Have you ever heard the words pork pie and immediately think of food? Well, there indeed is a pork pie in the food category, but let’s talk about the hat. Yes, there’s a pork pie hat. Funny. And your question might be the same with others: What is a pork pie hat, and where does it come from?
Pork pie hats, also known as English pastry hats, are hats with a pinched and creased telescoped circular crown worn by men and women. It has a small lip all around the upper edges of the flexible crown as well. People who are familiar with British cuisine will recognize that the silhouettes of these hats, at least to some extent, look similar to an old-fashioned English meat pie. Hence, the name.
So, you might have heard about this kind of hat before, or it’s your first time discovering about it today. But whichever you are, we know that you are also excited to learn more about this hat. Ready?
What Is a Pork Pie Hat?
We know that the name is strange, but there is a reason for it. This tiny hat has a round shape and a short-curled brim. It has a flat crown-shaped and creased to resemble the Melton Mowbray pork pie. It is a pastry from Leicestershire that was popular in the mid to late 1700s. The food was developed for hunters who needed something to take with them on hunts. This led to developing a pork pie with a special creased seal to keep its contents.
The hat was also famous in the 19th century. And it resembles a pork pie dish, which could be seen in the window of every English baker in the nineteenth century. It is believed that the smooth dark brown pork pie hat was the most visible that showcases some similarities with the most pork pie dish.
Now that you know what a pork pie is and why it’s called like that, you might even be interested in a bit of pork pie hat history.
Where Does Pork Pie Hat Come From?
It’s fascinating to learn that women first wore pork pie hats in the United States and Britain between 1830 and 1865. Because of their delicate sensibilities, they were adorned with ribbons, feathers, and a bow. They were made of straw, felt, or cotton canvas and were covered in silk.
It is widely assumed that Americans have seen the hats on English tennis players and decided to bring them to the United States. It was the start where they’re being noticed all over the country.
During the 1920s, the hats became well-known because of the film star Buster Keaton, who decided to make his pork pie hats out of other hat models, such as a Fedora. During his film career, Buster made over a thousand hats. Not only that, but the pork pie hat became an ideal addition for the zoot suit in the 1930s and 1940s. Many famous people have worn hats as an essential part of their looks over the years.
How to Wear a Pork Pie Hat and How Should It Fit?
Now that you know what a pork pie hat is, we should probably give you some pointers on wearing one if you decide to purchase one.
Because these hats have such a shorter crown than a fedora, they won’t elongate your face. But if you’re looking to add a few inches to your overall height, pork pie hats may not be for you.
Pork pie hats are available in a variety of artistic and stylish styles. These hats are frequently made from various materials, including braided hemp, linen, paper braid, straw, wool felt, and others, making them suitable for warmer and colder climates. They also go well with a wide range of outfits. And, because pork pies can be made of a variety of materials, they can be worn with both casual and formal attire, too.
Keep in mind that pork pie hats look the best when worn level, sitting comfortably, but not too tight, on the top of the head. It can be worn shifted at a slight angle for added elegance or intrigue, giving you a distinct style. Although shorter than other hat styles, the brim should be at least as wide as your jawline. Pork pie hats should be avoided by men with small or excessively round faces, as their curved crowns will only emphasize the appearance of a shorter look.
The Best Pork Pie Hats for Men
If you’ve seen the popular Netflix show Breaking Bad, you’ll notice the main actor with the classic pork pie hat. Maybe you thought about buying one for yourself after that because it has such a stylish design.
Pork pie hats are the best choice of headgear to go with any outfit and make a fashion statement. You can easily pair the hat with any attire in your wardrobe. Now comes the question of what is the best pork pie hat today in the market. Don’t worry; we’ve listed them down for you.
Stetson Odenton Pork Pie Hat
If you’ve ever bought a hat, you’ve probably heard of Stetson. Stetson is a well-known manufacturer that has been in business for many years. If you buy a Stetson hat, you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality, long-lasting product.
Their pork pie hat, which is made of 35% polyester and 65% cotton, offers maximum comfort and an outstanding finish because of the light lining. Furthermore, it has a water-repellent coating. That means you’ll be able to save yourself from any unforeseen weather conditions.
You can also carry it in places where there is a lot of direct sunlight. It will shield you from the harmful rays of the sun. Because of its classy vintage look, the hat can be worn with anything at any time of year, whether it’s summer or winter.
Brixton Men’s Stout Pork Pie Hat
Brixton offers a versatile style choice for every occasion, whether you want to wear a porkpie hat outside or inside, dressed up or down. Classic vintage looks usually inspire the Brixton collection of hats to create a unique classic style.
It is made entirely of wool and has a short brim with a feather and folded satin band as decoration. The feather adds a stylish look that is both distinct and eye-catching. You can, however, detach the feather if it does not suit you.
Kangol Litefelt Pork Pie
Kangol is a well-known hat brand renowned for its robust quality and distinctive designs. Their pork pie hat is made in the United States using the revolutionary Litefelt process, which helps make the wool material sturdy and crushable. Because of this, the fabric becomes exceptionally soft and comfortable.
Another feature is that the wool can be shaped and molded into anything. Still, it will revert to its original state as soon as it is released. If there is a crease on the hat, you can easily remove it with steam. Furthermore, it is moisture-resistant and dries instantly.
Belfry Summer Straw Pork Pie Trilby Hat
The Belfry straw pork pie trilby provides any man a classy and edgy look. The hat is well-known for its versatility. You can wear it to formal parties and casual outdoor or indoor activities. Because of its lightweight and breathable material, many customers prefer this porkpie hat. It is made to last and endure any weather conditions with a reinforced sweatband and paper straw braid.
It has a 2-inch brim and a 4-inch diamond crown. This pork pie hat also has a multi-colored stripe finish and an outside grosgrain hatband. You can also add a removable feather and a side bow to the cap for a different style.
The Bottom Line
Pork pie hats deserve to be talked about because they are one, if not the most stylish and elegant-looking hats for men. Because of its versatility, you can wear the hat with a variety of outfits. And it can help you look like a real gentleman for any special occasion while also complementing your overall style.
