For National Hat Day, I’ve pulled some of my favorite hat photos from my cell camera. All but 2 or 3 were created by me from about 2014 to 2026, mostly in New York City.

Hats serve all kinds of purposes as these photos illustrate. They mark religious or cultural identity, transport us to another era or place, reflect our social status (actual or aspirational), express our politics or personal creativity, celebrate Spring, keep a newborn’s head warm. 

Photos © 2026 Marilyn Stern unless marked otherwise.

Ocean Grove, New Jersey on Open House day, August 4, 2017

Sakura Matsuri - Cherry Blossom Festival — Brooklyn Botanic Garden, April 25, 2015

Louis Mendes, August 2019, Grand Central Station

Blueberry Festival, Ellenville, NY, circa 2024

Covid fashion, Union Square holiday market, December 17, 2021

Hand-knit Rastafarian hats, Union Square

Selfie with mosaic hat, W23rd St subway station, May 21, 2017