The straw boater

is ideal head cover for the summer season.

It is lightweight, made of stiff straw, with a fairly deep flat-topped crown,

a flat narrrow rim and adorned with a band.

…

(image from vam.ac.uk)

 

Boater

1890s, UK, designer unkown

…

Of British origins, boaters were once the hats issued to

midshipmen in the Royal Navy towards the end of the nineteenth century.

Boaters provided much needed sun protection during warmer clime.

During the Victorian era (1837 – 1901)

boaters were part of school uniforms and are still in evidence today

at many independent schools.

…

Boys at Harrow School

with boaters in hand

…

The boater became popular for the gentleman wearer

as a lighter option to the bowler.

By the early twentieth century, the straw boater had become

a bit fashion de rigueur for both men and women.

Worn at a picnic,  at a tennis match, at the races-

the boater was symbol of summer time leisure activity.

…

(image from victoriana.com)

To a man in boater headwear

watching a tennis match

…

Accesorised in coordinated polka dots

a lady wears the  boater,  circa 1900s

…

For summer 2015

inject a touch of 19th century charm to a contemporary look-

accessorise with a straw boater:

…

Favlook – Lookfav Focus

the straw boater

(image from catwalkyourserlf):

…