Real Fur Hats Have Been Around as Long as Mankind and Never Go Out of Style

If the fig leaf was the first human clothing, then certainly animal fur was the second. Ever since the earliest days of man, we have been adorning and warming ourselves with real fur garments. Although fashion trends come and go, real fur hats in particular, have managed to stay on top, so to speak.

The modern day peak of fur fashionistas was from the early 1900s through the 50s. The image of pure glamour personified by movie stars and "ladies who lunch" was garnished with the pelts of monkey, muskrat, badger, fox, Persian lamb, raccoon and the ultimate, mink.

Two style influences on fur hats going not quite back to the Neolithic age are the Russian ushanka and the Eskimo chapka. Both emerged in the colder regions of planet Earth and featured ear flaps that could be worn up or down, depending on the wearer's need for warmth in an extreme climate. Warriors wore versions with chain mail neck flaps.

Bear skin hats have been worn by the military throughout history, particularly for ceremonial occasions. Today, use of the bear skin cap, as it is referred to by its adherents, is mostly limited to guardsmen and military bands. The British Army buys them from a British hat maker, who gets his supply from international auctions. The current source of the fur is strictly limited to animals culled due to over populations, or bears that present some danger to human populations. Currently, approximately 100 bear skins are purchased annually to supply the entire British army.

The anti-fur sentiment of the 80s and 90s has abated somewhat, most likely due to a trend amongst reputable furriers to use only farmed or managed wildlife animals. In fact, real fur clothing and clothing embellished with fur, is once again being seen on the fashion runways. The hat styles in vogue right now evoke the Russian ushanka and the Eskimo chapka, complete with dangling parts that originally served to add warmth, and now add flair to many a stylish head. Flatter versions of the 50s pillbox style hat are also being seen again as well.

Fur headbands are adding style to runway fashions, and of course, fur earmuffs and mittens are still in demand for warmth.

In this day of international trade and the Internet, it is sometimes hard to distinguish "the real thing" from a fake. A tip off is anything that seems to bear the name of a mythical animal. Korean mink or Asiatic raccoon, especially if it's from China is more likely to made of a domestic dog or cat pelt.

Because the average fur purchaser can't know for sure if that bargain on Internet auction sites is for real, it is a good idea to work with a reputable furrier, who deals only in furs from managed animal populations. While you may pay slightly more for your real fur hat, at least you will know what you are wearing.

So, if you're craving a fur coat, vest or hat to help you make it through the winter, to adorn yourself in luxury, or just to look stylish, do your homework; find a reputable furrier and enjoy!

For high quality real fur hats author Stephen Daniels highly recommends the high quality products produced by Trailside Traditions. The owner has been in this business for more than 20 years, and takes pride in the quality of the pelts gets from his eco-responsible suppliers so he can create beautiful quality real fur products for his customers