With time, some vanish, and some stay. Today, within this blog we will walk down the memory lane of time exploring the evergreen fashion statement. Yes, we are talking about two classic hats that have been standing through tides and heights. Each with its own unique structure and design, both hats face stiff competition in the world of fashion.
Bowler hats have been ruling the headgear world for centuries because of their comfort and sophisticated look. Its popularity has flourished so much that the world still wears it in great demand. The hat has grown old but never out of fashion.
On the other hand, the pork pie hat, which got its name from the tasty English pastry still reigns supreme. Pork pie hats are part of many countercultural movements like jazz and music which has contributed towards its immense popularity.
However, both being versatile and popular there are clear differences that need to be noted when choosing headgear.
Analysing the striking difference between bowler hats and pork pie hats
Brim
Brim is one of the most striking features to compare between the hats. The brim of the bowler hat is wider and the edges are curved whereas the brim of the pork pie hat is narrow and flat which gives it an upturned look.
Purpose
Though, both hats are versatile in their way. The purposes they can be used for are way apart. Bowler hats are worn on specific occasions like formal ceremonies etc. Pork pie is a daily wear hat that can be worn with any outfit.
Crown shape
Crown means the circumference of the hat that fits on the wearer’s head. When it comes to bowler hats, the crown of the bowler hat is rounded making it ideal to wear during horse riding. The crown shape of the pork pie hat is rounded and flat.
Materials
Materials are another way to significantly contrast between the bowler hat and pork pie. Bowler hats are usually made of the world because of their ability to retain their shape. Pork pies are made of materials like straw and wool with the purpose of making them breathable.
Tracing the Roots: The story of the origination of Bowler Hat and Pork Pie Hat
We call it classic, and you don’t know the reason? No worries! Identify the roots as we elucidate and explore where they have emerged from.
A History of Bowler Hat
The renowned politician of his own time, Edward Coke faced a constant issue. An early issue where he kept witnessing the gamekeeper’s top hat being damaged. The patrolling of them had to be continued but not the damage when they rode a horse. Did someone solve it? Yes, indeed. The iconic hat makers from London, Thomas, and William Bowler, worked to get the solution. And that’s where they invented the Bowler hat which was round, stiff, and curved.
However, due to practicality in design, the working class of the United States and Britain embraced it. So much so, that by the late 19th century it became a staple statement to wear. The best example of its popularity is Charlie Chaplin giving his iconic performance wearing bowler hats.
Adoringly, the modern world started calling it a Derby hat.
Features of Bowler hats
They look the same as… Not really. Bowler hats have their own different identity. They are so unique that one can spot if even with their silhouette. But how, here are the following features:
- These hats are ideal for protecting against the weather with sun and harsh weather because of their rounded crown.
- The hat is stiff which makes it ideal to wear while riding the horse or doing some physical work.
- Be it casual attire or formal outfit the hat is versatile enough to be worn in any of the dresses.
- Its stiffness contributes to it being durable which makes it a good accessory to spend money on.
- Because of the rounded crown it comfortably fits the head of the person.
A History of Pork Pie Hat
Do you know what’s common in the Jazz scene? Yes, the pork pie hat. Remember, Walter White’s old-fashioned look in Breaking Bad? Yes, that was a pork pie hat too! However, the popularity is something of a later stage.
Pork pie hats first came into the Western world in the late 19th century. As the name suggests, it has a resemblance to a British meat pie where the crown of the hat is similar to the crust of the pie. During those days, women used to wear it by complementing the hat with a feather or sequence. Materials like silk and straws with cotton canvas.
Later on, the popularity spread throughout and the men started wearing it equally like the women. Following, the hatting culture of pork pie kept influencing people ages through ages which has been evident in the way people use it.
Features of Pork pie hats
They say, pork pie not only looks like meat pie but also like a Fedora hat. They are different. But how? Here are some points that show how different they are:
- Pork pie hats can be made with diverse materials. It can be made of straws, wool, and other kinds of synthetic fibers. This makes it a great choice for people who are looking forward to different varieties.
- The look of the pork pie hat is that it is very minimalistic. Even using a simple feather or sequence can elevate its look.
- Unlike fedora hats, the crown of the pork pie hat is upturned which gives it a very subtle look.
- Pork pie hats stand for the symbolization of individualism which is likened by younger generations for its popularity in cultures of jazz and music.
Conclusion
Through this blog, we hope that we have drawn a clear line of distinction between both hats. What needs to be noted is that there is no direct point to compare between both hats as they are unique in their own way. The point of it is to highlight the unique features they came with and also to accept whatever differences they came with. This blog serves as a reminder to accept yourself the way you are while we establish a diverse chain of headgear.
The world of headgear consists of so many hats; including fedoras, bucket, baseball, safari, and what not! Well, we got you covered for all. Explore our blogs which define clear distinctions among the hats and traverse through some unique features of each.
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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.