In the realm of fashionable headwear, bucket hats, and cloche hats stand out as iconic choices that shine their unique charm. The versatility of wearing both headwears by pairing it with any dress on any occasion makes it the perfect fit for any. Such a structure of hats not only looks appealing to the eyes but also adds a touch of elegance. But styling was never a matter of dilemma. The dilemma was never about choosing between both hats, but it was always about thinking of both being the same.
Cloche Hat
Bucket Hat
If on a table, a bucket hat and cloche hat are kept, one will impulsively say that there are two-bucket caps or two cloche caps. They both look so alike that you might even say that they are made out of the same cloth.
But that’s not the truth. Not only do they have different characteristics, both hats are even rooted in different eras. Within this blog, we will be guiding you to differentiate between bucket hats and cloche hats, exploring their historical differences, the ideal size for a cloche hat, and styling options for it.
| Cloche Hat vs Bucket Hat | ||
| Feature | Cloche Hat | Bucket Hat |
| Brim | Round with a curve downwards | Downward sloping, relaxed |
| Material | Typically straw due to structure | Available in various fabrics |
| Fitting | One size fits most, snug fit | Loose structure, often adjustable with drawstring |
| Style | Primarily worn by women at fancy parties | Versatile, worn casually or at festivals by both genders |
| Sun Protection | Offers moderate protection | Offers decent shade to face and eyes |
| Popularity | Popular in the 1920s, occasional revival in fashion | Gained popularity among Irish peasants and fishermen |
| Iconic Wearers | Flappers, stylish women of the 1920s | Fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts |
| Versatility | Limited to formal occasions | Worn casually or in outdoor activities |
| Adaptability | May not suit all face shapes due to snug fit | Can be styled in various ways, adaptable to most face shapes |
| Historical Significance | Symbol of women’s liberation and progressive attitudes | Originated as functional headwear for Irish peasants and fishermen |
While both hats have different practical purposes, here we are unravelling the basic distinction between this both hats
- Brim:- The most obvious part of comparing any kind of hat is always with a brim. The brim of Bucket hats is usually downward sloping which looks more relaxed. Whereas, the brim of the Cloche hat is round with a curve downwards.
- Material:- Though the hatter has a knack to make any hat with any fabric, it is usually preferred to make a cloche hat with straws due to the structure. On the other hand, bucket hats are available in many fabrics. So next time if you find a bell-shaped straw hat, it probably can be a cloche hat!
- Fitting:- Cloche hat comes with little variation in size, ie to say, a cloche hat fits almost any head. Once worn, they aren’t easy to slip away. In contrast, bucket hats are loose in structure and often come with an inner drawstring or elastic to adjust the fitting.
- Style:- Bucket hats are often more versatile than Cloche hats. Bucket hats can be adorned casually or at any festival. They can even be worn by both men and women. On the flipping side, Cloche hats are usually worn by women and it’s more preferable to wear them at fancy parties.
Blast from the Past: A Look to the historical significance and Contrasting between Bucket Hat and Cloche Hat
A History of Bucket Hat
While it was a heyday of harvest, the peasants and fishermen worked till the sweat beaded on their bodies. And to help to cool themselves down, these Irish civilians went on to introduce Bucket Hat. It folded. It can be cleaned with a wet sponge. It can be kept in your pocket. Such features paved the way for this headwear to win the heads of many. Over time these hats gained immense popularity and were a style statement for casual free life.
A History of Cloche Hat
It was the time of the 1920s and more than fashion, people wished for freedom from the war. During those poverty-stricken days, this hat came into existence. Caroline Reboux, a milliner from France invented this bell-shaped hat. The hat looked more like a jingle bell which gave it the name Cloche (a French word for bell). Such was its popularity that women dared not to step out without wearing it!
Cloche hats didn’t bind themselves on being just headwear. Over time, it also became a symbol of women’s liberation and her progressive attitudes. That was how women found fashion and freedom in one.
The impact of this newly gained freedom was well depicted even in other forms of art. The pioneer feminist and modern writer Virginia Woolf’s book Mrs. Dalloway’s front cover differed every time. But interestingly, the Cloche hat was part of almost all of the cover versions. How could one forget those beautiful Great Gatsby women hats which are none other than Cloche hats!
Later, this 1920s version evolved more and embellishments were added to it. Feathers, sequels, brooches, beads, and ribbons adorned these hats which became part of fancy evenings. And today even after a century, the embellishments added to it have not faltered in any way.
From the 1900s to the roaring twenties, these hats haven’t ceased to evolve in the fashion market by their appearance. The historical contexts and purposes of these hats differ significantly, with bucket hats emphasising functionality and protection, and cloche hats embodying the spirit of women’s liberation and the changing fashion landscape of the time.
What is a good fabric for a Cloche hat?
Sun rays can be a boon or a curse. The problem arises when it turns into the latter one. But headwear like a Cloche hat can be your solution by being a utilitarian accessory while also being your style statement. And if you are looking for an all-in-one hat, it becomes necessary for you to opt for a fabric that doesn’t step back to provide your vintage appealing appearance.
In this article, we have covered the best fabric for Cloche hats that aligns with your needs besides being well crafted. Let’s explore the ideal fabric for a Cloche hat i.e. Straw and Wool.
Why Straw?
- Sun Protection:- When it comes to blocking the sunlight out of the way, straw hats can help you with it. It protects your head by blocking off 95% of UV Rays. This not only makes you feel comfortable and cool but also prevents sunburn.
- Durability:- Straws are already synonyms for longevity. Being a durable material, it stays for a long run. Moreover, it’s extremely feasible for one to take care of such fabric as the dirt gets off easily by cleaning with wet wipes or going with easy wash..
- Eco-friendly:- Very few materials carry such features, straws are one of them. They are not only cost-friendly to your income but also cost-effective to the environment. Getting hands on such sustainable headwear in this world of exploiting nature is already a treasure for you to possess.
- Versatility:- The best part of Cloche hats being made from straw is that they are elegant enough for you to carry on on any or every occasion. Not only do they look trendy and fashionable, but they also provide a touch of sophistication. This provides you with an iconic style with a touch of allure
Why Wool?
- Breathability:- Wool is an excellent fabric as its feature maintains air to pass in and out easily. This easy airflow keeps your head cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Moisture Wicking – Wool can soak up an undefined amount of moisture. This also makes it a good natural insulator.
- Easy Care:- While some fabrics might ask for a mammoth size attention, wool is the opposite of it. It’s easy to wash, durable, and easy to mend.
- Versatility:- The versatility of a wool Cloche hat doesn’t bind itself with its association of wearing on any occasion. Its sterling property makes it fit to wear even in any season. Be it summer to keep you cool, or winter to keep you warm, wool is in check!
Ideal size for Cloche Hat
The most stupendous feature of the Cloche hat is that it comes in free size. This allows the hat to fit in any head size. So that usually means that a single Cloche hat is an ideal fit for anyone. That implies, as soon as you slide them on your head, it will snuggly fit you.
Although there can be slight variation with the sizing which depends on the fabric. To cite an example, if a Cloche hat is made with cotton including no fabric blend, it will wrinkle with wash which might make the size of the hat tighter to you. Truly, we haven’t seen anyone who loves tight hats for their head. Are you one of them?
Styling tips with Cloche Hat
Let’s explore more about the style. Cloche hat has its association with the time when women used it as a symbol to show the breaking of traditional styles. And on that part, we want you to dress yourself as best to stand out as a testament to freedom. Have a sneak peek at what you can pair with a Cloche hat
- Retrouvaille Retro:- Pairing an embellished cloche hat with the retro dress and long gown for a fancy evening is something where people can’t drop their eyes away from you. Complement the look by wearing some minimal jewels and let’s see who can stop you from flaunting this evening.
- Effortless Chic– How about adorning your minimalist and palette dress with beige, brown, nude, or another plain with a straw Cloche Hat Yes, we are talking about dressing like Audrey Hepburn. Isn’t that on every girl’s bucket list?
- Winter Vintage:– Let’s go stylish this winter. Wear a pleated mini skirt with a tee and cover yourself with a coat of blazers. Give a shot at long boots and see how wearing a hat goes magically!
Don’t forget to be a little good to yourself by treating your feminine traits with a good Cloche hat. Experiment more and more. Remember it’s never too late to rediscover!
Summing up,
Whether you wish to combine the cloche hat with sweaters, tees, or sunglasses, or whether you wish to get the flower brooches for the cloche hat, you know how to rock on! So this season, buy yourself a good Cloche hat and try experimenting with outfits that make you feel good. With all the information provided here, this post can be your styling partner to find yourself a good cloche hat that goes on with every style statement. So embrace the unique features of the Cloche hat and crown yourself as a fashion icon.
Yashvi Jain, a writer by day and reader by night, is an accomplished content writer and published author of ‘Mind Under Construction. Yashvi possesses extensive knowledge of fabrics, sustainability, and literature. On occasions, you would catch her scripting for her YouTube channel, engrossed in fiction, or ardently dedicating her time to research and storytelling.