STRIPED DUNGAREE DAISY-MAE HAT

The STRIPED DUNGAREE DAISY-MAE HAT is a re-interpretation of the classic wide-brim breathable hat issued to U.S. Army troops from 1919 as part of their denim fatigue uniform and then later, in Olive Herringbone Twill fabric.

The Denim Army Hat was better known as the Daisy Mae, affectionately named after a comic-strip character of the period. The form, derived from bucket hats worn by fishermen, provided exceptional utility through its wide wrap-around brim and durability.

Hickory stripe predates the war, with the fabric emerging in the late nineteenth century as a hard wearing textile used by railroad engineers, mechanics and industrial workers. The indigo and white striping helped conceal oil, coal dust and grease, while the tightly woven cotton construction offered durability comparable to standard denim. By the interwar period, striped work fabrics had become firmly embedded in American labor clothing. While plain indigo denim was the most common material for Navy dungaree uniforms in WWII, the use of hickory stripe reflects the close relationship between civilian industrial clothing and military utility garments of the era. Many vintage examples of this hat bear a “P” marking indicating that may have been issued to U.S. Navy personnel who had been court-martialed.

The indigo yarn used in the hickory fabric is rope dyed, as with period denim. Because the dye does not fully penetrate to the core of the yarn, the fabric will fade gradually through wear, exposing lighter tones beneath, developing a similar character to the most desirable vintage denim workwear.

• 100% Cotton
• Rope Dyed Indigo Hickory Fabric
• Made in Japan