Homburg & Godfather Hats

Homburg & Godfather Hats

This classic men's hat style is most often referred to as a Homburg or Godfather Hat, although neither is the style's initial name. Originally referred to as a "Lobbia-style" Bowler/Derby Hat or simply, "Lobbia" Hat, the style was actually named after Italian deputy Cristiano Lobbia who survived a notorious public attack in 1869. During the attack, Lobbia was stabbed three times with a knife and hit over the head with a stick, leaving a marked indent down its center. After a miraculously quick recovery, Lobbia wore this same hat to the Italian Parliament, an event which, like the attack itself, was heavily covered by the press. Soon thereafter, a very enterprising Florentine hatmaker designed a new version of the classic Bowler/Derby Hat featuring the infamous center dent, dubbing the variation "alla Lobbia." Thus, a new hat style was born.

Unfortunately, history is a bit murky when it comes to the style's journey from Florence to Bad Homburg, Germany from whence its now-primary "Homburg" Hat designation stems. The reason for this designation, however, is clear. Before becoming king, Edward VII returned to England from a trip to Bad Homburg during the 1890s wearing the then unknown style (in England and most of the world). Royal watchers jumped at the chance to emulate the look, prompting English hatmakers to imitate the style. It was soon exported to the Americas and so the Homburg - as it was now singularly known outside of Italy - became a classic men's style, considered less formal than the Top Hat, but dressier than the Bowler/Derby Hat.

Other famous wearers include renowned British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who notably chose a Homburg over a Fedora Hat for both of his inaugurations. By the 1960s, however, use of Homburg Hats plummeted (along with all other styles) once hats stopped comprising part of compulsory daily attire. It wasn't until the 1970s, following the incredible popularity of The Godfather film, wherein Al Pacino's character, Michael Corleone, is seen wearing a grey Homburg Hat, that the style experienced a resurgence. The film's influence was so large, in fact, that the style is still widely known as a "Godfather" Hat today. 

Regardless of what you call them, Homburg & Godfather Hats are absolutely timeless. At Village Hat Shop you may find Homburg & Godfather Hats in a variety of materials and colors - all at amazing prices. Shop classic Wool Felt and Fur Felt versions, or even Straw from popular brands like Stetson, Bailey, Dobbs, and more!

See Also: Bowler & Derby Hats, Fedora Hats, Top Hats