The Hot Inaugural Accessory: Hats Are Back!

Look at any old photo of Herbert Hoover's 1929 Inauguration, and all you'll see in the crowd stretching out in front of the U.S. Capitol is a sea of fedora hats — the must-have accessory for men at the time. For yesterday's Inaugural ceremony, photos of the crowd bracing against the cold reveal a lot of knit caps and bare heads. But closer to the epicenter of power, on the podium where President Barack Obama delivered his Inaugural Address, there was a noticeable flurry of fedoras — a nod, perhaps, to a bygone era when wearing a hat was a sign of respect and also celebration. (Look to Aretha Franklin's euphoric gray felt concoction.) Former Vice President Dick Cheney, Utah Senator Robert Bennett and the Rev. Jesse Jackson all wore fedoras during the ceremony. Later, at the Inaugural luncheon at Statuary Hall, Ted Kennedy showed up in a dashing black fedora. And that evening Rosanna Arquette and will.i.am were among the hipsters who wore fedora-esque hats to Inaugural balls. (See pictures of celebrities at the Inauguration.)

Some say formal hats went out of fashion when J.F.K. delivered his Inaugural Address without one. Others blame their demise on the rise of the automobile, which meant that fewer men had to spend time out in the cold walking or waiting for the bus. But in the past two or three years, thanks to popular musicians like Justin Timberlake and Usher, formal hats like the fedora and the pork-pie have become popular again. (See pictures of the fashion of Michelle Obama.)

According to Marc Williamson, manager of J.J. Hat Center, New York City's oldest purveyor of hats, sales have increased at least 20% in the past two years, with the most popular style being the small-brimmed fedora. "The younger guys have influenced middle-aged guys," says Williamson. "The older guys thought hats made them look old, but that's changing." (See pictures of Michelle Obama's Jason Wu dress.)

Williamson, who has sold hats to everyone from Timberlake to Andre 3000 and Kirsten Dunst, is anticipating a post-Inaugural uptick in sales. "Anytime you see men in hats in a high-profile situation, it's always great for the hat business," he says, adding, "If it was the President, it would be phenomenal, of course."

See pictures of Sasha and Malia Obama at the Inauguration.

See pictures of people around the world watching Obama's Inauguration.

Read "Michelle Obama's Dress: A Bold Choice in Designer Isabel Toledo."

Read "Will First Daughters Sasha and Malia Give J. Crew a Lift?"