Where did the sailors white hat originate?
A. In 1852 a white cover was added to the soft visor less blue hat worn by Navy enlisted. In 1866 a white sennet straw hat was authorized as an additional item. The white hat worn today originated in the 1880’s as a low, rolled brim, high domed item made of wedge shaped pieces of canvas. Canvas material was replaced by cotton as a cheaper, more comfortable material. Over the ensuing years suggestions and complains concerning the hat led to modifications that ended in the current white hat.
