THE HAT

A hat is a head-covering with a brim all around. Under the definition hat, we find different versions, like winter-hats, rain-hats, sun-hats whose wide brims protect from sun and heat. There are hats to warm us, hats that cool and hats which are worn for prestige or to be fashionable. Hats which protect the head from all kinds of injuries are called helmets.

Hats are made out of stumps, which are then made into a wide variety of models. Not only has the hat the function of protecting its wearer from different kinds of weather, it also stresses the personality of its wearer, or even his attachment to a certain ethnic or religious group.

The word hat derives from the old Germanic word huot, (“Hut” in modern German) which originally used to mean protection or cover, with time the word came to mean hat, as we understand it today.

Many cultures used hats in the broadest sense as status-symbols, as signs of special honours, at festivals or religious ceremonies. In Europe as well, the hat was considered an integral, indispensable part of the wardrobe. There are events even nowadays, where hats are considered absolutely indispensable. It would be unthinkable for a lady to appear at the races in Ascot without wearing an utterly fantastic hat-creation. The real gentleman is expected to appear wearing a cut and top-hat.
It can be said in all confidence that also today, the elegant lady and gentleman are only dressed correctly, if a matching hat crowns their outfit.