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Straw Hat Month celebrates the iconic headwear throughout April, honoring its rich history and versatile appeal. From practical sun protection to high-fashion statements, straw hats have shaped culture for centuries. Explore the diverse styles, learn about their origins, and find your perfect brim to embrace this stylish observance.
Want to sponsor Straw Hat Month? Learn how
Expected Straw Hat Month Deals
As Straw Hat Month unfolds in April, expect retailers to showcase a variety of straw hat styles with enticing promotions. While we await official 2027 announcements, history shows brands like J.Crew, Madewell, and Nordstrom often feature seasonal accessories, including straw hats, in their spring collections. Look for discounts on popular styles such as Panama hats, fedoras, and wide-brimmed sun hats. Specialty hat shops like Goorin Bros. and online retailers such as Lack of Color may offer limited-time sales or bundle deals. Even outdoor and travel brands like REI might highlight functional straw hats for adventurers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April approaches.
Platform Guide for Straw Hat Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #StrawHatMonth. Share your favorite straw hat outfits, styling tips, or a throwback photo featuring a classic straw hat.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #StrawHatMonth. Create a ‘straw hat transformation’ video or showcase different ways to style a single straw hat for various occasions.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #StrawHatMonth. Post about the history of straw hats, share photos of your collection, or ask followers for their favorite styles.
Straw Hat Month Hero
Lester L. Johnson
History of Straw Hat Month
It is believed straw hats were the first hats to be worn by humans. They have been around since 3200 B.C. Unlike the fancy fedoras and the academic berets, a straw hat is considered an ordinary man’s purposeful belonging, famous for its light-built and spanned coverage. Topping it off (pun intended) is the happy-go-lucky utility of a straw hat — shading us from the rain and the sun. Traditionally made with grass to dispel the harsh sun on field days, 21st-century renditions of straw hats lean more on fashion and less on utility. Unless it’s an accessory to an outfit, straw hats are often seen on the heads of tourists making peace signs for selfies.
For much of history, hats have been synonymous with class, heritage, and the occupation of the wearer. Like a knob on a walking cane, the status of a true gentleman is revealed best by the design of his hat. And as fashion progresses, the straw hat is a detail that represents the personality and style of an individual.
It is often said that American history was made by men in hats. While we remember president Lincoln for his contributions to the nation, we must also recall the relentless effort of our farmers, plowing the fields in rain and sunshine to feed the country. With this month-long dedication, we express our gratitude to the men with the plow, donning a straw hat, and heading out for a hard day of work in the April sun.
Straw Hat Month timeline
A pictorial depiction of a man wearing a straw hat is discovered in a tomb in Thebes.
Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton’s annual report marks the hat industry as one of the shining spots of the American economy.
Farmers in the field begin wearing straw hats as protection from the sun.
Headwear Information Bureau begins keeping records of hat sales across America.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Straw Hat Month
Local businesses can celebrate Straw Hat Month by curating special displays featuring straw hats from various eras and styles, perhaps even hosting a ‘hat history’ event. Retailers can offer discounts on straw hats or collaborate with local artisans to showcase handmade designs. Cafes and restaurants might create a ‘straw hat selfie station’ for customers, encouraging social media engagement with #StrawHatMonth and offering a small discount for participation. Fashion boutiques could host styling workshops demonstrating how to incorporate straw hats into different outfits.
Straw Hat Month FAQs
When is Straw Hat Month?
In 2027, Straw Hat Month will again be celebrated during the entire month of April, from Thursday, April 1, to Friday, April 30. Get ready to update your spring wardrobe with a new brim!
What is the most popular type of straw hat?
The popularity of straw hats often shifts with fashion trends, but perennial favorites include the wide-brimmed sun hat for beachgoers and the boater hat for a more formal, vintage look. These styles consistently rank high in sales and fashion editorials.
How many straw hats are sold annually?
The market for straw hats continues to grow, fueled by renewed interest in sustainable fashion and outdoor living. Industry reports suggest that the casual and fashion hat segment, where straw hats are prominent, sees consistent annual growth, with sales peaking in the warmer months.
What materials are used to make straw hats?
Beyond traditional straw, innovative materials like braided paper, hemp, and even recycled plastics are now used to create straw-like hats, offering different levels of flexibility, sun protection, and environmental impact. The choice of material greatly influences the hat’s feel and longevity.
Straw Hat Month Activities
Embrace the hat
Hats have been around for centuries. During National Straw Hat Month, we renew our love for hats and make them a part of our daily wardrobe.
Do it yourself
Back in the 19th century, farmers used to make their own straw hats by weaving strips of dry hay in a circular motion. To have the ideal experience, make a straw hat all by yourself or decorate a Panama hat with flower petals and fancy ribbons.
Thank a farmer
Lest we forget that it was the straw hat that came to the rescue of farmers battling the scorching heat of the summer. As we gather to celebrate the fancy straw hats and their place in our history, we also extend our gratitude to the farmers, whose relentless passion and work ethic have made all our meals possible.
5 Unique Types Of Straw Hats
Seagrass straw hat
An airy and lightweight hat made from seagrass.
Panama straw hat
A light and breathable vacationer's hat made from Toquilla straw.
Fedora straw hat
A low-crown and wide-brimmed accessory made with felt and other soft materials.
Derby straw hat
A lampshade crown hat made with fine straw.
Boater straw hat
A stiff flat crown with a narrow brim made with stiff sennit straw.
Why We Love Straw Hat Month
Hats are forever in fashion
Hats have never left the fashion billboard. From Audrey Hepburn to President Teddy Roosevelt, they are revered in pop and political culture. As the straw hat signifies the turn of the season, April is dedicated to the celebration of straw hats for their unique shape and utility.
It’s more than just a hat
Throughout our history, men and women have worn hats that showcase their merit and individuality. Because of the bond that people have forged with their hats, National Straw Hat Month is the perfect time to dedicate an entire month to the celebration of the often ignored but practical straw hat.
It’s an expression of gratitude
Straw hats make an incredible fashion statement, but we also honor the head who wears them. Designed and developed by the farmworkers of the 18th century to escape the sun, a straw hat saves the sweat and makes fieldwork possible. This April, we honor the farmers and express our gratitude for their service.
Social Media Tips for Straw Hat Month
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