1920s Hats: The Cloche Hat

There are hats that cover, and others that tell a story. The Cloche Hat belongs to this second category: a headpiece steeped in history, born from a silent revolution, and over time, it has become a signature of timeless elegance.

The birth of a hat, the birth of a free woman

The 1920s, aptly nicknamed the "Roaring Twenties", mark a profound shift in the history of women's fashion. After the war, women emancipate themselves, assert their identities, and finally breathe freely. They shed corsets, restrictive volumes, and superfluous ornaments.
Their silhouette lightens, their style transforms... and so does their hat.

In a society where going out bareheaded was inconceivable, the headpiece remains indispensable. But it changes its language. The Cloche Hat then appears as an obvious choice: simple, modern, almost daring. It accompanies this new woman who no longer seeks to please at all costs, but to be herself.

Why the Cloche Hat became the emblem of the 1920s

The Cloche Hat derives its name from its unmistakable shape. A rounded crown, enveloping, extended by short, drooping brims that gently descend over the forehead.
In contrast to the spectacular hats of the pre-war era, it advocates restraint, balance, and modernity.

Very quickly, it becomes inseparable from the fashion of the 1920s. Worn low on the face, it complements short hairstyles, straight silhouettes, and the garçonne aesthetic. More than an accessory, it embodies an attitude: that of a woman who moves forward, free and determined, in a changing world.

The Cloche Hat thus fits into a vibrant era, where millinery creation accompanies social and aesthetic upheavals. Alongside other iconic shapes, it still dialogues today with the universe of 1920s & 30s hats, of which it remains one of the most striking expressions.

How to recognize a genuine Cloche Hat?

While its shape may seem simple, it remains a chic hat that actually requires great mastery.
Everything is a matter of proportions.

Cloche Hat: the crown must be perfectly round, neither too high nor too flat, to naturally fit the head. The brims, meanwhile, are short and slanted downwards, sometimes slightly asymmetrical, to frame the face without ever weighing it down. The ornaments, when they exist, remain discreet: a bow, a ribbon, a play of materials... always in service of the allure. A successful Cloche Hat is recognized by its fall, its balance, and the subtle impression that it becomes one with the wearer.

Bowler Hat: At the same time, other iconic shapes traverse the decades. It is important to not confuse it with the Bowler Hat. More structured, more assertive, with a short brim turned up all around, the Bowler Hat embodies a different elegance, almost architectural. Where the Cloche Hat favors fluidity, fall, and proximity to the face, the Bowler asserts a clear and symmetrical presence. One envelops, the other rests. (see article how to wear a Bowler Hat)

A hat that enhances the face

One of the great assets of the Cloche Hat lies in its ability to highlight features.
Where other shapes conceal, it reveals.

By framing the face, it draws attention to the eyes, accentuates the cheekbones, and softens lines. It suits both fine faces and more pronounced features, and can be worn elegantly with short, medium, or long hair.
Whether loose, tied, or tucked under the crown, hair naturally finds its place.

The Cloche Hat imposes nothing: it accompanies, it highlights, it magnifies.

"To dress well, start from the bottom. To style well, remember that everything begins with the eyes."

How to wear the Cloche Hat today?

 

 

While this feminine hat is deeply rooted in the imagery of the 1920s, it does not belong to the past.
Today, it reinvents itself with subtlety.

Worn with a long coat, a structured trench, or a flowing dress, it adds a touch of character without ever veering into costume. In the city or for a more formal occasion, it adapts, sometimes discreet, sometimes assertive.

Far from retro disguise, it becomes a sign of distinction, a way to assert one's style with gentleness and confidence.

Choosing the right Cloche Hat

Choosing a Cloche Hat is above all about choosing a sensation... and a season.

Traditionally crafted in felt, the Cloche Hat established itself from the 1920s as a precious ally for cool days. In wool or fur felt, it protects gently while maintaining impeccable form, ideal for autumn and winter.

But the Cloche Hat is not limited to cold seasons. Over time, it has reinvented itself and is now available in lighter materials, notably straw, to accompany sunny days. Airy, luminous, it retains its iconic shape while offering freshness and comfort under the summer sun.

Whatever the material, comfort remains essential: the hat must fit the head without constraining it, becoming forgettable while asserting its presence. The quality of craftsmanship plays a crucial role here. A well-designed Cloche Hat transcends seasons, retains its elegance, and gains character over time.

A beautiful Cloche Hat is not just an accessory: it's a style that adapts, a style companion to wear all year round.

A retro elegance that transcends time

Wearing a Cloche Hat today is choosing a discreet and confident elegance.
It's reconnecting with the free spirit of the Roaring Twenties, without nostalgia, but with respect.
It's asserting a style, a taste for beautiful things, a love for the right detail.

Timeless and always charming, the Cloche Hat continues to captivate those who know that true chic is never imposed. It is sensed, it is felt... and it leaves a lasting impression in memories.