Straw Boater Hat Guide - Formal Summer Hats for Men

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Physical attributes of the Boater Hat
Straw boaters are most typically made from a type of stiff flat straw referred to as Sennit. This can be any type of flat and naturally colored straw and it's typically plaited or braided at angles to construct a straw boater. The finished boater will be slightly elliptical in shape and it will also have a flat brim and a flat crown, also known as a telescope crown.
History:
Interestingly, it was worn by women and children as early as the 1860s but it wasn't adopted as a staple of menswear until about 20 years later in the 1880s. Much as the fedora was also originally a woman's hat, so too was the boater. Once adopted into a man's wardrobe, however, it quickly became popular as a formal summer hat, the warm weather alternative to the Homburg. It experienced its greatest period of popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was most frequently used not just as an everyday summer hat but also for boating and sailing activities hence its most common name.
Where might you still see boaters being worn?
Unfortunately, boaters are a bit of a rare sight these days although they can still be spotted in certain settings. Examples would include sailing or rowing events like we mentioned before as well as theatrical or musical performances. You may recall that straw boaters are a standard feature of many barbershop quartets, for example. Boaters are also frequently seen as part of school uniforms in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. A notable example of this would be at Harrow school in London where boys wear boaters with shallow crowns and wide brims that are frequently referred to as Harrow hats.

[@WelshRabbit]

Every time I see a gentleman in a straw boater, I hear in my head "Every little breeze seems to whisper Louise" sung in a French accent à la Maurice Chevalier.

[@jst7714]

Preferably sung by Officer Crabtree.

[@JEDiTV]

I own a Boater... it’s my absolute least worn hat (and I wear a hat everyday). I just don’t find a lot of options, in my wardrobe, that it look good with a Boater. But, I did pull it out of its box to wear it while watching this episode of Gentlemen’s Gazette. 🤠 Thanks for the video!

[@iansoutryer3189]

It looks great with a blazer - and a glass of Pimm's in your hand.... :-)

[@DutchPlanDerLinde]

So many ignorants in these comments. Why do you guys get triggered when someone wears something that makes them happy? If you wish to wear nikes and caps do so, but let others be themselves.

[@Tomfissh]

I don’t see any comments dissing the hat???

[@unseardude3198]

HAHHAHAHAHHA YOUR RIGHT LOL

[@DutchPlanDerLinde]

UnsearDude They’re not perfect are they? Doesn’t mean you should be attacking them. They shouldn’t offend anyone either. Everyone should dress how they want.

[@unseardude3198]

@@DutchPlanDerLinde I was replying what the guy above me said lol

[@iansoutryer3189]

@Merkava: In a way you've answered your own question: ignorant 16year olds with flip flops, hoodies, trainers, tattoos and sweat shirts with silly prints who feel provoked by someone elegantly attired... Makes them aggressive because it triggers their deap-seated insecurity and envy....

[@tobyey9134]

I have to say, you're glowing with confidence in this video Preston! You're performance infront of the camera, although never lacking, has very much improved and I am pleased to say that it's now as enjoyable to watch you providing us with content as it is when Raphael is talking as you don't ever stutter anymore and are much more relaxed now. Your growing routine is noticeable!

[@eoinmaclean6478]

Nuts...I was hoping to see a video of Raphael and Preston wearing their boaters in a barbershop performance. You could call it the “Gentleman’s Quartet” :)

[@hipster818]

So glad you did this video. I recently bought a vintage boater hat from about 1895 and was looking to learn about its history and how to style it.

[@medusabitch4771]

Erik Bauer his? Hahahaa

[@hipster818]

J .S Thank you for letting me know. Do I do have a background in curatorial and archival work so I feel good about being able to maintain the hat.

[@billrichardson6620]

God I love this channel. It’s a bastion of sophistication and tradition in a fast moving, convenient, and modern world.

[@kenllacer]

I love boaters, they're the perfect go-to-hat in warm weather climate. I remember wearing mine and the looks I got from older gentlemen were that of approval and nostalgia. And I've learned to ignore people from my own generation who give me the stink-eye when they see me with my boater. I'd often hear stuff like, 'where'd you park your gondola?' or do I 'like to tap dance to jazz music.'

[@ABBCoffical]

I just got one and can’t wait for stuff like that😂 it’s always people in sweats too😂

[@MaxWattage]

I love the self satisfied look on Preston's face at 8:17 where he knows his features makes that hat look good. Good for him, lucky chap. I'm from the UK, so my use for a straw boater would probably limited to punting on the river, which is one of the few remaining social situations where it would look perfectly normal, and not an affectation. In terms of boating occasions, a UK person could probably pull off this look at Henley Regatta, but probably not during Cowes Week. That is because this look goes well with varnished wooden-hulled boats, but clashes with the modernity of white fibreglass yachts.

[@beastiebear7231]

He really does...

[@WelshRabbit]

NL, extra points if you punt on the Cherwell rather than the Cam.

[@MaxWattage]

@@WelshRabbit I shall steer clear of any oxbridge rivalry. :-) I live at the confluence of the rivers Avon, Nadder, Ebble, Wylye and Bourne, where the slow-moving, crystal-clear chalk streams are ideal for punting. It's like slowly drifting through a Constable painting.

[@jettjohnson6820]

@@WelshRabbit Are you a rarebit fiend?

[@mikewaite3746]

I don't know about anyone else on here but I have always been wearing straw boater hats since I was 17 I have three of my collection that I absolutely adore! And when people see you in there with a pair of spectator shoes and a nice suit you are the best dressed person around ☺️

[@robertgaudioso4585]

Your confidence and outfit make the hat look just perfect

[@imranazimviolinist]

Thanks for your advice, I just bought a 1926 boater hat made in England, the hat shape is suprisingly fixed and boxy, I am really excited to wear this on summer!

[@Amory-wd3ws]

That's my favorite type of hat.

[@MongolordD]

jesus it's 2019 you cant pull that hat off. you look like some sort of Amish people. It's not elegant just outdated and out of place.

[@Amory-wd3ws]

@@MongolordD He's pulling it off just fine in the suit that he's wearing.

[@iansoutryer3189]

@@MongolordD So what? Lack of self confidence?

[@ismarymedina9899]

Me too

[@certifiedbruh2180]

@@MongolordD And this is likely from a guy who only wears a t-shirt and nikes

[@zoukatron]

I saw a chap wearing one at Greenwich Park in London on Saturday. Looked very good.

[@Allen216.]

Cheers

[@johnstephenandrew]

Very dapper Preston 👌

[@ljd8520]

Trouser are also too long

[@kennethhuber3658]

I have worn boater hats for years. I usually wear mine during the summer at the horse races. They are still quite popular at the Kentucky Derby. Preston you look very nice in your boater, and double breasted navy blazer!

[@Triekki]

Kenneth Huber I actually got one very similar to Preston’s for the derby this year.

[@bigwingedkuriboh]

Incredible outfit today! I think it's my favorite yet!

[@iansoutryer3189]

The boater pairs well with a summery outfit, e. g. chinos and a regular blazer or a club/college or school blazer, also those with stripes. And they also go well with two-tone spectator shoes. If you're heading for a regatta, a cricket or polo match, a spring or summer country fair (when heavy tweed caps or deerstalkers are just too heavy and inappropriate), a church bazaar or a classic car show you can't go wrong with a boater. Generally: anything that takes place on a Village Green and where champagne, cucumber sandwiches and Pimm's are served. It's a picnic classic too - along with your hamper and your grammophone playing Jack Hylton, Caroll Gibbons 'Savoy Orpheans' and Harry Roy's Band. But remember: do not wear it flat on your head - boaters demand a rakish angle.

[@shahancheong9792]

I've been wearing a boater for years. Great summer hat, and very comfortable.

[@iansoutryer3189]

Same here! And they look very smart too.

[@jayonevarra4887]

Yeah man love that retro vintage stuff ❤😅

[@edgarcardiel157]

This is just what i needed! Ive been looking for one, and this video helped me in that decision making. Thankyou Raphael and Preston! Keep up the good work.

[@chriseklund6452]

I just bought a boater, video came right on time!

[@tonyfortier8835]

"A hat's not a hat till its tilted" Dean martin

[@cameronmcpeak5183]

Just ordered a vintage stetson boater and am looking to rocking it in the spring. Thanks Preston you da man!

[@timshull59]

I have found with hats you have to just rock it and be confident. That boater looks good on you Sir well done!

[@AVClarke]

Hats are one of those accoutrements that work on some people, but not on others. This definitely applies to this particular hat.

[@urielmartinez6279]

I’ve been waiting for this video before I was even a subscriber!

[@TRocksGarage777]

I often wear a Boater hat in Florida during Dapper Days at Disney. Thanks for this wonderful video. You really schooled me with the history of the boater, never knew any of those facts. Keep the great video's coming, really enjoy them.

[@andresborjas502]

Awesome video! Exactly what I was looking for. 😁

[@DK-nv9zu]

I've seen this hat in a lot of older movies. Was wondering about it. Thanks for the video!

[@mrdunkin83]

Man..these hats are so elegant classic and with stylish. Can't wait to wear mines

[@leonintaiwan1198]

great video! Greetings from Germany

[@steampunkvampyre]

hi there, in my humble opinion that boater is a size too big.

[@jamesmyrick8744]

I have to agree. The brim should not cause the tops of the ears to bend. Check the vintage illustrations in the video. Otherwise, very informaiive. Thanks!

[@cammchutchison7542]

James Myrick agreed. It’s a trend with this guy Preston. Everything he wears looks like a costume because it’s always comedically big

[@ljd8520]

and worn incorrectly

[@heyearle325]

Buddy, you are wearing it like a lampshade, put some rake to it, tilt it to your right a tad. You look like someone is gonna kick sand on you at the beach. Look in a mirror. Great lid - poor execution.

[@lenocman2]

@@ljd8520 Do you feel it looks best when worn with a slant or at a slight angle? I always wear mine in this way. It also sits just over an inch above my ears. It certainly shouldn't be pushed down towards the ears like a bucket. Too large

[@weltsauerstoff]

Wow. Preston looks dashing with the boater. It just looks right on him. I didn’t know the boater hat can look so stylish. Now I feel quite a bit envious. :)

[@almaniac3453]

I wear a boater for all outdoor activities in summer together with modern cut shirts with traditional patterns. It's susceptible to wind, but cheap enough to risk it.

[@ashurgeorge4604]

I'm afraid that hat is too large for you :( Looks best worn flat if not tilted slightly forward.

[@WelshRabbit]

GV, exactly. Even better is to wear it at a slight side angle and slightly tilted forward.

[@chrisdavies5253]

Love the straw boater hats like the dapper dandy look a poor and you sir look great.

[@derenggefu802]

Question for your outfit Preston! How formal do you consider this outfit you put centered around your boater? Is it good enough to show up to a college spring formal night event?

[@chrisfletcher9646]

Do a Peaky Blinders suite video

[@Stickydice]

Chris Fletcher THAT WOULD BE AMAZING!!! like a top 5 peaky blinders suit ideas

[@losgonzalez769]

Wow! Love the cufflinks!

[@c.k.6812]

Wow thanks to your guide I finally found the one piece 👒💰

[@jamesthacoolcat9926]

Nice video. The history was interesting. A lot of commotion about hats.

[@VPowerUnlimited]

Might be picking up that cherry blossom bouttoniere soon. I was looking for a silk cherry blossom when I had my first black tie event a few months ago, but without success.

[@carltrotter7622]

Perfect for formal school attire or preppy attire.

[@giuglianimaiaviani-jn6zs]

these magnificent hats

[@mrtiger1833]

Would you please share your recommendations for purveyors of boater hats?

[@tombuchwald3435]

I would really appreciate a guide for elegant pocket knives

[@davewolf8869]

My favorite is a BKT combat Bowie, sadly, it scares the normies in spite of the fact it saved my life in the Black Mountains.

[@ABBCoffical]

@@davewolf8869no boot-lickers😢

[@Fredrik_Clarke_]

What a great hat!

[@akanecortich8197]

recently got me a Zakira Italian hand made boater with the black and red band, and another skimmer with a black band. The cost of both together (including shipping), still cheaper than what I paid for the leather hat that I lost. Now my wife wants one.

[@dejan.b17]

Very good video! I love this kind of hat, but I unfortunately couldn't find one which is of good quality, I guess I'll look after some vintage hat.

[@djpcbaby]

I can give you a couple of leads if you like.

[@RoopeRontu1999]

I found some in London. I'm seriously considering on buying one, for they're hard to find in my home land.

[@elobreroperiodismoypolitic1806]

Cool boater hat I loved ☘

[@marywaldau1164]

👍 aspiring to your outfit!

[@PetterKrWiik]

I recently bought a cheap straw boater on eBay and the brim was very bent and uneven, but my dad gave me a good tip to even it out. Just drip a little water around the whole brim, put it on an iron board and iron the brim flat with a towel in between. Let it dry and sit for a while and then you have a cheap, but good looking boater!

[@c.w.9615]

In Portland Oregon, I get double takes if I wear a sports jacket and a pocket square. My gut says a boat hat would look like costume in most places in the US, especially because of the association with Barber Shop singing groups, and old timey movies. I wonder how how much tongue in cheek Preston had while saying that this style hat can be pulled off. I loved this video for the history lesson.

[@michaelgutman4910]

Sharp. As always.

[@jordanhicks5131]

What kind of hat should I be looking at for an outdoor wedding in north Georgia in mid April? I'm thinking a Panama or a Straw Boater, any suggestions would be nice.

[@countalma9800]

Wear a Panama. Boaters are obsolete and will make you look like you're doing a reenactment from the 1920's. If you love boater hats, buy one as a souvenir to decorate your interior.

[@peaceonearth8693]

Something golf related if you catch my reference.

[@MehdiScent]

Thumbs up 👍.. great content

[@raihanrivandi5025]

The boater hat is actually nice and unique

[@ivananthony9835]

Can i use this hat for casual modern looks ? like plaint white t shirt, short pants, and shoes ? or sandals?

[@robertmiddleton5663]

wear anything you want sir

[@jimqueiroz4459]

Where I come from you'd be called "fancy" just by tucking the shirt in the pants. To many who are used to see shorts, tees and baseball caps everywhere, a classical boater hat would naturally look odd.

[@DutchPlanDerLinde]

Now here goes the real bomb, how about a video about the bowler hat?

[@juneofspades2374]

I just got a brooks brothers one of those.. Mature woman love it

[@keith6351]

Love the outfit.

[@Gerry1of1]

In Texas there is still a season shift. Straw cowboy hats are worn after Memorial day. Switch back to felt cowboy hats after Labour Day

[@reverendopatoputo]

Joe Carioca wears one of this hat...very classy!

[@unknown.ben2006]

It's my favourite style of hats :)

[@nolangaudreau]

Besides ebay, do you have a recommendation on where to find a vintage boater hat?

[@andrewwestoll5702]

I have a question regarding wind and hat's, got any tips for hats in wind weather.

[@thiirane4279]

Only one question . Should the brim be stiff or it can be a bit loose?

[@larrylindgren215]

Where would I go to purchase one of these I’m trying to do Bert where he’s wearing the boater hat from Mary Poppins for a Disney trip and I can’t find a good hat that’s affordable

[@Ravenwood1936]

Yesss!!!! I have the same one

[@queen1stfan671]

what is the brand called because i really want one.

[@yunaitextile6075]

wonderful videos, it's nice!

[@TC-lb4gl]

The cowboy hat tradition still sees straw switch to felt per season. Typically Memorial Day and Labor Day. It's a regional/cultural thing, so I can see it outside this channel's immediate scope, but in Texas, gentlemen have specific cuts for suits and formal wear. Might be worth a video

[@maximdupere6442]

I love your vidéo! Amazing ✨

[@leonelsonclementi3905]

I originally thought that boater is for casual occasions until watched this😂😂.Preston ,to be honest,I think you can achieve further improvement by shining your shoes 😅.Look forward to watch your video about your shoe collection! 😁

[@peaceonearth8693]

:-O

[@queen1stfan671]

what brand is that hat because I love it.

[@jediknightbus_1936]

The basher is also used in south african all boy old fashioned style high schools as an identifier of the prefects

[@darkfishthedestroyer139]

I need this

[@charlieave2315]

The first time I saw this hat was from Youngboys Inc a.k.a YBI of Detroit. I didn't know this hat when back so far. Wow . They call it a campaign hat back home. This is so awesome

[@Allen216.]

I saw it in some of those 80s Detroit drug dealer pictures too, I thought it looked cool I bought one but don’t know how to play it

[@ukaszmilewski4830]

Where can I buy boater that is really stiff one? Do you have any recommendations?

[@benjamink.kolakojr3680]

Amazing content, where can I get a good quality boater hat from?

[@suem6004]

Preston, don’t listen to detractors. You look good in a boater. Would look great at Dapper Days at Disney. Any vintage gal would be happy to walk with you down the street. Question. Would pairing with Seersucker be appropriate? Or is seersucker too informal. Again, you look swell. Very dapper. Keep up the good work.

[@TRocksGarage777]

They have a hat store in Disney Springs Florida called Chapel Hats and they sell out of Boaters as fast as they get them in. They say it's their number one selling hat.

[@johnnykaldani633]

Is a boater hat difficult to size and fit properly? It looks as stiff as a bowler and different head shapes may be problematic. Some heads are oval in shape while others are round.

[@johnt2257]

great video

[@gregseagler5111]

For some unknown reason, I'd always wanted a boater hat to wear to summer events. I recently found a vintage one that fit my head perfectly. I really like it, but I find the original grosgrain band a bit boring. I've searched high and low for some striped grosgrain in brighter colors, such as on the hat in this video. But my search hasn't produced anything interesting. Lots of vertical stripes and other novelty designs and patterns, but very little in the way of horizontal stripes. Since these hats aren't common anymore, it appears there's not a lot of appropriate ribbon produced any longer. Does anyone have a good source for me to check out? My existing band is 2-1/4" wide, but anything between 2 and 2-1/2 ought to work.

[@jamesthacoolcat9926]

The boater hat looks good; im more of a trillby type as I think it rounds out a matching suit. Boater hats seem to fit better with a blazer or seersucker. This is all just opinion.

[@Horologist-zu5vq]

You can wear them with polos and shorts and it looks fine with some ray bans

[@dizfoster8726]

I loved my vintage straw boater hat - looks just like yours! but it is frayed and damaged so much that I need a new one. I am having trouble finding a ‘tall’ one like yours to replace it, so many of them are very short!

[@westfieldartworks8188]

Love the Sargent portrait at 1:56. Actually did a copy of it once. I've seen a boater worn casually once (with a pattern short sleeve shirt and chino shorts), and it actually didn't look too bad. It was near the beach in Florida. You probably don't agree with styling it that way. But yeah,...this is a bit of a push to pull this off. The blazer at 8:27 looks very good. But yeah, I could never pull this off..

[@MichailMantakas]

I'm always wearing my boater when I visit the Boat Race annually.

[@ronaldmalcolm5609]

I like the boater, because not only can I place it on my lap when a lovely lady walks by, but I'll always have a job on a steamboat. Oh, I can also coordinate it with my Colonel Sanders outfit.

[@gentlemansgazette]

What are your opinions on the boater hat? If you own one, when do you wear it? Let us know!

[@peaceonearth8693]

This would be a tremendous accessory for my silly walks practice. (Reference: Monty Python) To be serious, there's a difference between pining for the days of classic fashion and dressing in what has become a costume piece. Sending out a young man in this hat might yield an experience that would make him discard the whole concept of dressing up. Therefore, in my opinion this video should have been done to explain the evolution of style, rather than suggesting that this would be taken seriously today. This hat is for a costume, or a very high brow event where people appreciate the nostalgia.

[@nathanielpeter3296]

With your boater hat you look like a time traveller.

[@annekelive]

I wore one to a company summer party along with a boating blazer, the party involved a boat trip to Suomenlinna, Helsinki, It was well received and did not seem OTT.

[@roberthonan3492]

@@peaceonearth8693 I have yet to wear my boater without receiving compliments. In fact, the only negative experience I had was from an older person on the bus who assumed I was part of a barbershop quartet, and had to go to great lengths explaining how much he hated barbershop music. It is a niche hat, and as the video points out, it is a formal hat in an age where aside from the Fedora, all but the most casual hats are uncommon. So yeah, high-brow events would be part of that niche.

[@peaceonearth8693]

@@roberthonan3492 Maybe I'm blaming the wrong thing, maybe it's my silly walks practicing? :-/

[@kababking]

Would it be improper to wear a boater hat with knickers?

[@partizanforces3064]

Love it

[@henrystein8313]

Please do a vedio on top hats 🙏

[@danielkohner9282]

What is a good site to purchase a good quality boater?

[@NUSORCA]

I have loved boater since I watched Hello Dolly

[@Horologist-zu5vq]

Im wearing mine around the Philippines right now lol also HAPPY NEW YEAR MOFOS ITS THE 20S !!!

[@Mazdak1]

I like boater hats but I don't own one. In the summer I stick to panamas and porkpie style straw hats. My question here is, what does one wear in the rain? other than a linen flat cap, is there a hat option? What did a man in say, 1923 do in summer rain? I've never seen anyone answer this question.