Chapeau

Chapeau is the French term for a hat. In English usage, the word is sometimes borrowed to refer to a hat, especially in contexts that evoke French fashion or tradition. The term covers any head covering worn for protection, weather, fashion, or ceremonial purposes.

Hats described as chapeaux come in many shapes and materials. Everyday forms include brimmed felt hats, straw sun hats, and practical caps. Throughout fashion history, chapeaux have signified social status, regional identity, and personal style, with styles evolving across periods and cultures. Iconic French examples, such as the beret, are widely recognized as representative chapeaux.

Beyond daily wear, hats serve ceremonial, performance, and uniform functions. In these contexts, the word chapeau is used in French to describe the headwear involved, and it appears in English discussions that adopt the French term. Common materials range from felt and wool to straw and modern synthetics, often embellished with ribbons, feathers, or trims.

In journalism, the chapeau refers to the opening paragraph or deck that summarizes the story after the headline. This usage reflects the term’s French origin and is standard in French-language media; some English-language outlets that discuss journalism practice also use the term.

Chapeau thus denotes the broad category of headwear known as hats, while also carrying specific technical meanings in fields such as media and fashion. See also: hat, millinery, fashion, French language.