headwear

Headwear generally refers to an item of clothing that is worn on one’s head. For centuries now, headwear has grown in purpose and in fact many of us cannot imagine a

time when it did not exist. Probably most well-known is the use of headgear as protection against a range of weather conditions. For cold weather conditions, most of

us pull out our beanies with thermal lining to help keep the cold at bay. In hot, sunny weather we all haul out the peak caps which were designed because it provides

shade. On the beach front, sun hats are usually part of the trend and till today wide-brimmed hats like cowboy hats are used to provide lightweight all-weather shield

from the climatic conditions of the American West and even in places like Australia.

Other uses include compliance with particular religious or cultural practices. For example in Jewish and Muslim tradition, the wearing of the yarmulke and fez

respectively is a sign of respect for the superior authority of God. In other instances, headwear has also been used to conceal or neaten the appearance (or

non-existence) of one’s hair. In the case of keeping the hair tidy, most of us are probably thankful for the existence of chef’s hats as it ensures that the food

coming from the kitchen will be hair free. Headwear as industrial wear (mining etc) is another area where headwear serves an integral function. Even in the sporting

industry, headgear has become a primary source of identity for both those supporters and those actually participating in the sport.


Then of course, we cannot ignore the fact that in the fashion arena headgear has also become quite a phenomenon. Globally, both men and women have taken to the trend

of using headwearheadwear

as a means to accessorise outfits. With the evolution of the fashion industry, headgear has also achieved a good figure of sizes as well as shapes and form to

showcase fashion as art.

However, when considering the headwear industry, the popularity and profitability most likely lies with the ones that are the most utilitarian. Whilst those used for

religious, cultural and even ‘fashion as art’ has its place and occupy a particular niche, it is not what the average ‘Jack or Jill’ would wear daily. The type of

headwearheadwear that forms a part of the wardrobe of the average person is most likely

to fulfil the function of ‘leisure fashion wear’ and the sporting industry. So, whether we use headwear out of necessity or as fashion, one thing is for sure,

headwear is here to stay.