A Savory Hat: a History of the Porkpie

[@simonthompson9858]

The Hat Historian is why the internet was invented. Utterly fascinating. The social history of the world via headwear. Well done J-C, long may you educate us.

[@jointgib]

yep, i love the category of everyday things that you suddenly realise you should know about by now

[@Superbrit42]

I’m a hat maker and salesman, I literally watch you channel so that I can speak on the history of the different styles. You have my thanks

[@JamesGoetzke]

I'm 63 and finally know Yogi Bear wore a Porkpie hat. That's some good cartoon trivia for sure.

[@wickedcabinboy]

69 here and I had no idea Yogi's hat had a name. Sure did love that cartoon.

[@marshja56]

Well he's smarter than the average bear after all!

[@Fedoratip79]

Hatty new year.

[@grumpybastard5744]

The pork pie, usually with a snap brim, was greatly favoured by plain clothes detectives in Australia during the late 1970s and early 70s. So much so that it was practically a uniform.

[@TheSuzberry]

Are there any photos? I’d enjoy seeing that.

[@Chiller11]

Maybe modelling Popeye Doyle from 1971’s French Connection film?

[@earnestwanderer2471]

Now I’m tempted to replace my generally worn baseball cap with something more stylish.

[@mercoid]

A great convenience of the baseball cap is that you can be a bit rough with it. Don’t have to worry about accidentally sitting on it, tossing it aside, getting it dirty etc… If you do get a pork pie hat, or any other hat, you may have to modify your everyday habits a little to make sure the hat is reasonably well cared for.

[@kozukizaki8675]

Thank you good sir. Your channel is what I call classic KZbin. No filler; just, well-researched, passionate, original content. I'm roughly 2 decades old, and have spent most of it with a naked head. I'm proud to say, solely because of this channel, I've ordered a few hats for the coming New Year. Thank you Mr. Hat Historian, hats off to you! Happy New Year's, and best of luck in 2025.

[@Moogly-vk4fq]

This is very strange. Today, out of the blue, I started thinking that I would like to buy a Porkpie hat, then tonight I found your video. An odd coincidence.

[@wickedcabinboy]

@Moogly-vk4fq - Google is reading your mind?

[@joegarcia54]

Pretty creepy

[@derrickstorm6976]

Alexa's got some 'splaning to do!

[@scubadudefrommaine]

2:15 im glad you mentioned Buster Keaton, I heard him say in an interview that he and his wife would make hundreds of his signature porkpie hats. Most of them would be destroyed during the stunt works of his films.

[@christopherlyons5900]

Keaton loved to joke about the hat he wore, so integral to his overall look--but he tended to only wear it in his short films, where he was playing his standard comic character, informally refered to as 'Buster.' It was his trademark, as the straw boater was to Harold Lloyd, and the derby was to Chaplin, as well as Laurel & Hardy. In his feature films, Keaton was playing individual characters with their own names and backstories, and the last of his great silent features--the last where he was fully in control of his work--was Steamboat Bill Jr, where Keaton played William Canfield Jr, the son of a big tough boat captain, who is aghast when his college educated kid shows up wearing--gasp!--a beret! Horrors! Dad drags his milquetoast boy to a local haberdasher, and there is a lovely scene where the offscreen hat salesman keeps putting a variety of chapeaus on him--a variety of boaters (to say that Keaton's main competition is Lloyd, which was true), but also a derby/bowler, and at one point even a twin of William S. Hart's famous dark Stetson. Also a Homburg, not sure which stars were wearing those then. As he gazes at his changing image in the mirror, we see him fooling around with the brims, trying to perfect the look, which bugs his dad no end. Suddenly there's the trademark modified porkpie 'Buster' always wore looking at at him in the mirror--his father is distracted--he quickly gets rid of it. He's not 'Buster' in this picture. Later, the daughter of his father's rival outfits him in an overspiffy yachting outfit, complete with yachting cap. He sheds the uniform, keeps the cap. It's his look for this picture. Because what the girl you like likes to see you in matters. But you have to like yourself too. If you can find any scene in all of film that more perfectly sums up how hats express personailty--and therefore, we're constantly fussing over them, or just giving up and wearing none at all--I tip my Filson hunting cap to you. Love these videos.

[@hathistorianjc]

I've seen that movie, and that's a great scene

[@christopherlyons5900]

@@hathistorianjc Thought you might have. But for those who have not....

[@NoahSpurrier]

“A Message to You Rudy.”

[@charlieweinstock2136]

Thank you Jean-Charles! For the life of me I don't get why you dont have more subscribers. You're quirky, geeky yet kinda cool at the same time. Actually, really cool because you don't try to be anything other than Jean-Charles Foyer. Happy new year buddy. Thanks again.

[@kims.schinkel8212]

One of Buster Keaton's last roles was as the father in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" in the latter half of the 20th century. A talkie, in colour, it was a far cry from his earlier work.

[@Arkelk2010]

He had consulted on recreating his stunts for others in his later years.

[@CoreyBrass]

Anther fantastic video. I'm excited to see your channel grow, especially on such a niche topic. 👏👏👏

[@petesheppard1709]

Thanks for another very informative and enlightening video! I never paid particular attention nor was aware of porkpie hats until it was depicted as the hat of Investigator Joe Miller in the recent 'The Expanse' novels and TV series.

[@frankmenchaca9993]

Two notable omissions: Ed Norton, Ralph Kramden's sidekick and Boy George (George Alan O'Dowd).

[@alexanderthegreat3591]

happy new year

[@zpy-nq7wv]

❤ AS A HAT COLLECTOR, I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS SIR !

[@thomasbowers5199]

The traditional pork pie and sauerkraut to ring in the new year!

[@JazzRoyalty]

Happy new year

[@dguy0386]

this is the first video i've watched this year, Happy New Year! : )

[@densonsmith2]

The favorite hat in my collection!

[@lkmh3223]

A great hat video for the new year, thank you

[@toastjoestar5126]

I’ve been waiting for this video! Love your stuff man!

[@propriono]

Happy new year. Suggestions for the next videos: the docker, the beanie, the fiddler, the army/Cuban cap.

[@yogibear5995]

Another great lesson in the history of hats.

[@eigonojikan_k]

Love your work!

[@jarvis69fr]

Excellente année 2025 pleine de nouveaux chapeaux 🥳🎉

[@bellyjewel]

So many interesting tidbits! I think this is your best video yet.

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

GREAT episode! Makes me want to go out and buy a pork pie hat! Thank you for all your research!

[@David-q4c9k]

Thank you for another great video Jean-Charles- well researched as ever! I think you could also have mentioned that straw versions were a popular summer hat in the 50s and are probably the version that's most widely available today

[@Tmanaz480]

Sometimes the brim is fully snapped down, as seen on Morey Amsterdam on the old Dick Van Dyke Show.

[@SpaceCowboy-u7j]

I love that this channel exists! 🎩 🤓 It’s a channel that the interwebs never knew it needed but is now glad that it exists! And his French talk is ON POINT! 🇫🇷 He sounds JUST LIKE A MIME! (If mimes could talk, that is.)

[@jeff8ball]

Thanks for a very informed video. Happy new year, and a good day to you, sir!

[@LonDubh-fg4fo]

Another great video, keep up the good work. Aengus (Ireland)

[@oneseventytwoscale]

One of the best channels on KZbin, always well presented, interesting and informative 👍👏👏

[@UATU.]

I’ve never seen a modern guy with the panache to pull off wearing a pork pie, except Tom Waits.

[@robertbussard6155]

Thank you, and have a joyous new year!

[@nullnullsjo]

Fun, thank you! I just did a concert with two pork pie behatted jazz musicians (whereas I was in traditional classical voice long dress.) We're doing a new concert in April, and now I think I need to find a need to get one of those early womens pork pie hats for my outfit. 😊

[@JamelWorkman]

Class in session!!🎩🎯

[@dankoi77]

Great video!

[@guyfaux3978]

@HH The pork pie hat, if it's creased to look more like a fedora, is the famous "stingy brim" hat of the sort the Dallas Cowboys head coach of the 1970's, Tom Landry, used to wear.

[@johnkindt7304]

You write and deliver fascinating videos, thank you so much!

[@garysmith9823]

Excellent video about one of my favorite brimmed hats.

[@thomaschristopher8593]

the first thing that came my mind was, the French connection.

[@ZacCrawforth]

A day with a new Hat Historian vid is a good day.

[@glenmoss02]

All my life, I never heard of the porkpie hat. Since this video, now they stand out of my memories like a sore thumb. Popeye Doyle, Buster Keaton, Kolchak the Night Stalker, Yogi, and so many more. Fascinating and thanks. 🎉HNY🎉

[@raychat2816]

Great video and bonne année 😊

[@LamanKnight]

This is yet another hat I'm familiar with seeing, but I never knew what it was called. I'm happy to have learned it today!

[@marsoelflaco5722]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! 🎅🏼🤶🏼🎄🎉

[@clivehazell2790]

Terrific! Thanks

[@JSteplyk]

US general Philip Sheridan from the American Civil War wore a black hat that is pretty much universally described as a porkpie hat.

[@williamdufour4826]

Gene Hackman wore it in the movie "The French Connection"(1973).

[@haroldellis9721]

I will gladly join you again, as your channel is one of the very best here.

[@Valkanna.Nublet]

Happy new hat to all :)

[@theseeingeye454]

My first Easter hat in 1995 . I was 5 Y.O. I still have one to day ( By Thomas y Lomaz) Wore it 01/01 /25 A timeless creation. An excellent presentation H,H, (Yogi Bear approves !)

[@klyanadkmorr]

I always mix it up with FEDORAS, now I see the main differ is the center top more flat topped cylinder with rims than pointed folded of Fedoras

[@TheAyeAye1]

Loved the video. Happy 2025

[@guyjperson]

I suggested you do this hat a while ago. My suggestion came because I had just re watched Rocky. He sported a porkpie in the first two movies (at least). I guess I never applied any thought to Yogi Bear. That's new info. Thanks Hat Historian. Always fun to hear about this stuff.

[@hathistorianjc]

I do take note of things people suggest, and if I can, do them eventually, though sometimes it might take a while

[@avocatrobbins2189]

My introduction to the porkpie hat came from the "Rocky" movies. I wasn't sure about Art Carney's hat in "The Honeymooners"- it was so battered, I couldn't tell what it was.

[@guyjperson]

@avocatrobbins2189 i think you might be right about Carney's hat. I'd forgotten all about that one.

[@guyjperson]

@@hathistorianjc Oh, that's not my purpose for the comment. You were very pleasant at the time and mentioned you'd do one when you got a Porkpie. I commented to say that Rocky ALSO wore one. And Norton, as the other commenter reminded us.

[@bikegames0]

You continue to amaze and educate. 🕵🏼‍♂️

[@helenvojtko9673]

Always interesting, sir.

[@annwagner5779]

Happy New Year, Hat Historian! I tip my hat 👒 to you!

[@dmhiix]

Would Art Caney's hat in The Honeymooners be considered a pork pie?

[@Bowruss]

The distinctive Porkpie crown is called a telescope, or telescoped, crown. Great chanel! Down with ball caps - Long live felt hats!

[@expansivegymnast1020]

This channel is so good

[@GenWivern2]

Thank you! I favour a black pork pie with a narrow brim in summer, which I associate strongly with the British 2-Tone movement of my youth.

[@jointgib]

the 2-Tone ska pork pie is really a kind of fedora pork pie hybrid, if what i've learned from this channel is right

[@mattheide2775]

❤

[@bb55555555]

you forgot to mention the other most famous wearer. Art Carney in the honeymooners

[@Chiller11]

I attempt to play some jazz guitar and along with my “guitar face” my go to “jazz hat” when playing alternates between a pork pie and a fedora.

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

Happy new year. The algorithm took you away from me, so I had to go find your fascinating site again.

[@Timberwolf69]

Subscribe and he'll stay for good.

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

@Timberwolf69 I had subscribed, and had to subscribe again now. I may have unsubscribed by mistake, but I doubt it.

[@Timberwolf69]

@@robert-trading-as-Bob69 I see. The ominous auto-unsub-algorithm. I think I fell afouls of that one, too, at one point.

[@jadakowers590]

Hats off to an interrsting video! 🐩🧢👒🎩🎓⛑️🪖

[@reallyria1]

Your content and presentation are exquisite! Have you discussed the Deadman version of the top hat? I looked through the library and didn’t see anything. Please keep up the good work!❤

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

The Hat Historian is smooth and cool!

[@deepashtray5605]

A smooth character with a sense of style... well I'm getting one anyway.

[@comentedonakeyboard]

As the Hatter said to Dr. Oppenheimer: "you call me Mad?"

[@matthewseawell1667]

The hits (er hats) keep coming.

[@hathistorianjc]

hahaha Ayyyy!

[@KaiserSoze-dp1hw]

Great review! Love my pork pie

[@bignoodle2265]

Love my pork pie. , black with a trim color band need to find some alternative colors though. Guess that will be my new yrs commitment. Would like a nice rust colored one

[@ssolomon999]

Thinking about the French Connection, it highlights how much context gets lost with the passage of time. When it came out, I think the porkpie hat would have stood out as being unusual for that character - it’s a “friendly” hat but he wasn’t a friendly guy. I assume that costume choice was very intentional. Someone watching today, though, would likely perceive it as a “bad guy” hat because of Breaking Bad, and the intended contrast is likely lost.

[@aussiemandust]

I believe that I may have an interesting addendum to the birth of the porkpie. I bought a beautiful version on Etsy from a lady in the 4th arondissment in Paris. Corresponding, she ascertained that its origin lay in poor people, re-using old hats with damaged brims, simply reducing the circumference. ✌️

[@nicoletim8095]

I always love when you pop up on my feed! Excellent. Though, I'd love to see you do women's fascinators. Like those little veiled ones that get pinned on. I have no idea how those came to be, and I'd love to know.

[@jamesk370]

Happy 2025, good sir 🥳🎉🎈🎊🥂🍻

[@hey1908]

Day 1 asking the Hat Historian to do a video about the bergmutze, please😅

[@jmaniere]

Yes always quite interesting indeed 🙂

[@jimslancio]

Walter "Heisenberg" White's porkpie may be the most style-defining hat since Indiana Jones's fedora.

[@mjohnson5030]

Well done. I like that your videos include diversity. This Hat was very important to minority North American populations and civil rights history. Well done.

[@CM-st1dl]

Buster Keaton can be seen _still_ wearing a pork pie hat (and dancing) in Beach Blanket Bingo

[@dennisanderson3895]

Shared, along with with a plug for the videos you do heading my post.

[@kfholler]

What material should a proper porkpie hat be made from? Quel matière construire une chapeau “porkpie” correct?

[@janegreen9340]

Wool felt?

[@AlmahbubyHidayatputra-uq1rk]

I guess the next video will be about boonie hat

[@stannieholt8766]

Fittingly, singer Aloe Blacc wore a porkpie hat while performing in today in the Rose Parade in Pasadena.

[@dennis12dec]

How about doing iconic Australian Akubra hat some time.

[@KOACAINE]

Every time I play my tenor I wear a pork pie in honor of the Prez!

[@markrossow6303]

not unlike the Filson or Tilley hats designed for serious outdoor wear in PNW U.S.A. or BC Canada

[@craigkdillon]

Tilley? Do you mean Trilby hat?

[@christopherlawley1842]

Tilley, designed in Canada for wear out there.. kind of a Bucket Hat? ​@@craigkdillon

[@franciscodeassispintodasil1257]

Os "Hat Pack" (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin...) use it, too?

[@KHKH-os6kt]

Didn't Popeye Doyle have the same hat in the movie

[@craftpaint1644]

What are those giant hats called that English women wear to Polo matches? They were also worn as sun blocking type hats in the early 20th Century. I've never found the name.

[@AM-lh7rw]

😊 🇯🇲 info for porkies hats is interesting. Thank you. Porkpie Yogi 🐻 😂

[@emmanuelpiscicelli6232]

What about Rocky ❓️

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

The Zoot Suit had negative connotations during WWII as well, especially in Southern California, in fact the Zoot Suit Riots were a series of riots that took place June 3-8, 1943. It was plain racism though, NOT a fashion war.

[@bakakafka4428]

Audio weird? Did you get a new lavalier? Anyway, still a welcome great video! Have a peaceful healthy 2025!