Straw Hat

The origins of today’s boater are the sailor’s hat issued to midshipmen in the Royal Navy near the end of the 19th century.  These were not as stiff as the modern boater but still provided protection from the tropical sun.  These hats were often worn by children, becoming part of their school uniforms with their school or house colours as bands.   During the the late 19th century and early 20th century the boater became a popular form of summer headwear for gentlemen as a lighter and cooler alternative to the bowler.