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I would vote for the proliferation of the automobile as main reason for the decline of the hat.
Especially from the '60s onward as cars became more compact hats became more of encumbrance.
I would vote for the proliferation of the automobile as main reason for the decline of the hat.
With so many "journalists" regurgitating this fake "JFK killed hats" story, it does make one wonder just how much of "journalism" is to be believed, doesn't it?
Not to disagree with the posts explaining the decline in hat sales as a phenomenon dating back to the early 20th century, the influence of John and Jacqueline Kennedy on style and fashion was substantial.
Some day people on "The Ball Cap Lounge" will complain about lack of style, class and beanies.
I don't know if this was the case in US too, but in Europe it seems like quite fewer hats were purchased during The Great Depression than during the roaring 20s. During and following WWII the money were still very scarce and a lot of goods were rationed. As we got back on our feet (not least thanks to The Marshall Help), the importance of hats had been downplayed for a generation or more - and hats never regained their former attraction.
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Alan pointed out that JFK and his Mrs were leaders in style - people would have followed his lead for sure. Maybe it would have happened if he'd been around a bit longer to wear that Peter's Bros hat. Hmm, somehow I can't imagine him in a western though.
President and First Lady to be leaders in style. I know Lincoln wasn't. Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton, Bush 2,