The rise and fall of manly headwear

[rogerstg]

There was a time that brimmed hats seemed to be part of everyday wear, from casual to formal. Somewhere along the way, ball caps replaced hats for informal wear and business attire became casual. Also, many of the practical uses for hats diminished. Suburbanization has lead to few people walking to work since they mostly drive. We have indoor shopping (malls), better hvac, and vehicles with headrests. Even farmers plow, cultivate and harvest in the temperature controlled environment of their cabs. For the mass market, there is not much practical need for everyday protection from the elements, and in the case of vehicle headrests, a proper hat can be a nuisance.

Thankfully, proper felt hats have seen a resurgence, though mainly as a fashion accessory.

 

[belfastboy]

NOw that I have a pronounced bald spot in the middle of my head wearing a hat on sunny days is a must. It is a particularly sensitive area and the days I have forgotten a hat the pain of the burn is a great reminder. I am 67 yrs old and have a collection of fedoras and baseball caps. I love them all and all have their time and place. I keep a ball cap in the car as it is not comfortable wearing a fedora while driving. The crown hits the roof and the brim bangs against the seat back. A ball cap is perfect to throw in the car and have available.

 

[suitedcboy]

I get a company car as part of my job. My selection is based on which offered model accommodates hats.

 

[Rogera]

I still say at last in part proper hats were phased out of the market because you can't make everyone a walking billboard if they're wearing a fedora and not a ball cap. T shirts and ball caps are nothing but free advertisement for Coca Cola, Nike..... so on and so forth.

 

[moontheloon]

I still say at last in part proper hats were phased out of the market because you can't make everyone a walking billboard if they're wearing a fedora and not a ball cap. T shirts and ball caps are nothing but free advertisement for Coca Cola, Nike..... so on and so forth.

boom!!

 

[Bob Roberts]

Athletic wear as well as "gym" clothes along with caps cuz they do work well with that style, help cause the demise of the fedora.