Origins of the Fedora

• The fedora dates back to the late 1800s.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  The name fedora comes from the title of a Victorien Sardou play written for Sara Bernhardt in the late 1800s. The play, originally performed in Paris, came to the United States in 1889. Bernhardt played Princess Fedora, who wore a hat similar tow hat we know as the fedora today. Originally, the hat was worn by women, but in the early 1900s became a men's accessory, and is better known as a men's hat.
  
  

Design of a Fedora

• There are many variations on the fedora.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  The fedora is normally made of felt, but they have been made of straw as well. The hat is pinched in the front and on both sides to create a crease down the crown and sports a wide, pliable brim. Originally, the hats were sold uncreased, so that the owner could crease them manually to personal preferences. In the late 1950s, however, hat makers began blocking in various creases, and this is the prevailing practice today. One reason the fedora became so popular was that it could be rolled when not in use without losing its shape.
  
  

Fedoras and Gangsters

• Fedoras became popular with the 1930s gangsters.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  In the 1930s, it was popular for gangsters to dress in business suits that were not the typical conservative style worn by regular businessmen. Often, the suits had wide stripes or were of unusual colors, and it became fashionable for them to accessorize the look with fedoras of equally unique colors or embellishments. The gangsters added feathers and bright-colored ribbon to the fedora to give it a unique look.
  
  

1940s and 1950s

• 1940s detectives are often associated with fedoras.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  During the 1940s and 1950s, the fedora was very popular. Often, the fedora is associated with the 1940s detectives depicted in movies and by the popular cartoon strip "Dick Tracy." One of the most famous uses of the fedora was by Gene Kelly in "Singin' In The Rain," during the famous rain scene featuring the title song. However, as the "west coast casual" style of dress gained popularity, hats of all types, including the fedora, slowly faded from use, and by the early 1960s, fedoras were mostly worn by older gentlemen.
  
  

Fedoras Today

• A typical fedora as worn today.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Today, the fedora is regaining popularity among both men and women. Michael Jackson began the resurgence of the fashion accessory in the early 1990s when he wore one when filming the video for his song "Billie Jean." Tom Landry, coach of the Dallas Cowboys, was never seen without his trademark fedora, and football star Deion Sanders is also well known for his collection of fedoras. Many female singers and actresses, such as Sarah Jessica Parker and The Olsen Twins, are well known for donning fedoras as well. One of the most famous fedoras of today's era is the one worn by Harrison Ford in the "Indiana Jones" movie series.