Sage-Tips

What is the purpose of the sailor hat?

In 1866, a white sennet straw hat was authorized to be worn during the summer months to help shield the hardworking sailors from the bright sunlight. But it wasn’t until 1886 where a high-domed, low rolled brim made of wedge-shaped pieces of canvas was written into uniform regulation.

Why does the Navy wear Dixie cups?

The Dixie Cup came to symbolize the Navy and became an iconic symbol amongst Sailors and civilians alike. Featured prominently in popular culture, it was in one of the most recognizable photographs of the Second World War when a Sailor was seen kissing a nurse on Victory over Japan Day in Times Square in New York City.

What is a Dixie cup hat?

American, Bolivian, Philippine, and Venezuelan sailors currently wear a white canvas hat with an upright brim, often referred to as a “Dixie cup” in reference to its similarity to the shape of a common disposable drinking cup, or a “gob hat” or cap.

Why is it called a gob hat?

Reportedly, some people thought that sailors gobbled their food. The term also may come from the word gob, which means to spit, something sailors also reportedly do often. English coastguardsmen were referred to as gobbies because of their spitting habits.

Why do Navy Sailors wear bell bottom pants?

The idea was that sailors who would be working on the topmost decks, who were presumably swabbing it or whatever sailors did up there back then, would want to roll their pants up to keep them from getting wet or dirty. Bell-bottoms even appeared on the sailors’ dress uniform as far back as the early 19th century.

Why did Sailors wear top hats?

At first, flat hats were made of dark blue wool known as Metcalf serge. If the skipper permitted, a white cover could be attached to the top of the hat to protect the wearer from sunlight during periods of warm weather.

Why did Sailors wear bell bottom pants?

Although no one has been officially accredited with inventing the bell bottom trouser, the flared out look was introduced for sailors to wear in 1817. The new design was made to allow the young men who washed down the ship’s deck to roll their pant legs up above their knees to protect the material.

Why are navy hats white?

Introduced in more or less its current form in 1886, the white hat was designed to replace straw hats worn during warm-weather months and was crafted out of canvas. (A black, flat hat was still worn during winter.)

What is a captains hat called?

The peaked cap, service cap, barracks cover or combination cap is a form of headgear worn by the armed forces of many nations, as well as many uniformed civilian organisations such as law enforcement agencies and fire departments.

What kind of hats do sailors wear in the Navy?

United States Navy, Bolivian, Philippine, and Venezuelan sailors currently wear a white canvas hat with an upright brim, often referred to as a “Dixie cup” in reference to its similarity to the shape of a common disposable drinking cup, or a “gob hat” or cap.

What is a dixie cup hat called in English?

American, Bolivian, Philippine, and Venezuelan sailors currently wear a white canvas hat with an upright brim, often referred to as a “Dixie cup” in reference to its similarity to the shape of a common disposable drinking cup, or a “gob hat” or cap.

Why do navy caps have a white cover on them?

Until after World War II it was customary in most navies to wear a removable white cover over the dark blue cap in tropical or summer conditions only. This has been retained but as the cap is now generally a formal or dress item the white cover is worn all year around.

What is the origin of the sailor cap?

The French Navy’s version of the sailor cap, with its distinctive red pompom on top, was adopted about 1848. Worn initially as an ordinary duty alternative for a formal leather hat with turned up side, the cap has survived as a dress item until the present day.