the same one twice. Each hat has a special touch, because a lot of them were custom made, or trimmed by the owner. Women would often change the trim to go with the new fashions, or season. Feel free to do the same! Deconstructing damaged hats is a great way to get materials to add your own trimmings, just like women did in the past. You can also buy vintage trimmings at a very low price on online sites. The many available styles allow you to express yourself in your own way and you'll never end up at a party with the same outfit on as someone else!
Part of the fun, is trying on hats at different angles, and with different hairstyles to see how they will look. One hat will have a different allure on each person that tries it, depending on their how they wear it, their attitude, style, and coloring. Try it on backwards! You never know, it could look great. Use a certain hat style to build your own look. Are berets your thing? Collect them in all colors and kinds, add jewelry or pins to set it off. People will look up to your superior sense of style, and ability to have fun with your wardrobe!
Now go out and explore! Vintage hats are waiting for you in all kinds of places. Try shopping online, vintage clothing stores, thrift stores and even ask family or friends what is hiding in the attic waiting for the right person to come along. And prepare to get tons of enjoyment as your vintage hat never goes out of style!
Why have vintage hats remained so popular? First, here's a little back story. At one time, a woman couldn't go out without a hat, without seeming rude or class-less! Hats used to convey marital status, status for one's place in society, and most importantly, wealth. Hats were also useful tools for women - they protected the complexion from the sun and wind, and could be used as a flirtation device, concealing parts of the face to giggle, or sending a secret, seducing shy glance towards the way of a fine young gentleman.
Hats have been made of cotton fabric, straw, fur, wool felt, and anything you can imagine. The best way to figure out how to date a vintage hat is by looking at the shape. Edwardian times had wide and extravagant hats. In the 1920s, close fitting hats called cloches were a favorite. In the 30s, hats switched from having a cutesy and mysterious shape, to a jauntier design. The 40s brought a graceful and shaped trend, often with veils. The 50s took a whimsical turn, with many hats mimicking idyllic impressionist paintings of women with flowered and bowed hats. Platter hats were also popular in this time. In the 60s the pill box hat was all the rage. Although time has passed and different designs have flitted in and out, vintage hats have stayed popular because their essential meaning to society has remained the same, even though people have started dressing less formally as time goes on.
Vintage hats are a modest investment
High quality and unique vintage hats can be found in a range of prices. This makes them fun to collect and experiment with! Before I started collecting and learning about hats, I was like many others in my assumption that if vintage hats are so unique, ornate, and often using good quality materials, then they must be pretty expensive. I was quite surprised then, when I started seeing that most of the vintage hats I liked, were usually in the $10 to $25 price range. (unless they were rare or made by highly collectible fancy designers). Sometimes, I could find less expensive hats that were damaged at tag sales or thrift stores. Damaged hats with pretty bows, flowers, feathers, etc. can be treasure chests if you start embellishing your own hats, or using the pieces to add to clothing, or create hairpieces or fascinators.
Buying a vintage hat does not cost as much as an entire outfit, but the right hat can create highly fashionable, daring, or classy look. Straw or wide brims are usually worn for daytime casual looks, while closer fitting and more lush styles are usually worn for evening or formal occasions. It's all about the way you accessorize! The low prices of hats means that your dollar goes further and you can buy more than just one, so try experimenting.
The right hat draws attention to the best features in your face. It's important to figure out what hat shape goes best with your particular face shape. Many helpful guides can be found online, or you could just go to a hat store and have a ball trying on all the different hats, to see what works best for you.
Vintage Hats are unique treasures.
Vintage hats are like snowflakes, each one is unique. When you're looking for vintage hats, it's rare that you'll come across the same one twice. Each hat has a special touch, because a lot of them were custom made, or trimmed by the owner. Women would often change the trim to go with the new fashions, or season. Feel free to do the same! Deconstructing damaged hats is a great way to get materials to add your own trimmings, just like women did in the past. You can also buy vintage trimmings at a very low price on online sites. The many available styles allow you to express yourself in your own way and you'll never end up at a party with the same outfit on as someone else!
Part of the fun, is trying on hats at different angles, and with different hairstyles to see how they will look. One hat will have a different allure on each person that tries it, depending on their how they wear it, their attitude, style, and coloring. Try it on backwards! You never know, it could look great. Use a certain hat style to build your own look. Are berets your thing? Collect them in all colors and kinds, add jewelry or pins to set it off. People will look up to your superior sense of style, and ability to have fun with your wardrobe!
Now go out and explore! Vintage hats are waiting for you in all kinds of places. Try shopping online, vintage clothing stores, thrift stores and even ask family or friends what is hiding in the attic waiting for the right person to come along. And prepare to get tons of enjoyment as your vintage hat never goes out of style!
Vivian Vassar (aka Hey Viv!) has been wearing and selling vintage clothing for over 25 years. She is the owner of Hey Viv! an online vintage clothing store that specializes in 50's style retro and vintage clothing. http://www.HeyViv.com
Hey Viv! Vintage Hats are the finishing touch!
http://heyviv.com/shop/category.asp?catid=27
Hey Viv! Vintage Hats are the finishing touch!
http://heyviv.com/shop/category.asp?catid=27
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