This is a Piece of Crap

I've bought some bad hats before, but this has got to be worst.

It's supposed to be a Montera which is a hat that represents the bull and worn by bullfighters, the real hats are not cheap and only wanted one for this blog, so ordered this off eBay, it looks nothing like the real thing, is made of recycled cardboard by the look of it and would not fit anybody comfortably.

Most of the time fancy dress hats, novelty or tourist hats can be decent and while not robust fit the bill and can be worn.

This hat, however, is a lesson learned. 

Will end up in the bin soon as it's taking up space.

Cordoba

This Spanish Cordoba is a cheap tourist quality hat and does not represent the real thing very well. the real hats don't have tassels around the brim. 

The Cordova Hat is basically wide flat-brimmed hat with the flat crown about 10 cm tall

The hat originated in Còrdoba Spain and the traditional colour is black.

Wide-brimmed hats make sense in sunny countries as they help provide shade

The hat was seen in painting from the 17th Century so dates back at least that far.

These hats are mostly nowadays worn by flamenco dancers, tourists and Zorro. 

Ready for the Weather

As the United Kindom is hit by a very wet stormy day, I've found this set of pictures of someone who looks ready for the weather.

Many so-called cowboy hats are all basically the same shaped hat until the crown is dented, this one has 2 parallel dents and a relatively flat top, this makes cattleman style, at least according to one website.

This isn't a good quality cowboy hat and wouldn't survive the real world, but OK for fancy dress and LRP

Worn alongside a full-length brown waxed coat.

Dread Pirate Lock

Stick a sock hat over your dreadlock hat and you have a great Pirate look

Dreadlock hat

This is a novelty dreadlock hat.

In the colourful style of the Caribbean, this hat comes complete with dreadlocks attached to the rim of the hat. 

It also includes a small zip pocket to keep something lightweight in, maybe tobacco or paper money.

You will also find them under Rastafarian hats, reggae hats. 

As sold to tourists.

Poker Visor

The green eyeshade, poker visor or casino dealers visor.

The green visor started life as protection against the harsh light created by early electric light bulbs in the late 19th early to mid 20th centuries

The visor was worn by accountants, telegraphers, newspaper copy editors and other people who worked in detailed vision intensive occupations to reduce eyestrain. Not sure if it worked although green light is said to be a restful colour. 

The green eyeshade is also associated with gambling as croupiers used to wear them possible for a similar reason as accountants, although they may have also hidden the eyes somewhat making it harder to read people.

This is a cheap fancy dress eyeshade, but still usable.

Goggle Beanie

A beanie with built-in goggles who's crazy idea was that?

This is a traditional cotton ribbed beanie with goggles sandwiched into the brim possibly used by skiers.

I think the idea is more of a fashion thing than of practical use.

Although it does work has a pair of goggles, the beanie brim when folded down holds the goggles in the right place and steady enough to protect the eyes from the bright sunlight. 

That said you end up looking like some cheap superhero called Insect Man.

Steam Punked Hat

This top hat as been steampunked

A Christmas gift from friends Jock and Bridgette.

The hat was purchased but when the gifters got it home they discovered a poor quality conversion.

So they took it apart bought loads of cogs and chains and redid it themselves

I was very pleased with the results, a fabulous gift.

The top hat is also a good fit, which with rigid hats is important, I would normally try first.

The hat comes complete with working clock on the top.

I even managed to take it off my head.

Musketeers Hat

This theatrical hat is designed to look like a Cavaliers or Musketeers hat from the 17th Century.

Cavaliers hats get their name from supporters of Kings Charles I during the English Civil War whereas Musketeers Hats get there name from the personal musket wielding bodyguard of King Louise XIII. Both were known for wearing extravagant clothing including hats like this one but decorated with ostrich feathers. 

This wide-brimmed style of hat usually was cocked up on one side or both, one side of the brim was often pinned totally up.

The theatrical hat here is made of sponge covered material, with a wire frame and covered in velvety fabric with a bit of trim. 

Nothing like the real thing which should be made of felt

This hat cost me about 1 pound as part of a batch of hats.

I will get a nice authentic Cavaliers hat one day.