National Hat Day
From beanies to fedoras, there's a hat for every occasion — express your personality and add a touch of flair to any outfit.
Hats are a fascinating accesory that serve all sort of purposes, from weather protection to fashion statements.
Hats enable the person wearing them to be just about anything they aspire to be, and to bring a sprig of style to an outfit that will truly round it out!
National Hat Day is a great day to sport the very best in headgear. And it’s also the perfect time to learn about this history of hats as well as finding creative ways to celebrate!
History of National Hat Day
Hats have been in the world since at least 3000 BC. This is known because an image of a man wearing a hat that seemed to be made of straw was discovered in a mural from that period of time.
Since then, hats have served some incredibly diverse purposes, from simple protective wear to help those stuck out in the rain, cold, or hot sun, to indicating various degrees of status and rank in political, royal or other communities. Who doesn’t recognize a crown as the ultimate mark of royalty?
Hats have undergone an immense amount of changes, with varieties appearing all over the world in every possible culture.
Whether for the soldier protecting his skull from incoming damage, the lieutenant making sure that his troops know where to look for direction, or the dapper gentleman in the Top Hat on his way to the opera, almost everyone can have a love of, and a use for, hats.
National Hat Day has been around since the 1980s and is the best time for anyone to break out that favorite headgear, and use it to make a huge impression.
How to Celebrate National Hat Day
Getting into the spirit of National Hat Day certainly isn’t hard! It’s a fun and whimsical day to celebrate and enjoy. But, there are many more ways to commemorate the day than just putting on a hat. Try out some of these ideas:
Learn More About Hats
Impress friends, family members and coworkers by sharing fun facts and tidbits of trivia related to National Hat Day. Try these on for size or find some other fun hat facts to share on the day:
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The tall, white hats that are worn by chefs (called “toques”) are meant to have 100 pleats. This number is supposed to represent the number of ways that an egg can be prepared. This special hat was meant to establish an understanding of hierarchy in the kitchen, so everyone would know who the head chef was just by glancing!
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Ever wonder why those black taxis in London are so tall? It’s not simply because it looked good or was necessary for engineering purposes. No, it’s much more practical than that. It’s because the black taxis were made so that a gentleman could get into a taxi without needing to take off his top hat.
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The phrase “mad as a hatter” has its origins in the way that felted hats were originally made. Hatmakers would use felt which often contained mercury, a toxic substance that can cause damage to the nervous system–including dementia, which made the hatters seem insane.
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Dunce hats, tall and pointy, were created by John Duns Scots. Their intention was the opposite of how they are known in modern times. They were made with the intention of creating wisdom and some people even thought they would connect the wearer to the gods. Later, however, they became associated with shaming and poor behavior.
Host a Hat Themed Party
Why let National Hat Day go by without getting friends, neighbors or family together to celebrate. Invite everyone over for a fun gathering where they wear their favorite hat.
Give away a prize for the person with the most absurd choice of hat. Make cutout cookies in the shape of cowboy hats or top hats.
Have a Hat Day at Work
Spending the whole day at work? Arrange ahead of time for everyone at the office to wear a unique and fun hat in celebration of the day and bring in some of the hat-shaped treats (mentioned above) to share.
Get Creative with Different Hat Uses
It would be impossible to list every possible use for hats here, but National Hat Day is the ideal time to really dig in deep and find out what all hats have to offer.
Some of the most popular hats these days are animal hats. These are formed into fuzzy, animal-head style hats with long arms that dangle down to warm the ears, secure the hat to the head when tied, or just to simply be adorable!
Baseball caps are available that display far more than just team affiliation, they can share a message of spirituality, fandom for a particular franchise, or even display a favorite sport –which does not have to be baseball! Baseball hats can show support for favorite football teams, hockey teams, soccer clubs, and more.
How many fishermen can be found out there on the banks of their favorite rivers fishing for sport without a hat? They’re almost always going to be found wearing some sort of headgear or another, to keep the elements away.
Get creative today, and celebrate the diverse history and enjoyment of Hats!
National Hat Day FAQs
Did ancient cultures have superstitions about hats?
Yes! In many cultures, placing a hat on a bed is believed to bring bad luck.
The superstition suggests that hats might carry negative energy or “bad spirits” that can spread if they rest on a bed. This belief likely emerged from concerns about hygiene or the symbolic status hats held.
What’s the story behind the Panama hat?
The famous “Panama hat” actually originated in Ecuador, not Panama.
These straw hats became popular after U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was seen wearing one while visiting the Panama Canal construction.
This iconic image spurred global interest, associating the hat with Panama ever since.
How is National Hat Day celebrated in the UK?
In the UK, a similar event called “Wear A Hat Day” is popular, especially among fundraising events.
One prominent example is the UK’s Brain Tumour Research charity event, where people don their favorite hats to raise awareness and funds for research.
Why did hats lose popularity in everyday fashion?
During the mid-20th century, hats became less popular due to lifestyle changes.
Cars with lower roofs, advancements in hairstyles, and evolving social attitudes all contributed to the decline of daily hat-wearing. Many people stopped using hats as functional or status symbols.
Did the phrase “mad as a hatter” come from hat-making?
Yes, it did! The phrase originates from 19th-century hat-makers who often used mercury in the felting process.
Prolonged exposure caused neurological damage, leading to erratic behavior—hence, the expression “mad as a hatter”.
What’s the oldest known hat?
The oldest known hat dates back over 5,000 years and was discovered on Ötzi the Iceman in the Alps. Made from bear fur, it’s believed this hat was crafted to keep Ötzi warm in harsh mountain climates.
Do any sports have unique hat traditions?
Cricket has an interesting hat-related custom called “hat-trick.” When a bowler takes three wickets in consecutive deliveries, it’s called a hat-trick.
Originally, bowlers who achieved this were awarded a hat in recognition.
How did World War I impact hat fashion?
Hats became symbols of patriotism during World War I. Women in many countries knitted hats for soldiers, and civilian fashion began incorporating military-inspired headwear.
These practical styles reshaped post-war fashion.
What are some fun social media trends for National Hat Day?
On National Hat Day, users often share “hat selfies” on social media with hashtags like #HatDay or #NationalHatDay.
From quirky caps to vintage finds, people use this day to flaunt personal style and connect with fellow hat lovers worldwide.
Is it true that people lose most body heat through their heads?
Contrary to popular belief, only about 10% of body heat is lost through the head. While it’s still a good idea to wear a hat for warmth, the “70% heat loss” myth has been debunked.
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