Skimmer Hats

Skimmer Hats

Skimmer Hats (also known as Boater Hats) are a semi-formal spring and summer hat style, originally designed for men in the late 19th century. Although the classic men's hat style may be interchangeably referred to as either a Skimmer or Boater Hat, the "Skimmer" moniker is almost exclusively used to refer to the classic men's style. The term "Boater Hats", on the other hand, is used to describe both men's classic and women's hat styles. Although similar in design, women's Boater Hats tend to feature far more variation, especially with regards to their material and trim as well as their brim style and/or length. 

Initially worn only during water-adjacent activities such as boating or sailing, the hat style eventually came to comprise part of every gentleman's semi-formal spring and summer attire. It is believed that the style was inspired by the canotier straw hats worn by Venice gondoliers which would certainly explain their "Boater Hat" designation and original intended use. Traditional Skimmer Hats feature an oval-shaped crown with a flat top and straight sides (aka "square" crown) fitted with a flat, medium-width brim. The style was traditionally crafted of stiff finish sennit straw, although today it is often made with a variety of straws and finishes. Classic Skimmer Hats were usually trimmed with a red and navy striped grosgrain ribbon hat band, although solid colored hat bands were also common.

Use of Skimmer Hats peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The style is famously pictured in many Impressionist-period artworks including Manet's "Boating" as well as Renoir's "Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette" and "Luncheon of the Boating Party." Skimmer Hats have also enjoyed a variety of associations over the years including British boarding school uniforms, water-related Sporting Events, Vaudeville theatre, carnival workers, barbershop quartets, and Opening Day at the races, among others. Today, the style is still considered very dapper indeed - especially when paired with a smart summer suit. 

At Village Hat Shop, you will find a variety of Skimmer and Boater Hats to suit your needs. 

For more on the style's use in popular art, see our Hats in Art informational page.

See Also: Women's Boater Hats, Bolero & Gaucho Hats, Straw Hats