Why do the women wear big hats to the kentucky derby?

Question

I just think its a little weird.

Answer 1

The big hats are a  big part of the tradition of the derby. Its almost intregal to the proceedings. Some people claim it gives them luck to pick the best horse. There doesn't seem to be much history beyond that the style was part of the culture of the era when it first started and simply stayed and grew into the phenomenon it is today with the hat parade and such.

Answer 2

Fashion is the great dictator.

The South Rules when it comes to fashion and the Kentucky Derby.

Southern Belles were always seen carrying a parasol or wearing a large hat because in the South the sun was hot and would burn the skin.  In the 1800's suntans were a sign of a low class.  They signified having to work out in the sun with no relief.

Women of breeding never allowed themselves to get a tan, and at the Derby there is too much going on to have to bother with a parasol, so the wide brim floppy hat remains the fashion to this day.-The End

Answer 3

It's pretty much all of these reasons:

status symbol, sun shielding, tradition, luck

Hats of various shape, size and functionality have been worn throughout history by both men and women. At one time it was considered proper etiquette to wear a hat outside the house and to go without one would practically reduce your social standing to that of a common beggar. In fact, it wasn't out of the ordinary for women to change their hats several times a day, depending on where they were going and whom they were going to be seen by.

More to the point, however, hats have played an important role in the history of horse racing for centuries, dating as far back as the world famous Royal Ascot in the United Kingdom, where it is decreed that 'all guests within the Royal Enclosure adhere to a strict dress code: male attendees must wear full morning dress including a top hat, whilst ladies must not show bare midriffs or shoulders and must wear hats'.

It didn't take long for the royal dress code to catch on at the major racetracks in the United States. Albeit a less severe dress code than the Royal Ascot, Churchill Downs patrons taking in the Kentucky Derby in particular have been enjoying this respected tradition since 1875.

Answer 4

"We don't have a lot of documented history on the hats, but speculation has it that when the Derby was first brought here, they wanted it to be a social affair," says Courtney Stinson, public relations manager for the Kentucky Derby Museum.

"They went around to all of the women's clubs in town and invited the women to dress up in their finest to come to the Derby. ... In that period, of course, the hat was essential, and the hat just carried through."

This is the only time of year Gail Brumleve, 43, of Louisville, wears a hat. "A lot of people really want to wear hats all the time, but they're self-conscious because no one else does."

Some Derby goers, though, go all out with outlandish hat couture, even men. "About the '60s and '70s is when the crazy hat tradition began," Stinson says. "You'll see one with horses all over it. You'll see roses draped from the head to the floor. Anything and everything imaginable."

Just some facts, Mam, just some facts.

Answer 5

tradition

Answer 6

it's to mark the beginning of summer so they wear flashy hats!! and to block other people's views so they can't see the horse race

Answer 7

I would say that it is   for  sun protection

Answer 8

So they won't be mistaken for horses!

Answer 9

just another way for the rich to show their money

Answer 10

I guess its either a tradition or a requirement....

Answer 11

To make up for the small (fill in the blank) of their dates.

Answer 12

to catch the horses poo :)

Answer 13

It's been a tradition from the start, which is because it was fashioned after England's horse race customs, where women wearing hats is a custom even today.