Authentic Style Straw Caribbean/African coast Pirate Hats.



The term "tar" as a nickname for mariners goes back to at least the 1600s. It was clearly used in this period to refer to sailors most likely because of their tarpaulin hats ( made of canvas or straw soaked in tar) as well as the tar worn on hands and in the hair from the days when tar was used everywhere on ships to preserve rigging and seal seams. It also had a political connotation meaning working sailors as opposed to gentlemen sailors. The term was shortened to tars as years went on. Sometime in the 1700s it was combined with "Jack", a traditional generic term for a working man to make "Jack Tar" meaning a working mariner. It was sometimes used in a derogatory way to stereotype crude sailor behavior and in some places had a racial connotation connected to black skin color. However it is most commonly known as a fond and often proud way to describe a seasoned working sailor. There are a number of good books about this: Gentlemen and Tarpaulins and Jack Tar in History.
Later when the British Navy went into Peace times in the Mid 18th century, many of the out of work Sailors became Privateers and Pirates. 90% of the Pirate Crew either wore No hat, A Dew Rag or a Straw hat formed to a tricorn or other popular Shapes. It was rare unless you where a Captain of the ship or other ranking crew that you wore an actual " Felt Hat" It was cumbersome and did not take well to the wet conditions and Hot sun. Of course the Pirates mostly did not tar their hats. It was Cooler in the Caribbean sun and breathed. and Hats in that area where easy to make and come by.
We have Created Reproductions of the Original Caribbean Pirate hats to the best of Our abilities and research. The Basic Hats are made in Africa, a common Place to Get the straw hats, And we shape them to the standards of that time to bring you the most Authentic Pirate hats of the Caribbean we can.


RAG and BONE MERCHANTS

( Unless Eaten by wild beasts, thrown into a Fire or run over by Lawnmower. These hats are Nearly Indestructable )