Every where you go in Peru people wear hats. Not just any hat though but specifically Peruvian hats. The people of Peru seem to see wearing hats as a major fashion statement. Three primary categories of hats are worn by Peruvians:
The Chullo – It’s an Andean style of hat with earflaps, made from alpaca, llama or sheep’s wool. Alpaca is preferred as its wool-like qualities help to insulate the wearer from the elements in the Andean Mountain region. Chullos often have ear-flaps that can be tied under the chin, to further warm the head.
Traditional Felt and Straw Hats – These traditional hats have a regional character that often tell where the hat wearer is from along their family heritage. The red felt hat is called a montera and can be decorated with flowers, fruit and other accents. These are mostly worn by Quechua women throughout the Sacred Valley.
The Bowler – This is an English shaped felt hat with a rounded crown, originally created by the London hatmaker Thomas and William Bowler in 1849. Identified now by its shape you’ll find them in Peru made from felt along with tightly woven straw.
Chullos
According to Peruvian historian Arturo Jiménez Borja, the Chullo has its origins in the cultural exchange between Spaniards, who incorporated elements of their birretes and the original hat of the Andeans. The Chullo is an Andean style of hat with earflaps, made from vicuña, alpaca, llama or sheep’s wool. Alpaca has wool-like qualities that help to insulate its wearer from the harsh elements in the Andean Mountain region. Chullos often have ear-flaps that can be tied under the chin, to further warm the wearer’s head.
Bowler
Why are ‘bowler’ hats popular with Peruvian women? The popularity of bowlers starts with their origin in England about 1850. An English company wanted to supply the railroad workers of Bolivia and Peru with bowler hats. Unfortunately when they were delivered it was discovered the hats were much too small for the intended workers. To salvage the project the women were convinced the small bowler hats were a new fashion trend in Europe. The Peruvian bowlers popularity has remained with Peruvian even today.
Felt and Straw Hats
Some Peruvian hats appear to serve little function. However, they often tell other locals where the hat wearer is from and even their family affiliation. The red felt hat is called a montera and is often decorated with flowers, fruit and other adornments. These are worn by Quechua women throughout the Sacred Valley. In a number or regions when they’re worn at a certain angle, it tells others if the wearer is married, single or a widow.
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