The U.S. Navy White Hat, commonly known as the “Dixie Cup Hat,”, was first introduced in the mid-1880s, its design originated as a practical white canvas hat to shield sailors from intense sunlight on deck. Military Specifications were still very relaxed during the hats introduction and it was first approved as ‘Hat, White’, a name which was continued to be used up until the 80s at which point the hat had become synonymous with the U.S. Navy.

Typically worn with the brim flipped up, the hat’s flared design, resembling a disposable paper cup, earned it the nickname “Dixie Cup.”.

The U.S. NAVY WHITE HAT also includes a unique feature known as the “clothing stop” or “laundry loop,” a small internal loop designed for threading a cord to hang the hat for drying or storage. This detail reflects the practical considerations of naval life at the time. Sailors were even provided with folding instructions for efficient storage.