The gentleman’s hat is a stiff felt hat with a wide brim and large ostrich feather trim, often worn by supporters of King Charles I in the mid-17th century. Historically made from beaver felt, it was an expensive sign of wealth and could be decorated with symbols of love. The hat fell out of fashion in the late 17th century and is now rarely worn outside of historical reenactments.
A gentleman’s hat is a different type of head piece. This stiff felt hat has a wide brim that is usually fastened on one side. A trim of large feather feathers, most commonly ostrich, is attached to one side and a broad band or ribbon often encircles the hat. The most elaborate gentleman hats even feature jewelery attached to the band.
The gentleman’s hat was named for the class of people who commonly wore this distinctive type of headgear. Supporters of the kingship of King Charles I in the mid-17th century were known as knights. This hat was worn by civilians and military personnel who supported the king, whom he himself wore to wear this fashion. This hat was accompanied by other extravagant pieces such as ruffled shirts, silk and velvet fabrics, and lace trims.
Historically, men’s hats were made from beaver felt. This was the only fabric available at the time with the proper stiffness. Beaver felt that he could hold the large brim of the hat and its many ornaments without bending over or falling over. Beaver fur was a rare commodity in 17th century England, so these hats were typically very expensive. The showy decorations on the hat were another sign of wealth.
The brim on this hat can be folded down on either side, including the front or back. However, it is more common for the brim to fold back on the left side of the head. This style originated with soldiers wearing the hat. Placing the ornaments on the left side of the head kept them out of the way of the user’s sword arm.
In some cases, the gentleman’s hat was decorated with symbols of love. A collar may have taken the place of a sash, and other adornments could be secured to the side of the hat along with the plume, which itself was secured with a decorative gold clasp. When such tokens appeared in the hat, they would be placed on the left side to align with the wearer’s heart.
The gentleman’s hat fell out of fashion in the late 17th century when it was gradually superseded by the tricorne hat. These hats are rarely worn today outside of historical reenactments or theatrical performances. While traditional recreations of this hat must be made of felt, some newer styles of gentleman hats are made of leather.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
