Straw Hats: Their history and manufacture

Delving into the world of summer headwear, this volume traces the rise of the straw boater from a simple craft to a global industry. It follows the lineage of inventive machines, from the early blocking devices of Lyon to the sophisticated “Bon‑Ton Ivy” leathers that made the hat both light and comfortable. Along the way, readers meet the bustling firms of England, Italy and France whose catalogs of blocks, polishes and accessories shaped the market for more than a century.

The book is richly illustrated, offering close‑up views of patents, tool designs and the raw materials that give each hat its shape and breathability. It explains how pneumatic leathers and elastic fittings transformed the wearer’s experience, while also detailing the regional nuances of dyeing, braiding and finishing. Enthusiasts, historians and anyone curious about the blend of fashion and engineering will find a clear, engaging guide to an industry that once crowned every summer promenade.