Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite styles of hats through the years

The tam o’shanter, named after the 1790 Robert Burns’ poem, is a flat men’s hat, traditionally made of wool. Very popular in Scotland in the late 1500s through the 1800s, the tam o’shanter has a wool pompom on the center of the crown as part of the style. In 1915, the tam o’shanter was adopted as part of the military uniform in Scotland, Canada, and Australia. In 1920 it became a famous women’s hat, and the British royal family adopted this type of bonnet.

This type of hat creates a circular halo shape around the face; therefore, the name. The accessory curves upward and off the front and comes in various sizes. They became popular in the 1880s and then resurfaced in the 1930s. Royals helped the style gain popularity. Queen Elizabeth II wore several halo hats during her 1977 Silver Jubilee and early 1990s.

The Homburg hat originally appeared as a formal men’s daytime hat in Germany in the mid-1800s. The style became famous thanks to King Edward VII, and then many politicians adopted the piece. Al Pacino brought it to Hollywood in the film The Godfather, and the Orthodox Jewish communities made it part of their uniform. Royals in the early 20th century gave it a more modern twist, and the masculine shape changed to cater to contemporary women’s wear.

Like the boater, the matador hat has a flat crown and brim with a visibly taller hat that sits horizontally. Queen Elizabeth II, for years, has embraced both styles.

This type of hat is like a decorated helmet without a visor. They became popular during the 1950s.

After gaining popularity in the 18th century in Europe, fascinators were seen on fashion shows and pop culture, including the hit show “Sex And the City.” Royals adopted the piece to attend the Ascot Races and other events, including weddings, christenings, National Days, etc.

The bowler has several names, and many people refer to this hat as a bob hat, derby, billycock, or bombín. The head accessory was designed in 1849 by Edward and William Coke, not knowing they would become popular in the English Victorian era. Although we often see the British Royal men wearing them every May for the Cavalry Old Comrades Association Annual Parade in Hyde Park, several Queens have adopted variations on a bowler hat.

The toque is a brimless hat that sits off the face and is usually rounded. The accessory resembles a voluminous turban or a rounded pillbox.

Pillbox hats were part of military uniforms in the Roman Empire; however, in 1960, United State First Lady Jackie Kennedy made them famous and a decade staple during her husband’s presidential inauguration.

Turbans are one of the most legendary and old designs in history. The piece is also among the hats adopted for religious purposes. They are believed to be born in Spain; however, women made them famous during the 1920s, the 1960s, and 1970s.