What Is a Fez Hat?

The Fez hat is a felt hat in the shape of a low, cone-shaped peakless hat, normally red, sometimes with a tulip or other flowers attached to the crown. The name “Fez” is derived from the Moroccan city of Fez, where the dye for the hat was first extracted from red strawberries. In addition to its practicality in the trade as a headdress, the Fez has also been used in religious ceremonies by some Muslims as a veil (hijab). This veil also covers the face so that only the person who is wearing it can see the Prophet (Allah) during prayers. It originated among the Berbers of Morocco.

During the Renaissance, the Fez hat had more significance than a mere headdress. Queen Isabella of Spain was known to wear one which contained diamonds and other gems to denote her rank as a princess. Fez hats were also widely used during the French Revolution as well as during the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. These hats were commonly made with felt using an inorganic material called cotton-based stapling. A modern resurgence of the style occurred during the World War II when soldiers in Europe were made to wear these hats as an item of military equipment. These hats were so popular that they were soon adopted by the United States Army as well.

Today, a Fez Hat may be purchased for any occasion from weddings to proms and can be found in a huge variety of styles and designs. You can find these hats in many different colors and many have zippers to make them even more convenient. For those who are wearing a colorful, patterned hat they may choose a zebra print or other brightly colored hats. For those who would prefer not to wear makeup, this will allow their natural hair color to show through and provide a softer image. A person wearing a Fez Hat is truly portraying a true fashion statement that says, “I am cool, I am fashionable, and I know it!”