Homburg Hats: The Elegant Classic Worn by Kings & Statesmen | Laird Hatters

Initially brought to England by Edward VII, it was made fashionable by Anthony Eden in the 1950s; the dark homburgs became known as "Eden hats" among many of the clothing shops of London's Savile Row. At his 1953 inauguration, Dwight D. Eisenhower ended a tradition by wearing a black homburg instead of a top hat. He also wore a homburg at his second inauguration, a hat that took three months to craft and was dubbed the "international homburg" by hatters since workers from ten countries participated with its making.

The homburg is usually characterised by the single dent running down the center of the crown (known as a "gutter crown"), a stiff brim shaped in a "kettle curl" and a bound edge trim. It is similar to a fedora hat, since both have a crease along the length of the crown.  The original homburg shape was slightly larger than more recent versions. Although homburgs are formal hats, they are not seen to be as formal as that of a top hat.

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Popularised in the 1950s, the Homburg is a truly iconic hat. Made from premium, super-smooth furfelt, the 'kettle curl' brim is trimmed with grosgrain ribbon, while the crown is finished with a classic band and Laird’s ‘signature’ bow fold. An elegant, semi-stiff hat that can be worn both as formal wear or part of an everyday modern take on a classic style.