Indiana Jones is one of the most iconic film series to grace the screen. For nearly 50 years, we’ve embarked on adventures with this memorable character.
One of the things that helps the films stand out is the style and fashion. Indy’s outfit is iconic, and one accessory ties the entire ensemble together, his hat.
With its timeless design and rugged charm, this hat is now a symbol of adventure and style. Join us as we delve into the fascinating history, functionality, and cultural impact of Indiana Jones's hat.
What Kind of Hat Does Indiana Jones Wear?
When it comes to headgear, Indiana Jones won’t be caught dead without his fedora. His distinctive hat is a classic example of a fedora, featuring a pinched front and a wide brim that shows off his rugged style.
Crafted from durable materials, his fedora can withstand the rigors of Indy's daring expeditions. Indy chooses a neutral brown for his fedora, which goes great whether he’s in the desert or deep in the jungle.
The perfect travel hat, Indy brought his trusty fedora on every adventure and it became a cultural phenomenon after the release of the first film.
Where Did Indiana Jones Get His Hat?
During the introduction flashback scene of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” we see a young Indy trying to retrieve the Cross of Coronado from bandits.
While he fails in his mission, the lead bandit gives him the fedora.
The History of the Fedora Hat
The fedora hat has a long history dating back to the late 19th century.
The name "fedora" finds its origins in a play titled "Fédora" by Victorien Sardou, performed by the renowned actress Sarah Bernhardt in 1889.
During the play, Bernhardt, known for her bold fashion choices, donned a soft-brimmed hat with a center crease. This style became fashionable for women and was adopted as a symbol by the women's rights movement.
In the 1920s, the fedora gained widespread appeal among men after the influential Edward, Prince of Wales, later known as the Duke of Windsor, started sporting this stylish headpiece in 1924.
Its fashionable allure and practicality in protecting the wearer from wind and weather contributed to its rising popularity. Additionally, in the early 20th century, the black fedora became customary daily wear for many Haredi and other Orthodox Jews.
The Iconic Design of Indiana Jones’s Hat
Fedora hats come in many different styles, but Indy’s version is instantly recognizable—the hat from the films features a distinct pinched front and a wide brim.
The pinched front creates a unique silhouette that adds character to the hat.
Meanwhile, the wide brim serves a practical purpose by Dr. Jones’s face from the scorching sun and harsh rains.
During the films, Indy hats are neutral brown, and they are a perfect match for the rest of his costume.
Indiana Jones Costume Design
We can thank costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis for creating the iconic costume for Indiana Jones.
Landis is one of the most sought-after designers in the industry. From Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to “The Blues Brothers,” Landis's work history is a walk down memory lane.
As for Indy, the fedora hat was only one piece of the puzzle during costume design. Along with his fedora, Indiana Jones dons a rugged leather jacket, khaki shirt, and pants.
The hat and jacket add to Indy’s ruggedness and mysteriousness, while his khaki shirt and trousers evoke a sense of practicality and readiness for exploration.
Combined, the outfit has Indiana Jones ready for any situation. Whether fighting Nazis or teaching college students, Dr. Jones is prepared for the challenge.
The Evolution of Indy’s Hat Throughout the Films
While the hats in every movie are similar, Indiana Jones goes through several different hats in every movie.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Harrison Ford wears two distinct hats in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The first and most famous hat was the sable hat, crafted from a floppy, lightweight rabbit felt that closely resembled materials used during the film's period.
The second hat featured in the movie was the gray fedora, showcased during scenes on the Pan Am airplane and on the steps in Washington at the film's conclusion.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
In "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," the fedora underwent some notable changes. Unlike the previous film, the fedora for this installment was crafted from Borsalino felt instead of Cury felt.
This Indiana Jones stetson hat featured a shorter crown compared to the other hats which added to its distinctive silhouette.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The hat for “The Last Crusade” went back to the original style seen in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” but kept the Borsalino felt from the second film. This hat features an un-tapered crown, imparting a smooth and unblemished appearance.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Even though the film was shot nearly two decades past the previous film, the costume designers had no problem coming up with a nearly identical design for the fedora in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
Anthony Powell and Joanna Johnston headed the costume team for the film.
The hat was crafted using the same block shape and dimensions as the one featured in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," resulting in a familiar appearance
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Catch the new Indiana Jones movie, " the Dial of Destiny" coming to theaters June 30th, 2023!
Final Thoughts the Indiana Jones Style Hat
The Indiana Jones fedora hat has etched its place in cinematic history as an enduring symbol of adventure, style, and resilience. From its roots in the late 19th century to its iconic presence in the Indiana Jones film series, this classic fedora has become synonymous with the intrepid archaeologist himself.
As we eagerly anticipate the release of the newest installment, "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," we can expect the hat to continue its pivotal role in defining the character.
With each adventure, the hat serves as a trusted companion, weathering the challenges alongside Indy and becoming a testament to his unwavering determination and the quest for ancient treasures.
Comments
Need to see your gambler hats for men
Good overall review of the hats from the films — I was a bit disappointed that you failed to mention that the fedora in ‘Skull’ was made by assignment to an individual ‘Indy-fan’ hatter — Steve Delk! W>
Thanks for the great blog post. I have worn a similar for the past twenty years or so. It’s made from oiled canvas, at least I think it is. It’s waterproof and indestructible, but I don’t associate it wit Indiana Jones. It’s my “Man from Snowy River” hat and it’s even served as a water bucket for a horse.
that is an awesome write-up, now if i could find the original style in straw that would be great.