The pork pie hat first became popular in the 19th century and actually referred to a style of women’s hat. It derived its name from its resemblance to the pork pie, a popular British food during that time period. Eventually the pork pie hat shifted to more of a men’s fashion and it became a staple of society’s style. The hat spread to America and was even worn by soldiers during the Civil War.

Pork pie hats are typically made of felt or straw and can vary in color. The crown of the hat is typically quite short and is indented around the rim. The brim is also shorter than a fedora or a typical straw hat. The short brim is the defining characteristic that differentiates the pork pie hat from other flat brim hats. There is usually a band around the crown of the hat that adds a fashionable touch.

There have been many individuals throughout history that have made the pork pie hat a popular fashion icon. One of the first of these people was Buster Keaton. He created his own hats due to the fact that so many of them were destroyed during the filming of his movies or were taken by souvenir seekers. The hats were also popular in the science world as many famous scientists such as Robert Oppenheimer were seen in pork pie hats quite often.

Jazz musicians made the pork pie hat popular again in the 1960’s. There was even a song written called “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.” Other artists increased its popularity such as Jeff Beck, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Derek Sherinian, and even Joni Mitchell. The hat’s popularity in jazz eventually leaked over into the alternative culture, which lead to a resurgence of the pork pie hat in the streets of London. Eventually, the counterculture associations with the hat began to wear thin. In turn, more people began to wear them as part of their regular wardrobe.

Today, the pork pie hat is worn by many people all over the world as a casual addition to an outfit. The hat is good at keeping the sun out of the eyes and is light enough to be perfect for a hot summer day. From its origin as a formal women’s hat to its current status as casual men’s wear, the pork pie hat’s history is an interesting look into fashion trends and how they shift over time.