Would You Wear… a Boater Hat?
Topshop and Oscar de la Renta doing the boater hat trend. Credit: 1, 2
I’m going to tell you a secret: I love the boater hat trend. It may seem cheesy, costume-y, or too retro to others; but I cannot get enough of it. Whenever I see a boater hat walking around campus, I get an rush of excitement and want to invest in one myself.
While this trend may be ultra-hot right now, this hat has truly passed the test of time. Boaters have gone from being Gondolier’s hats to Fred Astaire’s signature piece in popular 1940s-50s films, to now being seen on hip kids all over the globe.
The boater is the perfect spring and summer accessory. Even if you’re hundreds of miles from a beach, the boater can’t help but remind one of a sailing adventure. Thrown on with a cute dress as seen in the street style looks below, how can anyone not dig this style?
What do you think about boater hats?
Leave a comment and let’s talk about it! Do you have a boater? If so, how do you wear it? Is this a piece you see sticking around for a long time?
Posted on on April 19, 2011 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: boater hat, hat trend, oscar de la renta, Spring Trends, street style look, Topshop
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Tasnim
i can’t get over how cute it is! ;D
Rachel
the choir teacher at my high school has a hat just like that! During the musical, he brought it for the lead to wear and during intermission i ran around wearing it with a blue dress, a side braid and black boots and it looked soooooo cute!!!!
Stacey
they’re so cute and summery but I can’t help think they look exactly like the straw hats mum used to make me wear when I was little so I don’t think I’d buy one
Shannon
I think they’re adorable, but I have a freakishly large head and hats never fit me =[
Amber
Where can I get one?! I love this hat and want one but on a college student budget, it’s difficult to find a cute and sassy hat, like such, and not give up next weeks groceries.
Sam
I love this trend. I got my boater on clearance at JCPenney last summer for less than $5 and wear it all the time!
Meredith
I’ve already worn one on my blog, and I love it! I’m a sucker for hats, even in the summer. And Amber, I got mine from Forever 21 for a few bucks, they might still have it.
Annalise
Ohhh, I love hats but I’m afraid this one wouldn’t suit me/look daft considering how short my hair is (shaved in at one side haha!) It’s so cute though ahh
Erica
For people looking for these hats, Urban Outfitters has several options
Alexine
my problem, with all of these trends (boaters, fedoras, etc..) is that I have short really curly hair and I look awful with any of these kinds of hats :P
Krista
Love it! I used to rock hats all the time when I was little. I think I need to start that back up again :)
shly
I bought one of these for $3 at a thrift store a few weeks ago. Now I have an idea of how to wear it. Thanks! :D
A
Amazing!! I want one immediately
Gloria
Isnt this a bit late? It was a trend last resort/spring too
Laura
Love it!!!
Caitlin
While I can appreciate this look on others, I don’t think I’ll be investing in the trend. I don’t really think it goes with my style and I’d feel like it was too costumey on me. If I was going to invest in a trend similar to this I’d probably prefer a fedora, they seem more versatile!
Becky
I love hats and I’d wear most any hat. I’d definitely wear it if I coud find one at a decent price.
Steph
Hi there!
This trend does look lovely! But I just have a question as to what the difference is between Boater Hats and Fedoras.
Thanks! xo
Molly
love it!
Sierra Young
When I was in Tokyo last summer these hats were EVERYWHERE! I wish I could wear them, however I have a big head and they rarely make women’s hats in my size. :(
Aik0
i’d rather wear a hat that flatters me and won’t fall off with any gust of wind.
Tina
Hate em. I understand that they would be great as protection from the sun, but I can’t stand the look of them.
Milana
They look super cute, but I’m not sure they’re my style. I’m not really a hat person… But they’re very cute on others :)
ame
these were all the rage when I was in Japan last summer. I bought one but haven’t had the courage to wear it over here yet. Glad to see they’ve crossed the pacific!
gwen
on the fence with these. they are very cute , but I used to have to wear these for my old school uniform so it feels a little school girly to me..
Carly
Nope, sure wouldn’t. They’re cute, but definitely not for me!
Bre K
Ive wanted a boaters hat for the longest PLEASE list some sites where to get some!
JenM
These are too cute much…. better than fedoras
Cindy
Love the boater hat trend. :)
Just wondering, though, who is the blogger in the middle photo in the 2nd row of photos? The credit link goes to the same place as the left photo.
Thanks!
Karinnnnnnnn
I have a mini boater hat that clips on my hair and it looks really cute!! For people looking for normal sized boater hats, I think you can get some on Amazon pretty cheap :)
Richmond'sLaura
No Ma’am! I always save my fair skin from burning with a vintage YSL wide-brimmed straw hat I found at Goodwill years ago.
Also, boaters have a flat crown, perfectly flat brim, an extremely stiff weave, and are highly unflattering unless worn slanted back on someone with a thinner face. So, although very cute, the first two blogger pictures aren’t boaters at all, but a fedora (?it’s difficult to tell from the pic) and a porkpie.
Lena
Totally love this style! :D I’m a huge hat-wearer and will wear all kinds of hats, but I especially love very retro old-fashioned ones, like big lacy ones that flop at the brim, newsboy caps, bowlers, and boater hats. This blog gives me new ideas for how to wear the boater. Thank you!
Tina
Why buy a fedora when you can stand out with a FABULOUS boater hat?
Wendy
They are so cute… Im trying to buy ones but don’t know where to look for….anyone has any suggest?
Breanna
Anyone knows what to do to prevent it from getting blown away? I have a freakishly small head and most hats are too big for me (especially those labelled as “one size”), but boaters aren’t very deep. They stay at the very top of the head only and I tried many and every time I had a feeling the slightest gust of wind will blow it away. Should it be somehow pinned or something?
zaa.miss.bowtie
OMG! these are SO CUTE!
Sydney
I just bought a super cute boater today :)
It has a white thick-lacy ribbon and flat bow. A little anne of green gables-ish. I’d wear it with a floral/flowy top or long sundress. Or a nautical themed look. Perfect for boating :)
Sydney