Fedora

A fedora is a classic felt hat with a soft crown creased lengthwise, characteristic pinches at the front and moderately wide brims. It is one of the most elegant and recognisable hats of the 20th century: the fedora was an inseparable part of the men's wardrobe in the 1920s–50s and became a symbol of Hollywood noir, gangster chic and gentlemanly elegance (recall Humphrey Bogart or Indiana Jones). In fact women made the fedora fashionable first: the name comes from Victorien Sardou's 1882 play Fédora, written for Sarah Bernhardt, and in the late 19th century the hat was a common women's accessory. It is made of felt, straw or other materials, often with a decorative band on the crown. A fedora is an elegant felt hat with pinches and moderate brims, in which the timeless classic of the 1920s–50s men's wardrobe combines with the symbolism of noir and gentlemanly chic, making it one of the most recognisable and noble hats.