One of the longest standing traditions kentucky derby The norm for women – and now for men – is to wear a brightly colored derby hat during horse racing.
The Derby was established in 1875 at the Churchill Downs horse racing stadium and has become a fixture in American culture and media.
Fashion trends and traditions resemble those of high-class British clothing of the late 19th century.
Years of fun and unique Kentucky Derby hats
Read more to learn who started the tradition and how attendees decorate their hats.
What is the hat tradition at the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby has many Southern-based traditions dating back to its founding shortly after the end of the Civil War in the 19th century.
One tradition is that its founder, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.., publicized that attendees should wear high-class European-style clothing during the annual race. Women were especially encouraged to wear high fashion clothes with fancy accessories such as hats, bags and shoes.
The Kentucky Derby is known for hosting a variety of traditions each year, including the annual wearing of large, brightly colored derby hats. (Joey Foley/Filmmagic)
Over the years, the Kentucky Derby became known for its attendees wearing spring-themed glitter hats.
In the early 1960s, television cameras were introduced to the race, giving attendees the chance to show off and wear more extravagant hats to the Derby.
Meet the American Who Created the Kentucky Derby, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., Born of Pioneers
Typically, hats worn by women are large with bright colors to accompany spring attire.
The traditional style of hat worn at the races is known as a derby hat.
Over the years the tradition of wearing a hat has gradually spread to all genders, including men. It is now considered a traditional costume that attendees wear to wish good luck to their favorite horse. Attendees at the Churchill Downs section of the Kentucky Derby will wear beautiful and large hats, with most headwear decorated with feathers, bows, ribbons and flowers.
What are the hats worn at the Kentucky Derby called?
The extravagant headwear is based on the European-style bowler hat worn by men and women in England.
However, In the United States, The traditional style of hat worn at the races is known as a derby hat, which is brightly colored, extremely large and easy to wear on a sunny day in the spring.
The derby hat is based on late 19th century European fashion trends, and is known by a variety of names, including “Southern Belle”. (Reuters/Jeff Haynes)
Derby attendees use another term to describe the hats worn at one of the country’s biggest horse races. “Southern Belle” Kentucky Derby hat.
Often, these hats match the head shape of the person wearing them and are wide-brimmed with decorative spring-inspired fashion themes.
The tradition of wearing a derby hat is known by a variety of labels and names.
What is the difference between a bowler hat and a derby hat?
A bowler hat and derby hat are two classic british style fashion Items that have been worn at formal and casual events in the United States and Great Britain for centuries.
Derby hats are usually decorated with flowers, ribbons, and other shiny items. Here, Fox News’ Janice Dean wears an apricot hat to the Kentucky Derby. (Janice Dean)
However, the derby hat usually has a rounded crown and an uneven brim that slopes toward the ground when worn. However, a bowler hat usually has a round crown and an upward-facing brim.
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Derby hats are typically made of a variety of colors decorated with flared items, while bowler hats are typically made with a monotone color and simple style.
How do I make my own Kentucky Derby hat?
Depending on how extravagant you expect to get with the Kentucky Derby staple, creating a hat worth wearing requires a few supplies and a little effort.
Of course, you’ll need a plain hat to start, and all the bells and whistles you want, as separate pieces. Craft stores like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabrics offer the supplies needed to make the hat yourself.
You will probably also need a glue gun or pins to ensure stability. You can also order products from Amazon and from local sellers on Etsy.
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Select the theme and color scheme of your hat ahead of time. Play with the materials you purchased before gluing them together and permanently joining them.
While Kentucky Derby hats stem from European tradition, you don’t need to spend a lot to get the most for your money.
Philip Nieto contributed reporting.
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