Hats, much like shoes or any other item of menswear, first evolved from purely functional pieces and then made the familiar journey into everyday wear with its own particular rules or conventions. These days, hats are no longer considered “costume de rigueur” for gentlemen, but it wasn’t so long ago when any man wouldn’t be caught outdoors without one.
The Safari Hat is no exception. Also known as the Pith Helmet or the Sola Topee, this hat originated in tropical British colonies as part of the military uniform.
Origins and Evolution
The Pith helmet or Sola Topee was first made in the Indian subcontinent sometime in the 1800s. It got its name from the fact that it was made out of the pith, the soft tissue found inside of the trunk of the Sola tree, a species native to India.
By 1870, the Sola Topee came to be used by various European militaries (though it eventually became synonymous with the British) in their tropical colonies including Africa and India. These military-issue Sola Topees were often decorated with plumes and spikes.
The first major change occurred during the Anglo - Zulu war, when British soldiers found that the white cloth covering of their helmets made them rather conspicuous targets. They started staining them with tea.
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By the 1930s, the Sola Topee made its transition into civilian life as a sun hat. European powers took the dangers of the sun very seriously in their colonies, and the hat was very often worn indoors in case the sun was able to penetrate the roof, such was their paranoia.
The civilian Sola Topee differed from the military design in that it had a full round brim sloping gently downwards and running all across the helmet, whereas the military style was more conical in shape. The military spike gave way to a round button-like shape with four holes where it met the crown for better ventilation. Both khaki and white colors were available to civilians. An optional part was a ‘neck curtain’ made of fabric hanging from the back of the helmet to provide additional protection for the back of the neck.
Slowly over time the Sola Topee began to be made out of cork rather than pith, but apart from that the design has remained unchanged until the present day. It was also retained by the militaries up to the end of the Second World War.
The Slouch Hat Takes Over
Over time the Pith Helmet was replaced by the slouch hat in colonial Africa. The slouch hat is a wide-brimmed felt hat with one side of the brim pinned to the crown.
During the time of the Boer War there was a shortage of Sola Topees and the slouch hat was adopted by the British Army. It is probably due to this shortage that the slouch hat began to replace the Sola topee even in civilian life in Africa. Even though the slouch hat in different variations has been worn by many nations across the globe, it was most notably adopted in Australia. This style of hat is most commonly associated with Australia, and it has become a national symbol. It is often called the Australian Slouch Hat by retailers. Originally constructed of fur felt, it was prized for its durability.
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Akubra is a famous family-owned Australian hat maker that has been producing the slouch hat since it became standard military issue at the turn of the century. They still offer real felted fur slouch hats today.
The 1940s and 1950s were the heydays of the African safari and by then the slouch hat had completely replaced the Sola Topee and had become de rigeur. However, the professional hunters of Africa decided that they could do with a bit of Italian flair and started wearing, almost as a uniform, felt hats made by the Italian firm of Borsalino.
Very soon their wealthy clients started copying them and a new trend was started. Borsalino was well known as a manufacturer of felt fedoras but very soon their Safari Hat also achieved cult status. The Borsalino safari hat is even credited with saving the life of a professional hunter named Stan Lawrence Brown during an elephant attack!
Modern Interpretations and Usage
Since the safari hat is no longer a mainstream hat, it’s not as easy to wear relative to a fedora, for example. Combined incorrectly, a safari hat can give an outfit an unintentional cartoonish look since it makes a serious statement.
A safari hat is intended to be worn as a hot-weather accessory, so wear it on hot days when sun protection is a must and you will be out of doors for the majority of the day. The modern equivalent of the Pith Helmet can be seen on our television screens worn by an assortment of wildlife guides, tourists to African game parks, nature show hosts, and television adventurers.
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These days, the “Safari Hat” is just as likely to be interpreted as one of the traditional safari shapes as it is “any hat worn on safari,” which could mean any number of modern hat iterations.
Where To Buy Safari Hats? - African Roots And Routes
The Village Hat Shop offers a range of Pith Helmets, and some of them are remarkably still hand-made in India out of real pith! They offer an Indian Pith Helmet version, a French Pith Helmet version, and a stiffened straw Pith Helmet version.
Safari Hat Styles
Over time, the pith helmet developed into about six different distinct styles, each one associated with a specific country or organisation:
- Foreign Service Helmet: The quintessential Victorian-era British pith-helmet with a high crown and a protruding, beak-like rim.
- French Pith Helmet: Adopted by the French Army, it has a low crown and a wide, turned-down brim.
- USMC Pith Helmet: Similar to the French one but with a much higher crown and more vent-holes.
- Bombay Bowler: More ‘hat-like’ and designed more for civilian wear.
- Vietnamese Pith Helmet: Green in color and worn by the North Vietnamese Army.
- Safari Helmet: Varies significantly in size, crown-shape and height, and the number of ventilation holes.
What to Look for in a Safari Hat
When you're planning a safari adventure, every piece of gear counts, and one of the most crucial items you’ll need is the right safari hat. Not only does it protect you from the harsh sun, but it also adds a bit of style to your safari photos. Let’s dive into what makes the perfect safari hat, exploring the essential design requirements, the best fabrics, and some top choices to consider for your trips.
Key Design Requirements
- Sun Protection: The primary function of a safari hat is to protect your face and neck from the sun. Look for hats with a broad brim that extends all around. A brim of at least three inches is ideal for providing adequate shade and protection from UV rays.
- Breathability: You’ll likely be under the sun for hours, so your hat should be made from breathable materials that allow heat to escape and keep your head cool. Ventilation features such as mesh panels can be a game-changer in maintaining comfort.
- Comfort and Fit: A good safari hat should have a snug fit so that it won’t easily blow away in windy conditions. Adjustable straps or an internal band can help customize the fit. Moreover, it should be lightweight so you can wear it comfortably for extended periods.
- Durability: The rugged outdoors of a safari demands a hat that can withstand the elements. Durable materials and construction mean your hat will keep its shape and function over multiple adventures.
Best Fabrics for Safari Hats
- Canvas: Canvas is traditionally favored for safari hats due to its durability and robustness. It’s excellent for sun protection but can be less breathable than other options.
- Cotton: Cotton hats are lighter than canvas and offer good breathability. However, they might not provide as much UV protection unless treated with UV-blocking agents.
- Synthetic Materials: Many modern safari hats are made from synthetic materials like nylon, which are lightweight, dry quickly, and often come with built-in UV protection. These materials can also include mesh parts for better air circulation.
Top Picks for Safari Hats
Here are some top picks for safari hats, balancing functionality with personal style preferences:
- The Classic Safari Pith Helmet
- Pros: It’s the quintessential safari look, steeped in history and very effective at sun protection.
- Cons: Can be bulky and less breathable, making it less comfortable during very hot days.
- Wide-Brimmed Canvas Hat
- Pros: Offers excellent sun protection and durability, a practical choice for harsh safari environments.
- Cons: Canvas can be heavy and less cooling than other materials.
- Modern Synthetic Hat with Mesh Panels
- Pros: Lightweight, excellent breathability, and often includes moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry.
- Cons: May not have the same classic aesthetic appeal as more traditional materials.
Here is a table with some honorable mentions that you might want to consider:
| Honorable Mentions | Description |
|---|---|
| Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat | Renowned for its durability and air flow design, the Tilley hat is a favorite among safari-goers for its practicality and lifetime warranty. |
| Columbia Bora Bora Booney | This hat offers great value with its moisture-wicking fabric and UPF 50 sun protection. Its wide brim and vented design keep you cool and protected. |
| The Fedora-Style Safari Hat | For those who prefer a bit more style, a safari-themed fedora made from breathable material combines fashion with function. |
