What hats have we seen at the Kentucky Derby? See best, creative styles

{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hats-seen-kentucky-derby-see-090237360.html","headline":"What hats have we seen at the Kentucky Derby? See best, creative styles","datePublished":"2026-04-28T09:02:37.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-28T09:02:37.000Z","keywords":["Kentucky Derby","decorative hats","Churchill Downs"],"description":"Hats have become a staple in Kentucky Derby's history. See some of the best hats from the past before the 2026 Kentucky Derby.","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Yahoo Sports","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://s.yimg.com/cv/apiv2/default/icons/favicon_y112_112.png","width":112,"height":112},"url":"https://sports.yahoo.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal","url":"","jobTitle":""},"creator":{"@type":"Person","name":"Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal","url":"","jobTitle":""},"provider":{"@type":"Organization","name":"The Courier Journal","url":"https://www.courier-journal.com"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8m9H2PDIOJHX.rdLsQZBfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI0MDA7aD0xNTE2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-courier-journal/b48562c654b35432bc1111f5d12d0d4e","height":758,"width":1200},"thumbnailUrl":"https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8m9H2PDIOJHX.rdLsQZBfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI0MDA7aD0xNTE2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-courier-journal/b48562c654b35432bc1111f5d12d0d4e"}Story byThe Courier JournalWhat hats have we seen at the Kentucky Derby? See best, creative stylesStephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier JournalTue, April 28, 2026 at 9:02 AM UTC·1 min readWhat would the Kentucky Derby be without all the high-end fashion and hats worn at the racetrack at Churchill Downs?Since 1875, fashion has significantly played a major role in Derby history, transforming the racetrack's reputation from a place associated with "immoral" gambling into a high-society event. The decorative hats worn by men and women became symbols of this transformation. Over the years, wearing hats at the Kentucky Derby became both a tradition and a symbol of good luck.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_63iudcaanpfiv65bH1_ { display: none; } @media screen and (max-width: 767.95px) { #_R_63iudcaanpfiv65bH1_ { display: flex; } iframe { max-width: 100vw; } }Heading into this year's Run for the Roses May 2, check out some of the best Derby hats we've seen throughout the years.More: Looking for a Kentucky Derby hat? 16 milliners, hatmakers to check out20252024More: Churchill Downs unveils Kentucky Derby Style Guide, featured milliners202320222021202020192018And more hat from Derby visitors of the past:Loni Anderson at the Kentucky Derby.Carol Lee of Louisville sported a white hat with a large rose. 1992.Almettie Colston of Louisville gets a new hat each year for the Derby, and this time it was topped with some fine feathers. MAY 5, 1984.More: 5 Kentucky Derby outfit trends we saw at the 2026 Spring Fashion ShowThis article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Best Kentucky Derby hats we've seen through the yearsAdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_redcaanpfiv65bH1_ { display: none; } @media screen and (min-width: 768px) { #_R_redcaanpfiv65bH1_ { display: flex; } iframe { max-width: 100vw; } }

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