Fedoras are medium brimmed hats creased lengthwise down the crown and pinched on both sides. The brim encircles the entire base of the hat. Traditionally Fedoras were made out of felt, but today they are common in straw, canvas and sometimes even hemp.
The Fedora got its name from the 1882 French play whose heroine's name was Princess Fedora. The Fedora was originally introduced as a female fashion accessory for middle and upper class Western women. Fedoras quickly became a fashion option for men as well. They were especially popular in urban areas, where men wore Fedoras to protect their heads from the elements and add a touch of elegance.
The hat is sometimes associated with Prohibition, Gangsters, and the detectives that brought them to justice. More recently, the Fedora was popularized by Michael Jackson and other artists. The Fedora today is the most popular hat on the market.
