The word fedora comes from the title of an 1882 play by dramatist Victorian Sardou, Fedora , written for Sarah Bernhart. The play was first performed in the United States in 1889. Bernhardt played Princess Fédora, the heroine of the play. During the play, Bernhardt wore a center creased, soft brimmed hat. The hat was fashionable for women and the women’s rights movement adopted it as a symbol. After Prince Edward of Britain started wearing them in 1924, it became popular among men for its stylishness and its ability to protect the wearer’s head from the wind and weather.

Fedora Hat