The boater’s hat, also known as a sennit, basher, skimmer, or sailor, originated in Italy and was worn by gondoliers with a long colored ribbon. It became popular in the US in the late 19th century and was worn for both casual and formal events. It found great popularity in American waters in the 1930s and was favored by artists like Fred Astaire. Although not as popular today, it is still occasionally used for sailing, rowing, and boating.
A boater’s hat, also known as a sennit, basher, skimmer, or sailor, is a distinct type of straw hat. This headwear has a stiff, flat top. A wide ribbon or piece of material is often wrapped around the crown of the hat.
First seen in Italy, this hat was the standard choice for gondoliers, the boatmen who power the long, flat-bottomed boats popular in Venice. Gondoliers generally wore their boater’s hats with a “doppio nastro”, or a long colored ribbon, in red or navy blue. Many gondoliers today can still be seen in this outfit.
Boater hats were first found in the United States in the late 19th century. They were probably brought to the United States by Italian immigrants. These hats were worn for both casual and formal events, although the boater hat was restricted to the summer season. At the dawn of the early 20th century, this piece entered mainstream culture and fashion.
In the 1930s, the boater’s hat found great popularity in American waters. It was frequently found over the heads of fashionable sailors. More than 50 percent of all boater hats were sold for use as boating casual wear during this period.
Soon, the hat migrated from the nautical scene to more frequent, everyday use. However, despite its casual wear, the boater hat was also considered appropriate attire for more formal events. It can be perfectly combined with a jacket or suit for dinners and other evening events.
The widespread popularity of the boater’s hat earned it publicity in Vaudeville. He was favored by artists like the legendary Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. The hat was small and light and made excellent use as an accessory and as a fashion statement.
It is also rumored that this hat was used as an outfit for agents of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation in the pre-war period. Although not an official uniform, it may have been a subtle and informal way to identify agents.
By the time the 1950s rolled around, the boater hat was a common piece for just about any summer event. For formal events, the boater’s hat was the only straw hat considered acceptable. No felt counterpoint was created, and the hat retained its original material.
Although these straw hats have left the fashion scene, boater hats aren’t completely gone. They are still occasionally used for sailing, rowing, and boating. As the name suggests, boater hats can always be better suited for a spot on the water.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
