Bowler Hats

What do you guys think of the Bowler Hat?

I usually wear Fedoras but was thinking of getting a couple of them to add to the collection.

Any of you wear them?

Lock & Co seems to be the place to get the proper kit:

http://www.lockhatters.co.uk/Town_Coke-details.aspx

I have one by Lock & Co that was potentially needed for Mufti. I have never worn it - they are an anachronism at best and the only time you'll see one in London now is at the Cavalry Memorial Parade.

So it is a bit too eccentric to get around in one.

I Have a Lock & co vintage Bowler hat, and it gets worn often. if you like one, wear one. simple.
mine gets only positive comments from others.
. more importntly, if you feel awkward, you will look awkward. so rock the hat like a boss.

The only person I know who wear a bowler regularly is in an Old-Time band. Apart from that, the university policemen ('bulldogs') at Oxford University... who really aren't people you'd want to look like. As Ich_Dien says, they are anachronistic and unless you are trying for some kind of steampunk look (which is well outside the conventions of this particular forum) or just don't care, then stay well away or you may very well end up looking like you just have no idea what you are doing.

Stay Away I will.

But thanks for your input 38R.

It will really stand out because it's basically the only hat with a totally uniform/clean crown. A homburg, for example, does not stand out as much, because the centre divot makes it look a little like a fedora to someone that doesn't know hats. A trilby, again, has some similarities in shape to a fedora. Bowlers are just plain different.

I think, if it looks particularly good on you, you could wear it with more formal suits. It will work with a stroller, but I doubt you're often such an ensemble. Or, as FlyingMonkey says, for an off-beat kind of look. It would have to be a particularly good look on you, since it's going to draw quite a bit of attention.

British members, correct me f I'm wrong, but I believe it's really associated with the class structure in England, when it was still very rigid. It tends to be associated with stodginess, I think. That may not be a connection you want people to make when looking at you.

I'm not sure if that's really one for or against the proposition...

in the past, hats were worn by all classes. and seen as a important part of a man's wardrobe. with bowlers being slightly more formal.
while many members are quick to profess their "superior knowledge" - some independant research on your part,will give you more accurate information.
and only you can know if it will be suitable in your own wardrobe. many guys on here wear hats and do it well.



FlyingMonkey said:

I'm not sure if that's really one for or against the proposition...

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I run on the more flamboyant side for the forum, true, but I wear a hat everyday and bowler probably 1-3 times a week during the winter. Certainly not conservative business dress.

size 38R said:

in the past, hats were worn by all classes. and seen as a important part of a man's wardrobe. with bowlers being slightly more formal.
while many members are quick to profess their "superior knowledge"

- some independant research on your part,will give you more accurate information.
and only you can know if it will be suitable in your own wardrobe. many guys on here wear hats and do it well.

Click to expand...

What one wore on a daily basis was intricately linked to one's social standing. Bowler's are a semi-formal hat, that can be worn informally, (i.e. with a suit). They were worn, primarily, by businessmen; a working man would wear a soft cap, usually wool. Fur felt hats, such as bowlers, were a sign of wealth. All men wore hats, but the particular hat was one of many markers of wealth, and social standing.

@size 38R , no-one here has made a general argument against hats. All that has been pointed out by several people is the bowler hat has not survived the test of time in the way that other particular hats have. Indeed gentlemen's hats in general have had a tough time, but the bowler (derby, coke hat, whatever you call it) has been in particular consigned to history.

It's far from the only hat that would now look anachronistic - tricorns, top hats outside of very particular contexts and especially stove pipe hats, very tall-crowned fedoras... all of these come across as out-of-time. Less extravagent fedoras, trilby hats, homburgs and stetsons all have their place, albeit a smaller place than they used to have, and almost no gentleman's hat is now a requirement or an expectation, except for top hats at formal weddings or other very traditionally formal occasions, such as being given an award by the Queen. On the other hand, working men's caps, sports caps and other informal hats are still everywhere... although even some of these look more anachronistic than others.

I'm sorry you don't like being told this - indeed, you don't seem to like being told anything - but just because you protest or attack the messenger, it does not make the message less true. And no-one is saying you can't wear them, but you will have to put up with the fact that you will look costumey and anachronistic. As to whether you mind that or not, that is indeed up to you... Mr Claymore clearly doesn't mind and good for him - but he's also not denying the general argument that bowlers are no longer a widely current item of headwear.

ImTheGroom said:

What one wore on a daily basis was intricately linked to one's social standing. Bowler's are a semi-formal hat, that can be worn informally, (i.e. with a suit). They were worn, primarily, by businessmen; a working man would wear a soft cap, usually wool. Fur felt hats, such as bowlers, were a sign of wealth. All men wore hats, but the particular hat was one of many markers of wealth, and social standing.

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Bowlers are indeed SEMI-formal, and lend themselves to being worn daily, - by anyone who could afford one. and some would have a "better one" for special occasions and church etc.
but even back then, if a man came into a bit of money, he would buy a better hat, and wear it.


Flying monkey, i reply to the o.p, he can take it or leave it, you can reply to the o.p. he can take it or leave it. - but trying to correct others(including me) while talking complete nonsense just pisses me off, and makes you look like you know absolutely nothing of mens clothing. period.

and for someone who lives in Tokyo, you should know better. or do you simply lie to be more SF "Approved"?. Bowlers are a staple in japanese contemporary mens fashion. along with other types of hats. then you might argue "but sf isn't japanese", or some other drivel. this is the internet, fashion is world-wide. sf is world-wide. and trends evolve constantly,around the world. and right now, hats are IN. bowlers are the best you can get, and still give a sophisticated impression. if you knew what you are talking about, we wouldn't be having this discussion in a thread intended to help answer a question with multiple valid opinions. - but you are right?, and other members wearing something you don't wear is wrong????? =epic palmface.

btw, i wore a bowler today, i have 2. the o.p is welcome to disregard my thoughts. but you have no right to profess yourself as the authority on what others should wear, or suggest.
edit: to continually have this type of B.S. is a shame, because i simply said to the o.p. i like them, if you like them, wear one. but you had to take it this route again. shame on you. your attitude, and your lack of knowledge.

size 38R said:

. but you have no right to profess yourself as the authority on what others should wear, or suggest.

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FlyingMonkey said:

And no-one is saying you can't wear them, but you will have to put up with the fact that you will look costumey and anachronistic. As to whether you mind that or not, that is indeed up to you... Mr Claymore clearly doesn't mind and good for him - but he's also not denying the general argument that bowlers are no longer a widely current item of headwear.

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Sigh...some people.