Why do German Hats Have Feathers? ... and how you can upgrade your outfit with them!

Hen, peacock, and pheasant are some of the favorite feathers used as a hat pin to decorate traditional authentic German hats. Often called Tyrolean, Bavarian or Alpine, these iconic hats of Germany are brimmed hats made of 100% quality wool or felt and contribute to a German vibe at any Oktoberfest Party with a striking feather!

Peacock & Pheasant Feathers with Pheasant Hunter Medallion Hat Pin

 

Why do German hats have feathers?

It is said that feathers accenting hats as a decoration trace their origins  back to the 14th century if not earlier. During the 16th century, ostrich feathers were the craze in Europe, notably for those wealthy enough to buy this exotic feather for the hat. The amount of fur or feathers on the hat are understood to have signaled the wealth of the wearer.

German Hat feathers

 

But feathers signified more than just a means to sport one’s social status via this hat accessory. 

But feathers signified more than just a means to sport one’s social status via this hat accessory. 

Blue & White Oktoberfest Hat Feather Edelweiss Medallion Pin

 

The tradition of wearing feathers on German Hats evolved over the centuries. In time, it became the custom for German hunters to pull a feather from their catch and place it in their hat. The bigger and more elaborate the feather, the more attention and respect the hunter would garner – a perfect way to broadcast ones catch and get bragging rights.  

Nowadays German male Bavarian villagers commonly still wear these hats. However, today hat pin feathers attached to Bavarian fedoras are also commonly worn by those attending Oktoberfest in Munich Germany.

German Hat feather for Women

Pink & White Oktoberfest Hat Feather Edelweiss Medallion

 

Would you like to impress everyone with your amazing beer stein, authentic German Alpine hat accented with a beautiful and colorful feather

 Here are some suggestions you can find in our web store that will make you the King or the Queen of your next Oktoberfest Party!

German hats feather pin

 

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