fedoras

Fedoras are a type of soft felt hat with a creased crown and a brim that can be shaped by the wearer. The crown typically features a center crease along its length and pinch at the front sides, while the brim is usually two to three inches wide and can be curled or snapped to suit the wearer. They are commonly finished with a grosgrain hatband, sometimes accompanied by a small feather. While most fedoras are made of felt, some summer variants use straw or lightweight materials.

The hat originated in the late 19th century. It was first worn as a women's fashion item following the stage play Fédora, after which the style acquired its name. In the early 20th century it became popular among men, becoming a staple of urban attire. By the 1930s through the 1950s the fedora carried associations with film noir detectives, business professionals, and crime figures, embedding it in popular culture. Since then its prominence in everyday fashion has fluctuated, but the fedora remains a recognizable option in both vintage and contemporary styles.

Compared with related hats, the fedora is often distinguished from the trilby, which generally has a shorter crown and a brim that slopes more distinctly down at the front and up at the back. Fedoras can be found in wool or fur felt for cooler months and in straw for warmer seasons. Modern fedoras may vary in crown height and brim shape, but the classic look remains a symbol of versatility ranging from formal wear to casual fashion.