A lightweight hat with a wide, soft, slightly rounded brim and a crown resembling a truncated cone, which is an obligatory component of the Mexican national costume.
This headdress has become very popular in many countries around the world. Since this product provides excellent protection from sunlight, it is most often used in countries with hot climates.
History of the sombrero
The original versions of such straw hats were worn by Mongolian riders back in the 13th century. Similar models were found in Europe. They were worn by the Spanish vaqueros (shepherds).
Initially, products of this kind had many similar features to cowboy headdresses, but over time the Spaniards modified their appearance, adding a flat crown. This allowed the sombrero to come as close as possible to its modern look.
Reference! The word “sombrero” most often evokes associations with Mexico, although this country is not the birthplace of this headdress.
In Spain, such a product was a rather expensive wardrobe item.Only wealthy lords were able to afford such a headdress, since at that time sombreros were made from valuable materials. A little later, when cheaper materials began to be used for the manufacture of products of this kind, sombreros became more accessible.
Such hats became widespread in Central America. Straw products remain one of the most popular products to this day.
This headdress has a mandatory element - a special cord, which is usually tied under the chin. This allows the sombrero to stay on the head in gusts of wind.
The meaning of the word "sombrero"
The word “sombrero,” contrary to popular belief, has Spanish roots. It was the Spaniards who first began to use this type of product to protect the face and shoulders from the burning sun. The name of this hat comes from the Spanish word sombra, which means “shadow”.
In Spain, the word “sombrero” is commonly used to describe various wide-brimmed light hats that protect their owners from wind, dust and direct sunlight.
Types of sombrero
The classic version includes a model with voluminous fields rounded upward and a high crown resembling a cone.
There are several varieties of such hats:
- sombrero vaquero - a standard cowboy hat with a low crown and a brim turned up at the sides;
- sombrero Charro - a headdress with a high cone-shaped crown and a fairly wide brim;
- sombrero vueltiao is the national hat of Colombia, which is one of its symbols (made from reed and distinguished by black and white colors);
- sombrero pintado is a traditional headdress of the people of Panama (a natural hat made of fine fiber).
Hats of this kind can be made from various materials: straw, leather, felt, felt, velvet, wool and synthetic fabrics.
The colors also come in a variety of colors. For this purpose, rich colors, contrasting combinations, ethnic patterns, patterns of rhombuses, squares, stripes and other options can be used.
The use of modern sombreros
In the modern world, such hats are very popular among tourists who use them as an original beach accessory while relaxing under the scorching sun.
Such headdresses are often decorated with bows, fringes, ribbons, flowers, feathers and various abstract designs.
Reference! Since 1986, a festival dedicated to this headdress has been organized in the United States in February. Every year this event attracts over 40,000 visitors.
A sombrero is a lightweight and practical headdress that provides reliable protection from the hot rays of the sun. Modern designers do not forget about this, successfully playing with hats of this kind in some of their collections. Recently, such hats have become a current trend in the fashion world.
These hats have a very original design in models from Just Cavalli. Stylish sombreros from Jean-Paul Gaultier harmoniously complement evening outfits (photo). In addition, such a headdress looks great with short dresses, sundresses and tunics. But the main producers of these hats are still folk craftsmen who sell a variety of sombreros in places where tourists gather.
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