Frank Sinatra, The Blues Brothers, Indiana Jones, Humphrey Bogart and your pap-pap all have something in common...
Besides the fact that they're all some of the manliest dudes of the past 80 years, they are forever recognizable by their penchant for men's fedora hats: a classically dapper working-class accessory whose design has been largely unchanged throughout the 20th century. Originally a European style, the fedora was introduced to the Americas in the 1880's, largely due to the prominent French play "Fedora", of which the chapeau takes its name.
Photo: Frank Sinatra image via: http://mvempire.blogspot.com/
There was something about the quiet dignity and effortless coolness of the fedora that appealed to American men, and it was quickly adopted as a staple head piece for subsequent generations of undeniably rad-looking guys. However, men's fedoras started to lose prominence in the 1960's, partially because new sedans had lower roofs than previous models and partially because an increasing amount of men just weren't awesome enough to pull it off.
Photo: Jake Gyllenhaal image via: http://www.nashvilleclothingxchange.com/
The Fedora
The fedora isn't an accessory for the meek. It's the choice hat of humble badasses who want you to know what they're all about without peacocking. When wearing a fedora, it is likely the first visual feature a stranger will notice, soit has to be supported by bold personality and bold style, presented in a dignified way.For those with enough confidence to rock one, the fedora is an undeniable visual compliment to a confident personality.
In recent times, the fedora has seen a resurgence among Western men wanting to top their domes with a bold, classic cap, reaffirming its place in men's fashion as a timeless accessory for modest, yet confident men. Anymore, it's no longer expected for a man to wear a hat anytime he leaves his home as it is no longer expected for a man to remove the same hat upon entering a room. Nor is it expected for the same man to lift his hat when meeting a woman or touch its brim when greeting a friend.The fedora harkens back to a time of unapologetic chivalry and a type of courtesy that is no longer expected.
Photo: Indiana Jones image via:www.nydailynews.com
Photo: Blues Brothers image via: http://spiritualpopcorn.blogspot.com
For a solid fedora, check out the Gain by Brixton (Brixton fedora hats on TensionWIRE.com) and remember that it's a symbol of classic gallantry and the wearer is a herald of a revitalized style so badassed that it had to skip a generation.
By Doug
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