trilbies

A trilby is a style of hat characterized by a narrow brim and a short, pinched crown. The brim is typically about 2 to 2.5 inches wide, usually turned down at the front and up at the back, with the sides sometimes lightly upturned. The crown often features a center crease with side pinches, giving a distinct angular profile. Trilbies are commonly made from felt, especially beaver or rabbit fur felt, and there are also straw versions for warm weather. Other materials such as wool felt or tweed may be used.

Etymology and history: The hat style is named after the heroine Trilby in George du Maurier’s 1894 novel Trilby, whose fashion influenced its reception. The design gained widespread popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in Britain and Australia, and remained a staple of urban and resort fashion through the 1950s and 1960s. The trilby is often viewed as a more casual, short-brimmed counterpart to the fedora.

Variations and usage: While most trilbies are made in felt, straw versions are common for summer wear. The look has been adapted in various colors and finishes, and is frequently associated with vintage or retro styling. In contemporary fashion, trilbies are worn as casual headwear, though some hat makers distinguish trilbies from fedoras by brim width and crown shaping. In some contexts the term is used loosely to describe hats with a similar silhouette, but precise distinctions depend on brim size and crown profile.