To understand why women wear hats to the Kentucky Derby it’s best to understand how the Kentucky Derby began.
Meriweather Lewis Clark, Jr. traveled to England and France and, while there, watched the famed Royal Ascot and the Grand Prix de Paris. He decided he wanted to bring these types of high-profile horse races to the United States. In 1875, the first Kentucky Derby was held in Louisville, KY.
Horse racing was accepted in England and France, however, women in America were hesitant because of the drinking and gambling that went along with a day at the races.
To encourage more women to attend the Kentucky Derby, Meriweather and his wife recruited the higher-class women of Louisville to attend the derby and picnic. The attire for the event would be full morning dress to create the allusion of a high profile event similar to the requirements of the Royal Ascot.
During this era, the appropriate dress was hats and gloves. Therefore, the women showed up in hats to match their outfits. Over the years, the American dress code changed but what didn’t change was women wearing hats to the races.
It became perceived that wearing hats at the Kentucky Derby was good luck. Americans used a day at the races to wear hats – and the bigger, the better.
Where you sit at the Derby will determine the style of the hat. In the infield (general admission), hats are eccentric. Those in seated seats (the grandstand, clubhouse, and suites) tend to be more elegant.
At Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, fascinators took center stage. For a fascinator, bows and feathers are attached to a headband or cone and are typically a tad outlandish. Since the wedding, fascinators have begun to make an appearance on race day too. Men have begun to get in on the tradition, too, so you may see a fedora or two in the crowd.
The latest running of the most exciting two minutes in sports is this weekend. Grab your largest wide brim hat, prepare the perfect mint julep, and enjoy the race.