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The Bowler or Derby Hat

Zoukatron

One of the Regulars
Messages
143
Location
London, UK
I see plenty of bowlers in London these days. Sadly, they are normally in the heads of people working for the local authorities to advise tourists and the like in the centre or on the heads of upmarket hotel doormen.
 

Steinbockhase

Practically Family
Messages
514
Location
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
I see plenty of bowlers in London these days. Sadly, they are normally in the heads of people working for the local authorities to advise tourists and the like in the centre or on the heads of upmarket hotel doormen.

Since Bowlers represent British lifestyle and tradition, it's no wonder they are used to promote British tourism.
 
Last edited:

GLewis

New in Town
Messages
47
I see plenty of bowlers in London these days. Sadly, they are normally in the heads of people working for the local authorities to advise tourists and the like in the centre or on the heads of upmarket hotel doormen.
I’ve said this before, but I believe there should be a law that all Englishmen should wear a bowler and carry an umbrella. That’s just my opinion, and I could be wrong!
 

Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,829
Location
Denmark
I'll second that, just as long as we're allowed to wear other hats every so often [emoji4]
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Messages
18,401
Location
Nederland
I've been so lucky picking up hats from the Facebook Market Place this summer. I'd never even considered it before, now it's my go to hat check place.

I met the seller at the main station in Copenhagen and picked up this ca. 1920s/30s Bowler. Made in Belgium, sold in the little Danish town of Nakskov.

It's a very stiff felt with a very nice sheen imo.
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Excellent hat and wonderful look all over, Steve (very nice versatile pocket square there). Lots of nice bowlers to be found out there and you wear them well.
 

Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,829
Location
Denmark
Excellent hat and wonderful look all over, Steve (very nice versatile pocket square there). Lots of nice bowlers to be found out there and you wear them well.
Thank you, Stefan. I'm honoured on all counts. I appreciate your praise. [emoji145]

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Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,829
Location
Denmark
My recent purchase of a Belgian Bowler lead me to think of the Belgian artist René Magritte and his ubiquitous use of the image of the Bowler in his works.

I read this interesting article, which I thought might be of interest to some of you. Funny to think, just a few decades ago, you were "invisible" in a Bowler, but if you wear one now, you stand out. How times and fashion change.

Copy then paste the link below in your browser. It should work.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-magritte-fascinated-bowler-hats


Happy reading [emoji4]
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stetsonofagun

One of the Regulars
Messages
153
Location
Texas
Unless you have a very large head (guilty) then buy vintage! You’ll get a better hat and spend less. As for how you’ll look in it or how you’ll be perceived, how can we know? Do you really care? If you’re looking to blend in and never stick out then skip hats altogether. I think you could look very sharp if you own the look and are comfortable with it.

A quick look: this dusty hat is available for $45 and that includes shipping (to the US only, sorry). Stiff felt hats are the best bargain out there if you like the style.

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What size is this one? It's great.

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Rmccamey

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,838
Location
Central Texas
Interesting history and observations Steve. I think people who look best in Bowlers and Homburgs, yourself included, take charge of their look and "wear the hat", so to speak. There is a certain amount of quiet assertiveness and command that goes with the hat and the best wearers seem to be very comfortable with themselves regardless of the situation.

My recent purchase of a Belgian Bowler lead me to think of the Belgian artist René Magritte and his ubiquitous use of the image of the Bowler in his works.

I read this interesting article, which I thought might be of interest to some of you. Funny to think, just a few decades ago, you were "invisible" in a Bowler, but if you wear one now, you stand out. How times and fashion change.

Copy then paste the link below in your browser. It should work.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-magritte-fascinated-bowler-hats


Happy reading [emoji4]
52563b7999362088c2ce1e67d85273d3.jpg


Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk
 

Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,829
Location
Denmark
Interesting history and observations Steve. I think people who look best in Bowlers and Homburgs, yourself included, take charge of their look and "wear the hat", so to speak. There is a certain amount of quiet assertiveness and command that goes with the hat and the best wearers seem to be very comfortable with themselves regardless of the situation.
Thanks, Randy. You are so right. It's a question of riding that bronco and making it your own.

If you like and want the hat, wear it, own it, and make it yours. [emoji145]

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk
 
Messages
18,401
Location
Nederland
My recent purchase of a Belgian Bowler lead me to think of the Belgian artist René Magritte and his ubiquitous use of the image of the Bowler in his works.

I read this interesting article, which I thought might be of interest to some of you. Funny to think, just a few decades ago, you were "invisible" in a Bowler, but if you wear one now, you stand out. How times and fashion change.

Copy then paste the link below in your browser. It should work.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-magritte-fascinated-bowler-hats


Happy reading [emoji4]
52563b7999362088c2ce1e67d85273d3.jpg


Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk
There's a whole book on the subject of bowler hats in art by Fred Miller Robinson: the man in the bowler hat. Not the best read and more focused on art than on hats but still...
Love the work of Magritte.
 

Cornshucker77

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,691
Location
Northeast Nebraska, USA
My recent purchase of a Belgian Bowler lead me to think of the Belgian artist René Magritte and his ubiquitous use of the image of the Bowler in his works.

I read this interesting article, which I thought might be of interest to some of you. Funny to think, just a few decades ago, you were "invisible" in a Bowler, but if you wear one now, you stand out. How times and fashion change.

Copy then paste the link below in your browser. It should work.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-magritte-fascinated-bowler-hats


Happy reading [emoji4]
52563b7999362088c2ce1e67d85273d3.jpg


Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk
Looking good Steve. Always dapper. :)
 

Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,829
Location
Denmark
Another Bowler to the collection and another Manchester hat, too.

I believe this one to be inter-war years: closer to WWI than WWII in my opinion, so late teens or early to mid twenties.

I don't believe Hartley & Boedeker survived after WWII, so I'm very pleased with this find.

It's quite a high crown at just over 13,3cm (a bit over 5 inches), which makes it the tallest Bowler I own.

It's in need of a bit of a clean. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.
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