Abucket hat (variations of which include thefisherman's hat,Irish country hat andsession hat) is ahat with a narrow, downward-slopingbrim. Typically, the hat is made from heavy-duty cotton fabric such asdenim orcanvas, or heavy wool such astweed, sometimes with metal eyelets placed on the crown of the hat for ventilation.
It was first adopted as a high fashion item in the 1960s, and with subsequent revivals in both street fashion and on the catwalk. It is popularfestival gear in the present day, also known as a "session hat".
The bucket hat is said to have been introduced around 1900.[1] Originally made from wool felt ortweed cloth, these hats were traditionally worn by Irish farmers and fishermen as protection from the rain, because thelanolin from the unwashed (raw) wool made these hats naturally waterproof.[2] From theinterwar years onwards, these "Irish walking hats" were quickly adopted internationally for country pursuits because, when folded, they could fit inside a coat pocket. If the hat fell in the mud, it could be easily cleaned with a damp sponge, and it could be reshaped using steam from a kettle.[2] In the 1960s, it was often worn by members of theMod subculture.[1]
The modern bucket hat is derived from atropical hat made from olive drab cotton that was issued to the US Army during theVietnam War. These lightweight hats became popular among civilians for use in sports such as fishing, and as sun protection.[3]
In the 1960s, the bucket hat was adapted as a ladies' fashion item, in common with thepillbox,bakerboy, andcloche styles, suiting the fashion for more bouffant hair.[4] Milliners such asLilly Daché created designs in felt or other stiffer fabrics to capture the "mod" look.[5] The older tweed Irish walking hat remained popular among professional men until the 1970s,[6] and was notably worn bySean Connery's character inIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The hat became popular with rappers in the 1980s and remained part of street fashion into the 1990s. In the 2010's, it has re-emerged as a fashion catwalk item after being sported by celebrities such asRihanna.[7] Since then, luxury bucket hats have been produced by brands such asGucci,Loewe, andPrada.[8] The bucket-hat has also been associated with thehip-hop scene. The trend was set-off byLL Cool J andRun-DMC, and since then many musical sensations have used it.[9]
Graffiti of the "Hutbürger" inDresden (2018)ABengali man wearing a bucket hat
In Bulgaria it is popular as "idiotka" (Bulgarian:идиотка), which means "idiot hat".[10]
In Australia the version worn by the Australian Defence Force is referred as a "Giggle Hat".[11]
In Israel, it is known as atembel hat or "Rafael hat", afterRafael Eitan, an Israeli general, politician, and former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, who used to wear one. A similar type of hat called atembel hat is dubbed the national hat of Israel as it was worn by IsraeliHalutzim to protect from sunburn.
In Sweden, it is known as a "Beppehatt" or "Beppemössa", sinceBeppe Wolgers, a Swedish author and artist, used to wear it and made it popular in the 1970s.
In Denmark, it is known as "bøllehat" (troublemaker hat) since the 1880s, when a group of young delinquents would gather every Sunday in Bøllemosen in Jægersborg Dyrehave, from where they made trips to a popular dance restaurant in Charlottenlund to steal the ladies' hats.
In Argentina, it is known as "sombrero Piluso" (Piluso hat), afterAlberto Olmedo's character, where its popularity rose after the2022 FIFA World Cup.
In Russia, it is called "panama" (Russian:панама). The name came from misconception ofpanama hat, known as hat of Ecuadorian workers in Panama.
In South Africa, it is known as an "ispoti" and is very popular with urban black youth, representing being streetwise without copying foreign hip-hop trends.[citation needed]
In Tanzania, it is very popular among elders, especially among theIraqw people.
In Germany, it is called "Anglerhut" (fisher's hat). It is popular as an accessory inGerman hip hop.[13] In 2018, a right-wing protester wearing a bucket hat in the colors of theFlag of Germany became notorious as a "Hutbürger" ("hat citizen"),[14] a play on words of "Wutbürger" or "enraged citizen".
In the UK, it is sometimes called "Reni hat", after Stone Roses drummerReni who frequently wore the hat.[15][16]
In Italy, it's called a "fisherman's hat" (cappello da pescatore).[17]
In Brazil and Mexico, it's widely known as "chapéu do Seu Madruga"[18] (Don Ramón's hat) and respected[19] due to being worn by the character.Cosplayers may be casually seen in some cities wearing the iconic hat.[20]