Bowler hat

The bowler hat is a hard felt hat created for an Englishman James Coke in 1850. It was designed to be hard to protect the head. Peaking in popularity towards the end of the 19th century, it offered a midway between the formality of the top hat associated with the upper classes and the casual nature of soft felt hats worn by the lower middle classes. It was the traditional headwear of London city 'gents' and has become something of a British cultural icon. However British men stopped wearing hats as a matter of course in the 1960s, and most young British people in the 21st century have never seen a bowler hat worn as part of normal dress. It is also traditionally worn by members of the Orange Order in Northern Ireland during their 12th July annual parades, though usage has declined.

Related Topics:
Felt - Hat - Englishman - 1850 - 19th century - Top hat - London - Orange Order - Northern Ireland - 12th July

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In the United States, this hat is also known as a derby hat.

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It is also used in the many traditonal towns located at the Highlands of South-America mostly by the local women.

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