Men's Sewed Straw Hats

A detailed snapshot of early‑20th‑century trade policy, this report follows the United States Tariff Commission as it probes the economics of men’s sewed straw hats. Commission members present their findings to the President, explaining why the cost differentials between American factories and their foreign rivals matter for tariff legislation enacted in 1922.

The investigation combines public hearings, on‑the‑ground surveys of hat makers in New England, and trips to Italy and England. Data were gathered from nineteen domestic firms covering the bulk of U.S. production and from eight overseas manufacturers, revealing a patchwork of practices and price points. The document also includes a dissenting statement from one commissioner, adding a nuanced view of the conclusions.

Listeners will hear a rare look at the meticulous bureaucracy behind a seemingly modest commodity, uncovering how even a summer accessory could influence national economic strategy. It offers a vivid portrait of the era’s industrial landscape, trade debates, and the legal safeguards that surrounded confidential business information.