Take Your Hat Off to the Sea

Hats have long been a component of human attire, stretching back several centuries — and the age of exploration is no exception! Beginning in the 15th century, sailors set off on adventures to explore the world in search of new trade routes, resources and knowledge. The difficulties encountered by sailors, especially the harsh weather conditions, necessitated that adequate provisions were made in the form of food and clothing, with hats as a requisite addition.

Apart from shielding the sailors from the piercing sun rays or torrential rain, the hats were also an important symbol of identity, strength and status. Allow us to take you on a tour down memory lane as we explore the types of hats sailors wore during the age of exploration!

The tricorn hat was a hat design that first appeared in the 17th century and rose to prominence in the 18th century. It was a circular, dome-shaped cap made of animal fiber (beaver hair felt or wool felt), with a wide brim pressed up to the cap on all sides and fastened with pins, laces or buttons to create a triangle shape around the crown. Sailors often wore the tapered end of these hats backward for a better view of the distant seas.

The tricorn was practically useful to sailors during bad weather because it efficiently directed rainwater away from the face to run over the shoulders by the turned-up parts which acted as gutters. The hat could be quite basic and inexpensive or otherwise ostentatious when it is adorned with gold or silver lace trimming and feathers. Till now, the tricorn hat design is still often worn as part of some ceremonial attire in many nations.

The 18th century saw the adoption of these hats, also known as two-cornered hats or cocked hats. They were made of fine black wool felt. The brim of the bicorn hat was pulled up and fastened on only two sides as opposed to three like the tricorn hat. Bicorns were typically made to be sturdy and resilient enough to be folded. You’ll often find bicorns tucked underneath the arm of sailors when not in use. It was markedly popular among American and European sailors who wore the pressed-up sides on either side of the head, and the brim edges laden with elaborate decorations and ornaments.

The top hat, also known as high hat or topper, was a cylindrical hat with a narrow and mildly curved brim. By the 1800s, these hats were worn by sailors and midshipmen not merely as part of their clothing to avoid unfavorable weather but also as a show of higher status or rank.

The top hat was typically made of beaver fur felt. Other variants were made of rabbit fur felt or silk.

Before the sailor cap became the norm, sailors historically used these sailor straw hats with flat crowns and wide brims during the nineteenth century. Although sailor hats for children and women had some distinctive designs, they all featured the same dark ribbon band and, in some cases, streamers that hung off the brim. As an alternative to straw, felt could also be used to create these hats.

The sailor hat formed part of the uniform for many navies. For instance, the sailor hat was worn with British naval attire from 1857 until March 16, 1921 and was frequently paired with a black cover during inclement weather or a khaki cover during active duty onshore.

Sailor caps are flat, spherical, visorless hats that began to gain popularity among sailors in many of the world’s navies. It first appeared in September 1811 as a component of the Russian Navy’s uniform (bezkozyrka). The French version, the “bachi,” had a unique red pompom on top, while German sailors tied a tally ribbon in the back of the cap and allowed the two ends to dangle down to the shoulders as beautiful streamers. The cap, which was originally used as a casual substitute for other leather hats, has persisted as a dress accessory up to the current day and is frequently adorned with a badge, cockade or other adornments.

Do you want to learn about maritime history dating back centuries, or do you long for an experience in a historical sailing ship as you explore the open seas? Grays Harbor Historical Seaport has got you covered! At Grays Harbor, we are committed to providing you with the experience of a lifetime through in-depth lessons, memorable fun activities and an exciting voyage aboard our sailing ship. Experience our tall ship, Lady Washington, as she takes you down the memory lane of maritime antiquity. Book a ticket here today.