Hats<The Real McCoy's DAISY-MAE HAT / WHITE HBT ECRU

The DAISY-MAE HAT / WHITE is a re-interpretation of the classic wide-brim breathable hat issued to U.S. Army troops from 1919 as part of their denim fatigue uniform and then later, in Olive Herringbone Twill fabric.

The Denim Army Hat was better known as the Daisy Mae, affectionately named after a comic-strip character of the period. The form derived from bucket hats worn by fishermen provided exceptional utility through its wide wrap-around brim and durability.

This Daisy-Mae is a non-military interpretation combining the iconic ‘HAT, WORKING, DENIM’ design, rather than the later HBT model that incorporated grommets and WWII-era Military Grade Cotton Herringbone Twill in its undyed form. It employs white cotton stitching throughout.

The DAISY-MAE HAT / WHITE HBT features a wide brim, 100% cotton single-needle stitching, stitch-reinforced brim, and fully taped seams.

Herringbone Twill Fabric

Before the outbreak of WWII, soldiers in the US Army were issued a blue denim jumper, trousers, and hat for fatigue duties, while they used the cotton khaki shirt and trousers as their summer uniform.

However, by the late 1930s, the Army realised that a more practical uniform in a better colour was needed. In 1941, a green uniform made from cotton herringbone twill (HBT) fabric, recognisable for its distinctive V-shaped weaving pattern was introduced to replace both the denim and khaki cotton uniforms for work and field operations. Shirts, trousers, coveralls, and caps were produced and issued to all Army personnel in all theatres of operation. It is this Olive Green HBT fabric which serves as the reference point for the undyed herringbone twill used here.