This quintessential hat is totally iconic (even though you might not have known what it was called until now.) After making such a colossal mark on fashion in the roaring 1920s, we’re here in the roaring 2020s to check out the origins of the vintage cloche, the modern cloche, and who can pull off a cloche.
History of the Cloche Hat: Vintage Flapper Hats
Tres Chic! Fashionable Origins in France
The cloche hat, which comes from the French word for “bell”, was designed and released in 1908 by the renowned French hat-designer, Caroline Reboux. Much like the name suggests, this new model of hat was bell-shaped and provided a very pleasing silhouette for the wearer. Initially, each hat was crafted by Caroline Reboux herself by hand for each customer. The original cloche hats were made from felt but were eventually also available in straw or sisal.
Caroline Reboux herself was a very famous self-made fashion designer who serviced both royalty and celebrities of the time.
The Ladies' Hat of Choice in the 1920s and 30s
One of the most well recognized versions of the cloche hat is the 1920s “Jazz Age” version. Available in many different designs, this hat created an air of mystery and just the right amount of allure.
These hats, often termed "flapper hats" were popularized, of course, by flappers. Cloche hats received a major boost during the 1920’s and into the 1930’s due to the introduction of the “Eton Crop” hairstyle, which was a short, cropped cut that was worn slicked-down. The cloche hat perfectly emphasized this new, clipped hairstyle that stood as a symbol of feminine independence. In fact, a popular saying for the cloche hats during this time was “bobbed hats for women with bobbed hair”.
During this timeframe, women were finding ways to work these unique hats into varying walks of life. Everything from wearing a casual cloche while running daily errands to foregoing a veil for a cloche on your wedding day was fair game.
Adding embellishments to your cloche was also trendy during this time period. Some women adorned their cloche hats with ribbons, lace, beads, brooches, appliques, and feathers. Some of these additions were not only made as a creative outlet or fashion statement; Certain ways of wearing a ribbon or other decoration may signify a secret meaning. For example, a flashy bow attached to a woman’s cloche hat may signify they are currently available and looking while a tight knot indicated the woman was married and off the market.
A Long-standing Fashion Statement
The cloche hat has made recurring appearances over the past 100 years, each time with varying additions and extra touches. Many hat lovers would be quick to tell you the cloche has stuck around due to its appealing shape and overall chic style.
The Modern Cloche Hat
While films from the silent era and early “talkies” continued to boost the allure of the cloche, recent TV shows and movies have helped increase populatity as well. Shows like Downton Abbey, which further romanticize the 1920’s era, have worked exceptionally well at placing cloche hats back in the spotlight. Even hats you may not have considered to be cloche-styles have crept into other popular TV series and movies, even within the past few years.
The “modern” cloche takes the vintage style and simplicity of earlier cloche design, but adds more fabrics and trendy designs, as well as comfort and practicality. Modern cloche hats may can be found in practically all fabrics, including wool or wool blends, cotton knits, straw, and even bamboo viscose, making the cloche perfect for any time of the year. Many modern cloche designs omit a brim to make them ideal for all-day, indoor-outdoor wear. Shop a variety and cloche and vintage style hats here.
Who Looks Good in a Cloche Hat?
The short answer? Every one! Due to cloche designs becoming more universal and available in tons of varying styles, there’s no limit to who could pull off the cloche style. The cloche still offers a sliding scale of added creativity for the wearer, giving you the ability to add your own touch of personality. Choose to go old school or take it up a notch for a more contemporary look. It’s completely your decision and there’s no right or wrong. We offer a wide range of hats for women, including all season hats, winter hats, turbans and summer hats. Discover which hats are best for you here.
The cloche hat may be over 100 years old and counting, but the charm of the style lives on. With such a broad and colorful history that includes elegant beginnings, a symbol of female independence, a creative outlet, and a way to communicate without words, the cloche is a truly unique and enchanting design. What’s your take on the cloche hat? Would you or do you wear cloche hats? Share your opinions with us below!