Rare Vintage 1920s Monogrammed Mens Straw

Boater / Skimmer Hat

Size 6 3/4

Originally Purchased from Southcomb Hatter 109 E. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

Douglas Fairbanks holding His Straw Boater Hat

Straw hats were even more popular than flat caps for hot summer days. Outdoor sporting became the new hobby for men and women. From tennis to biking to riding in your new car– the people of the 1920s were outdoor enthusiasts.

Boating became popular, and with it the boater or skimmer straw hat was worn. Boaters were handwoven thick straw made into a heavy solid cylindrical hat with either a 2 inch or 3 inch brim. Skimmers had the smaller brims, while boaters had the larger ones. Other than that, their shape was the same. They each had a solid or striped Petersham ribbon around the base. College kids and alumni often wore their college’s colors on their hat bands. Many men’s “gentleman’s clubs” also produced bands with their club’s colors.

20s boater hats with striped hats bands

Barbershop quartets are often associated with these hats. Popular in the 1910s and 1920s for summertime entertainment, they became the staple uniform hat for singing musicians.

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