Spanish Hat

What is a Spanish hat? The Spanish hat is typically a black felt hat, which is very stiff and has a flattened crown. The Spanish term for the hat is "Sombrero Cordobes," and the term "Spanish Sombrero" is also very well-known. The most common colour scheme of the Spanish hat is black, although the typical Spanish red is also often used as a hat colour. Some black hats are adorned with a red hatband or many small red pom-poms hanging down from the brim. This version of the hat is frequently worn during flamenco performances. Originally, the hat was made of felt, but nowadays, cheaper versions made of polyester are also produced.

The traditional Spanish hat became known towards the end of the 16th century. At that time, the hat was worn as an everyday fashion accessory. However, the appearance of the Spanish hat has changed significantly from then until now. Initially, it was a relatively tall black hat made of velvet or silk. The brim, on the other hand, was notably small or absent altogether. Today, the version of the Spanish sombrero explained above is much more popular. Not only is it worn during flamenco performances, but it is also favoured in dances such as Garrotin and Farruca. Men dancing typically wear the typical flamenco outfit, including black pants, a black vest, a white shirt, and a red belt tied around the waist. Moreover, besides dance performances, the Spanish hat is also worn by riders during equestrian shows.