The Bowler Hat – A British Classic with Lasting Charm
If there’s one hat that has stood the test of time while crossing every boundary of class, style, and even geography, it’s the bowler hat. Instantly recognisable with its neat rounded crown, the bowler is as practical as it is iconic.
From Norfolk Gamekeepers to the City of London
The story begins right here in Norfolk in 1850. Edward Coke, of the grand Holkham Hall estate, approached Lock & Co., the oldest hatters in England. He wanted a new hat for his gamekeepers — something sturdier than the tall top hats that were forever being knocked off in the undergrowth. The design was passed to William Bowler, who created a close-fitting felt hat tough enough for country life. Thus, the “Coke Hat,” or bowler, was born.
A Hat for Everyone
Unlike the lofty top hat (wonderful for pomp but hopeless for comfort or travel), the bowler was practical. It stayed put on buses, trains, and horses, and soon spread from Norfolk fields to the streets of London and beyond. By the late 19th century, it was worn by princes and labourers alike, a symbol of upward mobility and good, solid style.
The bowler even hopped across the Atlantic, where it became known as the “Derby,” a favourite in the Wild West. In France, it was affectionately called the “melon.” Wherever it went, the bowler was versatile enough to fit in.
On Screen and in Art
If you think of Charlie Chaplin, chances are you picture him in his bowler. Artists loved it too — from Georges Seurat to René Magritte. It has appeared everywhere from A Clockwork Orange to Monty Python sketches, Batman’s Riddler, and even on Michael Jackson. Not many hats can boast a CV like that!
A Style That Endures
Even today, the bowler continues to make a statement. Whether marching in a cavalry parade (Prince William wore one in 2017) or turning heads on the red carpet (Zendaya looked fabulous in hers), this little rounded crown keeps proving its timelessness.
Why We Love It
The bowler is a perfect example of what makes hats extraordinary — practical roots, a sprinkle of history, and the power to transform the wearer. From the fields of Norfolk to the world’s catwalks, it has never really gone out of fashion.
Have a look at the Bowler Hats available online or in-store with The Extraordinary Hat Company.