Bucket hat

Categories: Fashion stubs | Hats

A bucket hat is a soft cotton hat with a wide and downwards sloping brim which is worn by both men and women. The brim offers shade from the sun for the eyes and face. They are usually made from heavy-duty cotton fabrics such as denim, or canvas. Two metal eyelets are commonly placed on each side of the hat so that it is cool to wear on hot days.

In American popular culture, the bucket hat is associated with the character Gilligan, from the 1960s television comedy Gilligan's Island, who habitually wore one. According to the late Rodney Dangerfield, one would be able to get a free bowl of soup with this type of hat.

In Israel, the bucket hat is refered to as "Kova Tembel" or "fool's hat," dating back to the begining of the nation in the Israeli War of Independence. The Israeli soldiers needed something that would protect them from the hot sun. At first, they used the Arab keffiyeh, but later realized they needed to distinguish themselves from the Arab soldiers. The Jews used a heavy duty cotton fabric in order to make hats that are easy to make and are original in the region and they were named "kova tembel" or "fool's hat." Till this day, the "kova tembel" is used in the Israeli Defense Forces and is recognized as a profound symbol of Israeli independance and freedom.