National Hat Day is celebrated on January 15 each year. It's a day to wear a favorite hat, whether it's a warm winter beanie, a baseball cap, a cowboy hat or a fancy fedora. Hats protect us from cold, sun and rain, and they've long been used to express style, status and identity. In the middle of winter, a cozy hat is also one of the best ways to stay warm.
History of National Hat Day
People have worn head coverings for thousands of years, from ancient Egyptian headdresses to Greek felt caps. In many cultures, hats signaled a person's job, rank or religion.
From the 1600s to the mid-1900s, hats were an essential part of everyday dress in Europe and America. Felt hats made from beaver fur were so popular that they drove the fur trade in North America. Hat makers used mercury compounds to process felt, and long exposure caused mercury poisoning, with symptoms such as tremors and mood changes. This is often linked to the phrase 'mad as a hatter'.
In 1865, John B. Stetson created a wide-brimmed hat he called the 'Boss of the Plains', which became the classic cowboy hat. The top hat, bowler and fedora were popular styles. After the 1950s, hats became less common for everyday wear, but baseball caps, beanies and sun hats remain hugely popular. Who created National Hat Day is not documented.
Why National Hat Day Matters
Hats are practical, helping protect against heat loss in winter and sunburn in summer.
They are also a fun way to express personality, celebrate a favorite team or honor a culture or tradition.
Hat Day is an easy, inclusive celebration that schools, offices and charities often use for fundraising 'hat days'.
How to Celebrate National Hat Day
- Wear a favorite hat: show off your style all day.
- Hold a hat contest: award the silliest or most creative hat.
- Knit or crochet a hat: donate it to a shelter.
- Learn hat history: explore styles from top hats to Stetsons.
- Raise money: host a 'pay to wear a hat' day for charity.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, invite everyone to wear a hat to a meeting or hold a charity hat day. In classrooms, students can design paper hats, learn about hats from different cultures or hold a hat parade. At home, families can have a silly hat contest, knit or crochet hats together or donate warm hats to a local shelter. Remember to remove hats where etiquette or rules require, such as during the national anthem.
Fun Facts About National Hat Day
- John B. Stetson created the 'Boss of the Plains' hat in 1865.
- Mercury used in felt-making poisoned many hatters.
- Beaver felt hats drove the North American fur trade.
National Hat Day FAQs
When is National Hat Day?
National Hat Day is celebrated on January 15 each year.
Where does 'mad as a hatter' come from?
It's often linked to hat makers who suffered mercury poisoning from felt-making.
Who invented the cowboy hat?
John B. Stetson created the 'Boss of the Plains' in 1865, a model for the cowboy hat.
Do hats keep you warm?
Yes. Covering your head helps reduce heat loss in cold weather.
When did hats go out of fashion?
Everyday formal hats became less common after the 1950s.
How can I celebrate National Hat Day?
Wear a favorite hat, hold a hat contest or donate warm hats to people in need.