The boater hat is also known as a cady, basher or skimmer hat and is typically associated with boating and sailing activities. However, within the last year these hats have become a popular fashion accessory not only for men but women also.

These hats are usually made with sennit straw, which is when thin strands of straw are plaited together. The durability and the smooth comfortable texture of this type of weave is therefore perfect for the use of a straw boater hat.

Once the sennit straw is plaited it is then used to actually make this fabulous hat, which can be identified by its flat short brim and crown. To finish the hat a fabric ribbon or band is then placed just above the brim around the crown.

Now it is common for the straw to be dyed, so other colors can be found opposed to the typical natural straw color we are used to. This means those who love bright hats such as pinks and reds will be able to find their perfect hat.

Straw boater hats look fantastic on men and they are a great way to achieve that relaxed yet sexy summer look that we have been seeing on many male celebrities recently such as Johnny Depp.

Times when a boater hat was only worn by men has now gone, just look at actress Chloe Sevigny last year wearing Mary Poppins inspired boater hat which was decorated with flowers and Mishca Barton often seen wearing boaters and pork pie hats but opting for a more casual and laid back look.

This just goes to show that whatever your style whether it be pretty and girly or more casual and tom boy like, the boater hat is extremely versatile and is one straw accessory you should not miss out on this year.