How do you grade vintage condition?

We use a standard condition scale: Fair, Good, Very Good, and Mint. Most pieces fall in the Very Good range, showing only minor wear from age and careful use. Each product description includes detailed notes.

What are your shipping and return policies?

Orders ship within five business days. International buyers are responsible for duties and taxes. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery—please notify us within 10 days of receipt. Buyer pays return shipping, and we do not charge a restocking fee. Full details appear on our Shipping & Returns page.

How to Care for Vintage Hats

Always handle vintage hats by the brim, not the crown. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep hats in a hatbox or covered with acid-free tissue to prevent dust. Avoid using modern sprays or steam, as these can damage delicate materials and trims. For reshaping or cleaning, consult a professional milliner experienced in vintage restoration.

How can I shop more vintage hats like this?

Browse our full collection of vintage hats at Madge’s Hatbox. From structured sailors and pillboxes to whimsical fascinators and wide-brimmed beauties, each hat is one-of-a-kind and ready for its next grand outing.

How can I hear about new arrivals and special offers?

Join our list for $10 off your next purchase, plus first notice of new vintage finds, sales, and styling tips from Madge’s Hatbox.

Who was Banash of Boston?

Banash was a Boston millinery and fashion accessories company established in 1889. By 1898, David Banash & Co. was importing pattern hats and millinery novelties. The family business later operated as David Banash & Son, Inc., offering women's hats and accessories into the 1970s. This vintage Banash hat bears a label copyrighted in 1974.

What is a Breton hat?

A Breton hat is a rounded or flat-crowned hat with a brim that turns up around the edges, originally worn by peasants in Brittany, a region in France. It is similar to a bowler, but the brim is wider and rolls up more dramatically. Wide-brimmed Bretons were especially popular in the 1960s, when they were often worn on the back of the head. An all-over feather Breton dating to about 1960–1965 is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Source: Hatatorium, An Essential Guide for Hat Collectors, 2nd Edition.

1970s Fuchsia Pink Breton Hat

Q: How to Find Your Hat Size

Pull a fabric tape measure or a length of string around your head just slightly above the ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head. Hold the tape firmly but not too tightly—you are measuring exactly where the hat will sit. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters. If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the next largest size. Then buy a fabulous vintage hat from Madge! For more detail, see our Hat Sizing Chart.

A vivid 1970s fuchsia pink Breton hat by Banash of Boston, formed from lightweight acrylic and polypropylene synthetic straw.

Breton Hat Details

A bright pink Breton hat made for summer outfits. The dramatically upturned brim frames the face in unapologetic color—this is not a hat that plans to blend in.

The rounded crown is surrounded by a deeply upturned brim, creating the distinctive sailor-like silhouette associated with the Breton hat. Concentric rows of braided synthetic straw give the otherwise untrimmed design plenty of texture.

Its saturated fuchsia pink color and clean sculptural shape capture the bolder side of 1970s fashion. Wear it level for a symmetrical frame or place it at a slight angle for a more dramatic profile.

The woven label reads “Styled by Banash, Boston,” with a 1974 copyright date. A second label identifies the fiber content as 55% acrylic and 45% polypropylene and notes that the hat was made in Taiwan, R.O.C.

Fuchsia pink Breton.
Concentric braided rows on upturned brim.
Rounded crown.
55% acrylic and 45% polypropylene synthetic straw
Styled by Banash, Boston, Copyright 1974
Manufactured in Taiwan, R.O.C., RN:
Good Condition.

Why We Love It:

The spare shape lets that magnificent fuchsia pink take center stage—and the high Breton brim frames the face beautifully from every angle.

VINTAGE CONDITION

SHOP MORE VINTAGE HATS

Shop more spring and summer hats

WHAT IS A BRETON

About Bretons

A Breton hat is a rounded or flat-crowned hat with a brim that turns up around the edges, originally worn by peasants in Brittany, a region in France. It is similar to a bowler, but the brim is wider and rolls up more dramatically. Wide brimmed Bretons were popular in the 1960s, when they were worn on the back of the head. An all-over feather Breton circa 1960-65 is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Art Boston. From Hatatorium, An Essential Guide for Hat Collectors, 2nd Edition.

ABOUT BANASH

About Banash

Banash traces its Boston millinery roots to 1889, when Banash & Kornfeld supplied feathers, flowers, and other hat trimmings. A multigenerational Boston millinery and accessories business that evolved from selling hat trimmings to importing finished hats and fashion accessories. By the 1970s, the Banash trademark was owned by David Banash & Son, Inc. of Boston.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HAT SIZE

HOW TO FIND YOUR HAT SIZE

Pull a fabric tape measure or length of string around your head just slightly above the ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head.
Hold the tape firmly, but not too tightly. You are measuring your head exactly where the hat will sit in either inches or centimeters.
If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the next largest size.
Then buy a fabulous vintage hat from Madge

SEE OUR HAT SIZING CHART

SHIPPING & RETURNS

We ship items within five business days. Occasionally, there might be shipping delays. If this occurs, we will promptly notify you.

Clothing and accessories ship via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx, selecting the best option based on price and insurance. Jewelry ships either First Class or Priority. For overseas orders, we use International First Class. Please refer to our Shipping Information for detailed rates.

International buyers are responsible for all customs duties. PLEASE NOTE: Starting July 1, 2021, EU members will incur VAT taxes based on the specific country’s tax rates during importation.

We know you may be wary about buying vintage items. If so, we do offer returns. If you receive vintage pieces and are dissatisfied or if the item doesn’t fit, please inform Madge of your return request within 10 days of receiving the merchandise. You must return the items within 30 days after notifying us.

You can find our complete Return Policy here. If you have further questions after reading, please call or text (404) 850-1757.

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1970s Fuchsia Pink Breton Hat | Banash Boston