Bowler hats are making a fashion comeback in UK
The once iconic Bowler Hat is set to make a fashion a comeback, according to tailors who say they are being inundated with requests for them.
Worn by Charlie Chaplin and the headwear of choice for civil servants and bankers the bowler dropped out of fashion in the 1960s.
But now tailors Austin Reed say they have has so many customer enquiries about the quintessential British headgear they will soon stock it for the first time in 12 years.
Celebrities including Jude Law have recently been pictured wearing one, which is thought to have sparked an interest in the hats which date back to 1849.
However, as a word of advise for anyone tempted to buy one, you really need to look in a mirror and check you look more like Jude Law than OddJob before purchasing.
Worn by Charlie Chaplin and the headwear of choice for civil servants and bankers the bowler dropped out of fashion in the 1960s.
But now tailors Austin Reed say they have has so many customer enquiries about the quintessential British headgear they will soon stock it for the first time in 12 years.
Celebrities including Jude Law have recently been pictured wearing one, which is thought to have sparked an interest in the hats which date back to 1849.
However, as a word of advise for anyone tempted to buy one, you really need to look in a mirror and check you look more like Jude Law than OddJob before purchasing.
FAMOUS BOWLER HAT FANS
Charlie Chaplin
Actor Patrick Macnee (John Steed - The Avengers)
Arthur Lowe (Captain Mainwaring on Dad's Army)
Sir Winston Churchill
Madness
Tito Jackson
Stan Laurel
Oliver Hardy
Hercule Poirot
OddJob (Goldfinger)
A spokesman for Austin Reed said: "We have brought back the bowler hat as a nod to historic, British fashion.
"British design is core to our heritage. Men and women are now looking to history for classic, quality design and tailoring.
"The Bowler Hat is a key piece to communicate effortless British style."
The Bowler was created in the mid 1800s by hatmakers William and Thomas Bowler after a commissioned by Lock & Co of St James.
Lock & Co were asked by Edward Coke, brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester, to design a close-fitting, low crowned hat to protect his gamekeeper's head from low branches while on horseback.
Coke's keeper had previously worn to hats which were easily displaced and often damaged when they collided with branches.
LINKS
Austin Reed
Charlie Chaplin
Actor Patrick Macnee (John Steed - The Avengers)
Arthur Lowe (Captain Mainwaring on Dad's Army)
Sir Winston Churchill
Madness
Tito Jackson
Stan Laurel
Oliver Hardy
Hercule Poirot
OddJob (Goldfinger)
A spokesman for Austin Reed said: "We have brought back the bowler hat as a nod to historic, British fashion.
"British design is core to our heritage. Men and women are now looking to history for classic, quality design and tailoring.
"The Bowler Hat is a key piece to communicate effortless British style."
The Bowler was created in the mid 1800s by hatmakers William and Thomas Bowler after a commissioned by Lock & Co of St James.
Lock & Co were asked by Edward Coke, brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester, to design a close-fitting, low crowned hat to protect his gamekeeper's head from low branches while on horseback.
Coke's keeper had previously worn to hats which were easily displaced and often damaged when they collided with branches.
LINKS
Austin Reed
