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The straw hat or boater hat grew in popularity as a fashion accessory for men in the late nineteenth century and well into the 20th century. At first this straw hat was designated to summer holidays or summer sports; but soon it was the favorite warm weather city hat for both upper and middle class men. |
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| The boater became a good serviceable hat for when the sun beat down with full strength. Men of all classes appreciated the light, cool, comfortable qualities of a straw boater hat. Waves of boaters would be spotted at seaside outings, yachting clubs, city parks, picnics, sporting events, garden parties, and at other popular outdoor summer affairs. |
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In general, the boater was made of sennit or split braid straw with a straight narrow brim and finished with fine silk trimmings and a calf-leather sweatband. The ribboned hatband was most often seen in stripes. |
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In Manners for Men (1897), Mrs. C. E. Humphry informed her readers that “For a morning walk in the Park in summer the straw hat, or low hat and tweed suit, are as correct as the black coat and silk hat.” Nevertheless, to avoid a social transgression, Humphry did clarify that, “… it must be remembered that a straw hat or low hat cannot be worn with a black coat of any kind…. If he goes to a garden party in a frock-coat and straw hat, he is condemned more universally than if he had committed some crime.” |
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Left: A 1904 sennit braid boater finished with a navy or black silk band and a leather sweatband.
Right: A 1904 Canton or Pedal straw boater finished with fine silk trimmings and a calf leather sweatband. |
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Left: A 1904 Swiss or rustic straw boater in a neat and stylish shape with a plain navy or black silk band and a leather sweat.
Right: A 1904 split braid straw hat -- very light, cool and comfortable. |
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