Straw Hat Day is observed on May 15 every year to celebrate this timeless wardrobe staple. Both men and women wear it in a variety of styles. From conical to Panama, the straw hat has stood the test of time, serving not only as a protection from the sun but a fashion statement. Today’s the day people celebrate this functional yet stylish hat. So, do you own one? If the answer is no, the day’s for you to finally own one and go about your day in style.
History of Straw Hat Day
The origin of Straw Hat Day is unclear. It started in New Orleans in the late 1910s. The day marks the beginning of summer, with people switching their winter headgears to the spring/summer ones. On the other hand, at the University of Pennsylvania, Straw Hat Day was observed on the second Saturday of May, the day being the principal spring celebration for undergraduates and a ballgame. The day was said to be widely accepted in Philadelphia that no one in the city dared wear a straw hat before the ballgame.
A straw hat, a brimmed hat woven out of straw or straw-like materials, is not only for protection but for style, and even it becomes a symbol. And it has been around since the Middle Ages. In Lesotho, ‘mokorotlo’ — a local name for the straw hat — is worn as part of the traditional Sotho clothing. It’s a national symbol. The ‘mokorotlo’ also appears on their flag and license plates. In the U.S., the Panama hat became popular due to President Theodore Roosevelt wearing it during his visit to the Panama Canal construction site.
Popular straw hats include boaters, lifeguards, fedora, and Panama. A boater or straw boater is a semi-formal warm-weather hat. It’s the type of straw hat worn by people around the time Straw Hat Day began. The boater is made from stiff sennit straw, with a stiff flat brim and striped grosgrain ribbon around its crown. It’s still a part of the school uniform in numerous boys’ schools in the U.K., Australia, and South Africa. Although men are seen wearing the boater, the hat is unisex. So, you can style it with your outfit, ladies.
Straw Hat Day timeline
Traders sell straw hats and fashion fad trends.
Basotho introduces wearing mokorotlo as part of the traditional attire at village meetings.
President Theodore Roosevelt visits the Panama Canal, wearing a Panama hat.
People switch their winter hats to their spring/summer straw hats.
Straw Hat Day FAQs
Can you wear a straw hat at night?
You can wear it day or night as long as it’s not a formal get-together.
How long will a straw hat last?
If worn daily, a straw hat can last more than a year.
Who made the first straw hat in the U.S.?
The first documented Straw Hat was made by 12-year-old Betsy Metcalf in 1798.
Straw Hat Day Activities
Wear a straw hat
You must wear a straw hat to celebrate its day. The boater, fedora, or Panama, pick your preference. Celebrate the day and head off of the sun.
Tell people about the day
Shoot some photos of you wearing your favorite style of straw hat. Share them on your social media to let others know what day it is.
Purchase one
Straw Hat Day is also for those who haven’t got a straw hat. Choose your favorite styles of straw hats and buy one so that you can join the celebration.
5 Facts About Straw Hats You Need To Know
The Panama hat isn’t from Panama
The hats were hand-woven in Ecuador and then exported to Panama in the 19th century.
Atalia Bis & Partners Company
They made a big straw hat with a diameter of 21 feet nine inches and was eight feet six inches high.
It caused Straw Hat Riot in 1922
In New York, a fight broke out because some didn’t stop wearing straw hats after summer.
Coco Chanel loved it
In the early 20th century, she made the boater hat fashionable for women.
Boater was originally a women’s hat
Before being adopted as menswear, the boater was worn by women and children in the 1860s.
Why We Love Straw Hat Day
It keeps you cool
Wearing a straw hat protects you from the harsh rays of the Sun and keeps you cool. Not only temperature-wise but style-wise too.
To try a new style
Whether you already own one or not, Straw Hat Day can be the day for you to buy a new straw hat. The options styles to choose from are numerous.
It doesn’t go out of style
No matter the year, you can always wear a straw hat as part of your summer style. From boater to Panama or fedora to lifeguard, it never goes out of style.
Straw Hat Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 15 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 15 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 15 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 15 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 15 | Tuesday |
Log In With Google