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5 Reasons Royals Wear Hats

By Taylor James

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Updated on

The type of clothing and accessories that an individual wears can share a lot about their background. The royal family is an example of a group easily recognizable in fashion, including accessories such as hats.

Royals wear hats because decorative headpieces symbolize wealth and status; they are part of the classic royal silhouette and have one-of-a-kind headpieces.

Therefore, it is common for dramatic hats and headbands to be worn by royal family members.

This article will explain five reasons why the royal family is well-known for their exceptional selection of hats, and the most popular hats among the royals discussed.

British royals wearing hats on a balcony
@minadotdahya via Twenty20

What Hat Is Most Popular Among the Royals?

The type of formal headpiece typically worn by members of the royal family is called a fascinator. This small, eye-catching piece is extremely popular among women in the royal family. The decorative clip serves solely as an ornamental piece. 

The fascinator covers just a small portion of the head, offering no protection to the wearer from the elements. Nonetheless, the fascinator has been a fashion staple in the royal family for several generations.

Elegant Hats Are a Symbol of Wealth

The royal family is not the only group that views dazzling accessories as a symbol of wealth and success. The concept of paying top dollar for unique fashion items is a common theme in most modern societies, so the royal family naturally flocks to elegant hats.

The Royals Love Classic Accessories

One exciting accessory on the market has become very popular among the royal family, referred to as a hatinator. This is a cross between a fascinator and a hat and consists of a hat-like facade that fastens onto the hair as a traditional fascinator would. 

The hatinator allows younger members of the royal family to maintain traditional royal dress while achieving a modern look.

Decorative Headwear Is a Part of the Classic Royal Silhouette

Similar to how decorative hats are associated with horse racing spectators, the public has come to expect a certain level of fashion from the royal family.

To maintain tradition and status, it is only appropriate that the royal family maintain its exceptional sense of style by referring to their fashion triumphs of the past through headwear. 

Man and a woman wearing hats at Royal Ascot

The Royals’ Headwear Is Highly Anticipated at Major Events

One of the many traditions that have stemmed from the royal family is flamboyant headpieces. At major events, such as a royal wedding, the guests’ outfits are one of the most exciting parts of the day.

This phenomenon can most closely be compared to the anticipation of the red carpet events before major award shows.

The Royals Have Access to One-of-a-Kind Headpieces

Due to the unique nature of traditional Victorian headwear, it is very difficult for the average person to replicate the hats worn by the royal family.

The hats worn by the royal family are crafted strictly for them. The Queen’s pieces, for example, are unique to her closet alone. 

Final Thoughts

There are several reasons why the royal family members are known for their elegant headwear. The wealth and status of the royal family play a significant role in determining what they should or should not wear daily, which is reflected in the royals’ hats.

Read more fascinating facts about hats worn by royals in this article.

About Taylor James

As Philip Treacy once said, “How a hat makes you feel is what a hat is all about.” And on that note, I hope you enjoy your hats and find the site useful. Learn more about Hat Realm's Editorial Process.