By Ebuka Uzonwanne

The bowler hat, also known as a Billycock, bob hat, bombín or derby, is a hard felt hat with a rounded crown, created by the London hat-makers Thomas and William Bowler during 1849.

The bowler, a protective and durable hat style, was popular with the British, Irish, and American working classes during the remaining 19th century, and later with the middle and upper classes in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the eastern United States.

Designers have always been clever at plundering iconic items from the past and giving them a modern look and a new relevance.

For guys, wearing a bowler hat is making a real style statement. It’s a style commonly reserved for the eccentrics — actors, rockstars or men with that English sartorial flare.

A pair of brogues and a bowler hat is going to create that sort of look. One could also, dress down a bowler with a leather jacket, a pair of well-worn and fitted dark denim jeans and a pair of leather boots with a casual white shirt. Most importantly, wear the bowler like you just threw it on your head and forgot it was there.

This is the key component to the nonchalant approach to the bowler for guys.

Women can also use the bowler to create a rebellious style. Wear your bowler with a leather biker jacket and chunky, utilitarian boots.

Preserve the shape of your hat by storing it properly. Flip the hat upside down rather than letting it rest on the brim. The bowler hat never goes out of style instead it keeps recreating and adding more style to your outfit.