100 Years Ago No Men Would Go Outside Without a Hat on _ OldUS

In the first half of the 20th century, it was the social norm for men to be seen out an about with a hat on their head. Through the decades, the arrival of European immigrant communities to New York brought new styles and culture in headware.

The purchase of a hat was an investment, and item of clothing to be worn with pride and respected more than any other item of a man’s wardrobe. Most hats were bought from local haberdashers or department stores while it is likely that some could be acquired secondhand.

Below are some vintage photographs around the turn of the 20th century show seas of caps and hats in just about every crowd shot.