Kentucky Derby Hats
Since its beginning in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has been one of the main hat fashion events of the season. Designed to get you noticed, these over-the-top styles are the perfect accentuating piece for your Derby day attire. Look to brands like Betmar, Plaza Suite and Helen Kaminski for fashionable
wide brim derby hats. Whether you're in the stands at Churchill Downs or celebrating with friends at home, keep the tradition alive with these classic and unique styles.
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Kentucky Derby Hat History & Fashion 101
As part of the United State Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, the Kentucky Derby is one of the more
popular hat fashion days in the year. Decades ago, it was considered near necessity for men and women to have a hat on at all times during special occasions and
outdoor events. Compared to today, to find a lady without a hat on during the first few years of the Kentucky Derby's existence would have been considered a scandal, not just a mere fashion fuax pas.
As the race became more and more popular, the attendants began to have more fun with their fashion hat attire, donning hats with flamboyant embellishments including ribbons, feathers, and floral arrangements. In most cases, the hat is the main part of a woman's attire, and is usually paired with a simple matching cocktail dress. In-field spectators usually do not wear wide brim derby hats, instead choosing styles ranging from simple to sarcastic. Men's hat fashion for the Kentucky Derby, though often overlooked, is usually understated. Men's dress hats, usually the traditional fedora, are standard at the races.
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Head Turning Hats for the Horse Races
This is an event where you want to get noticed, so when picking out a Kentucky Derby hat, try to be as original as possible. With
extremes as the norm, it's hard to be considered over the top, so the wider the brim and brighter the colors, the better. Find from Betmar a wide variety of simple, easy-to-wear hats for those who are not quite ready to take the plunge into Kentucky Derby hat fashion. Plaza Suite offers millinery styles that transition perfectly onto the racetrack,
with many coming in vibrant colors with whimsical additions. Finally, as always Helen Kaminski presents intricately woven wide brim hats, which set the standard for
high fashion and sophistication.
These derby hats aren't just made to be fashion statements. The wider the brim you select, the better sun protection you will have during the event. Many of the hats
selected for the Kentucky Derby often double as sun safe styles. Tightly woven hats or wide brims made from solid cotton or linen shield your face, neck and
shoulders from the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays.
This year, find the perfect derby hat for the Triple Crown and head to the races in style!
