The Toque - it is what unites us all, well, for those of us that live in a cold country like Canada anyway.
It doesn't matter what our social status, bank balance or age, we all own at least one and most of us look silly in them.
But when it is minus 20 outside, no-one really cares what anyone else looks like.
That weird looking thing on all of our heads can actually prove to be a lifesaver.
Hats have been worn throughout history and the styles and reasons for wearing them have changed considerably over the years.
While we in Canada need our hats basically for survival in wintertime, right now there is someone in Australia wearing a hat with corks hanging from the brim to keep the flies away during the hot summer months.
But hats aren't all serious business.
When the elements don't dictate the reason why they are worn, we can have a little fun with fashion.
Over the years there have been many different takes on the hat.
Below is a short list of some of the more interesting styles and where they originated: Paperboy Cap - also known as The Gatsby Hat.
This hat was made famous at the turn of the century thanks to the movie entitled "The Great Gatsby".
This hat, while once worn only by men, has had a surge in popularity over the past few years and has become a trendy fashion accessory for women and children.
Akubra - this is the Australian version of a cowboy hat.
Akubra at one time referred to a certain style of hat but nowadays it is a brand name so therefore encompasses a lot of different designs.
It has, however, stayed loyal to its outback roots and still boasts a "cowboyish" look.
The word "Akubra" is derived from the Aboriginal word meaning "head covering.
" Sombrero - this Mexican hat was traditionally made from straw, however, for the wealthier, Sombrero's were made from felt.
This hat is famous for its wide brim and decorative features.
The word "Sombrero" is derived from the word sombre, which is Spanish for "shadow".
As well as Mexico, Sombreros could also be found in America's West and surprisingly as far away as the Philippines.
Trucker Hat - this is basically a baseball cap but with woven mesh on the back.
Its claim to fame was that is was collected by truckers at different gas stations, usually given away as a freebie.
An item that should be cheap and easy to come by has suddenly become fashionable after celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher decided to sport them.
So whether we wear our hat for a purpose or purely for fashion, wear it with pride.
Perhaps the beanie that Grandma knitted us back in 1985 will soon become the latest fashion accessory - actually come to think of it, I believe it already is.
It doesn't matter what our social status, bank balance or age, we all own at least one and most of us look silly in them.
But when it is minus 20 outside, no-one really cares what anyone else looks like.
That weird looking thing on all of our heads can actually prove to be a lifesaver.
Hats have been worn throughout history and the styles and reasons for wearing them have changed considerably over the years.
While we in Canada need our hats basically for survival in wintertime, right now there is someone in Australia wearing a hat with corks hanging from the brim to keep the flies away during the hot summer months.
But hats aren't all serious business.
When the elements don't dictate the reason why they are worn, we can have a little fun with fashion.
Over the years there have been many different takes on the hat.
Below is a short list of some of the more interesting styles and where they originated: Paperboy Cap - also known as The Gatsby Hat.
This hat was made famous at the turn of the century thanks to the movie entitled "The Great Gatsby".
This hat, while once worn only by men, has had a surge in popularity over the past few years and has become a trendy fashion accessory for women and children.
Akubra - this is the Australian version of a cowboy hat.
Akubra at one time referred to a certain style of hat but nowadays it is a brand name so therefore encompasses a lot of different designs.
It has, however, stayed loyal to its outback roots and still boasts a "cowboyish" look.
The word "Akubra" is derived from the Aboriginal word meaning "head covering.
" Sombrero - this Mexican hat was traditionally made from straw, however, for the wealthier, Sombrero's were made from felt.
This hat is famous for its wide brim and decorative features.
The word "Sombrero" is derived from the word sombre, which is Spanish for "shadow".
As well as Mexico, Sombreros could also be found in America's West and surprisingly as far away as the Philippines.
Trucker Hat - this is basically a baseball cap but with woven mesh on the back.
Its claim to fame was that is was collected by truckers at different gas stations, usually given away as a freebie.
An item that should be cheap and easy to come by has suddenly become fashionable after celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher decided to sport them.
So whether we wear our hat for a purpose or purely for fashion, wear it with pride.
Perhaps the beanie that Grandma knitted us back in 1985 will soon become the latest fashion accessory - actually come to think of it, I believe it already is.
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