2-720-530 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Straw hats return to favour', 1930, (1933). Workers at a milliner's with piles of straw boaters. 'Luton, the centre of the straw hat industry, had suffered from lean years since 1914; khaki was the 'wear' of choice until 1918 and felt hats were the only fashionable summer headgear until 1930, when Edward, the Prince of Wales re-activated the fashion for the straw boater by wearing one.' These hats were popular at summer events such as the Henley Regatta, and were also worn by boys at Eton public school. From "The Pageant of the Century". [Odhams Press Ltd, 1933]