The velvet felt boater hat: its history

The boater hat is an oval-shaped straw hat with a flat bottom like its brim.

This name gives its origin to the fact that it was a part of the summer uniform of sailors in the mid-19ᵉ century. This hat was used by canotieres, i.e. sailors who put on the boats of ships.

Then, the canoe hat was popularised by the high society who wanted to dress their children as little sailors.

Maurice Chevalier gave the boater its letters of nobility by wearing it so often that it became an integral part of his character. His song “Twist du canotier” will not be forgotten.

The ‘Hepbrun’ boater’s hat is a classic: the flat bottom of the boater’s cap and the wide brim of the hat, but instead of being flexible, it is stiffened with brass primers and wire.

The Belgian actress Audrey Hepbrun, who lived her youth in Brussels, was a great inspiration to the designer Fabienne Delvigne. She admired her sober elegance.

Discover our collection of boater hats for men and women by clicking here.

Packaging

First, Maison Fabienne Delvigne carefully wraps the hats in tissue paper. Then places them in a black hat box designed by Fabienne Delvigne. These boxes are tailor made by Maison Fabienne Delvigne. Then, we place a certificate of authenticity next to the hat. Finally, we delicately perfume the hat with Guerlain’s “Eau de Cashmere”. A reminiscence of the beautiful collaboration between our two Maisons.

You want to know more about this beautiful collaboration by clicking here.