National Hat Day

National Hat Day, observed every January 15, invites people across the U.S. to showcase their favorite hats, whether practical or playful. Since at least 1983, schools, libraries, and museums have marked the day by encouraging patrons and students to wear hats reflecting their personalities, occupations, or interests. People have fun dressing up in hats from all walks of life—from pirate hats and football helmets to the classic police cap or postal worker’s visor.

The date also holds historical significance, as January 15 commemorates the 1797 debut of the top hat. On that day, John Hetherington, a London haberdasher, appeared in court for disturbing the public with his new hat creation, which reportedly startled onlookers and sparked a memorable reaction.

Hats Through the Ages: More Than Just an Accessory

For centuries, hats have played a crucial role in fashion and culture. They were often worn not only for protection from the elements but also to convey status, profession, or even one’s religious beliefs. In medieval times, a woman’s head covering could signal her marital status, while certain hats, such as the shepherd’s hat or top hat, were associated with social class. By the 19th century, hats were indispensable in society, with elaborate designs for women and elegant top hats for men.

The hat industry boomed, bringing about distinct professions. Hatters, who crafted men’s hats, faced significant health risks from mercury exposure, leading to the phrase “mad as a hatter.” Milliners, who created intricate women’s hats, adorned with feathers, ribbons, and sometimes even small taxidermy animals. The popularity of feathered hats led to a decline in bird populations, which eventually prompted the Migratory Bird Act of 1918 to protect avian species.

In the mid-20th century, hats began to fade from everyday fashion as cars, hairstyles, and shifting social attitudes made them less practical and essential. Today, National Hat Day honors the long-standing role of hats in personal and cultural expression, inviting everyone to wear and appreciate the hats they love.

When is National Hat Day Celebrated?

If you’re ready to tip your hat and mark your calendar for National Hat Day, here’s when it will take place over the next several years. National Hat Day always falls on January 15th, but be sure to check out the exact day of the week to better plan your celebration:

Fun Facts About Hats

Hats have been around for centuries, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. From historical moments to cultural quirks, there’s more to these head coverings than meets the eye. Here are some fun and surprising facts that highlight just how diverse and fascinating the world of hats can be:

• Oldest hat: The oldest known hat is over 5,000 years old and was found on Ötzi the Iceman, a mummified body discovered in the Alps. He wore a simple cap made from bear fur for warmth.

• World War I impact: During World War I, hats became a symbol of patriotism and solidarity. Women often knitted hats for soldiers as part of the war effort, and many civilian fashion trends were influenced by military headgear.

• The Panama hat: Although it’s called the Panama hat, this iconic style actually originated in Ecuador. Its popularity in the U.S. soared after President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed wearing one while visiting the Panama Canal.

• Hats and superstition: In many cultures, it’s considered bad luck to put a hat on a bed. This belief comes from the idea that hats can carry bad spirits or germs, and placing them on a bed would spread those negative energies.

• The rise of the baseball cap: Originally designed in the 1860s for baseball players to block the sun, the baseball cap is now one of the most popular hat styles in the world, worn by people of all ages for both practical and fashion purposes.

Ways to Celebrate National Hat Day

Celebrating National Hat Day is as simple as putting on your favorite hat and wearing it with pride! But if you’re looking for more creative ways to mark the occasion, here are some fun ideas:

• Wear your favorite hat: If you have a go-to hat or want to try something new, wear a hat that showcases your style. It could be a classic look, something bold, or even a hat with personal meaning.

• Try a new style: If you’ve always been curious about different hat styles—like berets, flat caps, or cowboy hats—today is a great day to experiment. You might find a new favorite!

• Learn about hat history: Take some time to explore the history of hats and their cultural significance. You could read a book, watch a documentary, or visit a museum with hat collections to deepen your understanding. This video from Gentleman’s Gazette is a great starting point for exploring why men stopped wearing hats, but also helps you understand the history of hats.

• Appreciate the craftsmanship: Learn about how hats are made by checking out videos or articles on millinery (the art of hat-making). Understanding the skill behind crafting hats might give you a newfound appreciation for these stylish accessories.

• Start a hat collection: If you’re a fan of hats, consider starting or expanding your collection. Vintage stores and online shops are full of unique and stylish options. Each hat in your collection can tell a story or represent a different part of history.

Before You Go:

We have many more national days lists for you to explore.

• Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
• Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
• Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.