mittausanturia

Mittausanturia is a Finnish hat style, traditionally worn by loggers and foresters. The name literally translates to "colonial hat" in Finnish, although it is not derived from the classic colonial hat style commonly associated with tropical climates. Instead, it is thought to be named after the hat's resemblance to the colonial hats worn by Finnish foresters during colonial times in East Africa.

The mittausanturia hat design features a wide brim, typically around 30-40 cm in diameter, and a relatively short indented crown. The crown is often rounded at the top and can be rather wide, resembling a truncated cone shape. The wide brim is designed to shield the face and neck from the sun, as well as to protect against the elements while working outdoors.

Traditionally, mittausanturia hats were made from straw hats or raw fur hats, but modern variations often use felt or other materials. The colour range is typically natural or dark brown tones, although some variations may include subtle ornamentation such as sewn stripes or embroidered details. The mittausanturia hat is still worn in rural areas of Finland for practical purposes, particularly during the summer months.

In recent years, the mittausanturia has gained popularity amongst outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers due to its traditional design and practicality. However, its cultural significance goes beyond its functional aspects, serving as a tangible connection to Finnish forestry and rural traditions. Despite its seclusion to local Finnish culture, the mittausanturia remains a respectful, recognizable symbol of the region's craftsmanship and heritage.