Ready for adventure in the 1850’s. Don’t forget to wear the correct hat for the occasion. Half Plate Daguerreotype
One fashion trend I miss are men with hats. I don’t mean baseball caps, worn front, back, or sideways. I am also not talking about stocking hats, or cowboy hats, which also serve their own purpose, or hide bed head, or whatever.
I’m talking about real hats. Why hats? Hats are fun. Hats are stylish. Hats protect male heads with thinning hair. Hats keep one both cold and warm. Plus hats just look great.
An attractive family with fabulous hats. Tintype. 1890’s
I’m also talking about old photos and the 19th Century men in these photos. They knew how to wear hats. When they were not wearing the hats they were still showing them off. Mind you, top hats are extremely cool. Our friend Randolpho often wears an extremely tall top hat, but this post is about the other hats. Top hats will be featured in a future post.
This week I’m featuring a small collection of images with stylish men in the 1860’s – 1880’s and their hats. Enjoy.
Of course you could always let your girlfriend wear your hat. Tintype. 1880’s.
1880’s Summer Style. A nice straw hat for a stroll out with your female companion. Back then straw hats were not just for yard work or super casual wear. This was real style. Tintype.
A couple of dapper dudes. Tintype. 1890’sStraw and SilkWell dressed couple. His hat is a light color but it looks to be cloth rather than summer straw. No doubt it was from one of the finest hat makers. Considering it is usually in the 90’s or 100’s in Marysville in July their clothing is, well interesting. Sanders & Stinson Photographers, July 9th 1864 Marysville, California. CDV
Dapper young man with a fine looking summer hat and cane. Notice the striped trousers and patterned vest peaking out from the jacket. 1860’s. Photographed by Issacs. Lachman. Philadelphia. CDVI want a guy with a straw hat and a long jacket. Yes, that was a take on the Cake song. You’re welcome. 1860’s. Photographed by Black & Batchelder, Boston. CDVUncle Ed has a fine cloth hat. It isn’t quite a top hat but extremely handsome. Photographer Randall, Fishers Block Detroit Michigan, 1870’s. CDVJ.C. Huten in a bowler hat and friend. 1880’s. W. Hall, Photographer, Brighton, England. CDVCute dogs never go out of style. This dog is seriously cute.Young man with a beautiful hat to go with his long jacket. He is looking grown up with a bit of a beard over his handsome young baby face. 1864. Carte De Vista by Charles G. Crane, Philadelphia. Tax Stamped.
I couldn’t leave you today without a formal top hat. This looks like it might be fur. This is The Irish Tenor Chauncey Olcott with Rosemary Theby. Cabinet Card, Donovan, New York.
This post has been part of the series As We Were, a look into 19th Century photography, fashion, and culture.
On the 1st and 4th Wednesday of each month I’ll ramble share my photos, along with stories, thoughts on fashion like how bustles and hoop skirts really work, society, and other related subjects. For the complete list CLICK HERE.
All images are from the collection of and property of Juliette Kings / Marla Todd. Please ask for permission before reproducing. Thank you.
One more thing…
For Vampire Maman fans who came here for Vampires here is a picture of Peter Cushing in a hat.
I’ve never liked wearing anything on my head. Might as well put a live squirrel on my noggin for how it feels to me. Maybe the squirrel could wear a hat though and tip it to ladies as I walked down the street…. now that would be a fashion statement.
Vampire Maman 
…and a tip of my fedora to you, my dear.
Thank you!
I’ve always believed I’d look rather spiffing in a sport coat and boater 🙂
I agree. I expect to see you in your new get up on your blog – very soon.
I’ve never liked wearing anything on my head. Might as well put a live squirrel on my noggin for how it feels to me. Maybe the squirrel could wear a hat though and tip it to ladies as I walked down the street…. now that would be a fashion statement.
A squirrel in a hat would be quite delightful.