Style Check (Hats & Caps)

Popular content creator and fashion icon ROHIT BOSE who earned the sobriquet of the ‘Modern Dhoti Man’ for redefining the Indian male drape in myriad styles talks to PRAMITA BOSE about desi head wraps and men’s headwears suitable for this winter.

 

Rohit Bose

Tying a safa, pheta or a pagdi with solid-coloured and printed fabrics or donning white Gandhi topis has been a pivotal part of Indian headgear fashion for many ages now. Even women drape and knot bandhni head covers or tangle a bandana headdress to elevate their new-age fashion sense. What’s your take on desi headdresses?

With the advent of colonial culture and influences of westernisation, modern Indian urban males seem to preserve traditional attire and headgears solely for customary rituals and social or religious ceremonies.

As the pan global fashion trends took precedence in everyday life, ethnic head covers like safas, pagdis and topis started getting noticed only in close-knit family functions. Before these conventional styles that are firmly and deeply rooted to Indian culture and sentiment fade into oblivion, many staunch nationalist stylistas are making an effort to revive the traditional Indian apparel to be reinstated to its former glory.

“The origins of these headpieces stretch back much farther in history. Sculptures from central India dating back to around 100 BCE depict Indians wearing turbans, which were primarily associated with royalty, spiritual leaders and noblemen or members of the upper crust. These turbans were often adorned with jewels and other precious elements, symbolising power and reverence,” informs Bose, holding authentic Indian fashion in high regard.

In today’s fashion landscape, the traditional Indian wardrobe with well-stocked turbans and safas is witnessing a big resurgence. This reflects the deep cultural connect that is everlasting, notwithstanding the impact of the external winds of change. “These headpieces not only lift one’s look but also import a sense of regality and dignity, spelling out a contemporary twist in the polished vintage styles. As we embrace the current-day explorative avant-garde fashion, incorporating these traditional traits actually allows us to honour our heritage while making a bold, stylish statement at the same time,” he shares.

Hats or caps are a major part of menswear fashion. From the classic era hats to modern-day caps, men’s headwear has come a long way. Your opinion on this.

Hats and caps have undeniably been a cornerstone of menswear fashion, evolving significantly. In the classic era, top hats, fedoras and bowler hats were synonymous with old world charm, sophistication, style and social status. They were integral to formal and everyday attire, often serving as a symbol of refinement and elegance. Over time, as fashion became more casual and accessible, hats gave way to more relaxed options like baseball caps, beanies and bucket hats. Today, men's headgear plays an important role in fashion, bridging the gap between practicality and style. 

Modern-day caps, such as snapbacks, dad hats and flat caps offer a contemporary twist while still carrying forward the tradition of headwear as a fashion statement. Whether it's for functional purposes, like sun protection or as a bold accessory to elevate an outfit, hats and caps have retained their relevance in both street style and luxury fashion. In essence, the evolution of men's head cover encapsulates broader trends in fashion tracing a full circle — from formality to casual ease — but always with an emphasis on personal style and expression.

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