2024 Kentucky Derby: The history and legacy of the Kentucky Derby hat tradition

The 150th Run for the Roses is set for this weekend and Churchill Downs has already seen its fair share of remarkable outfits. The most extravagant part of most spectators' getups is undoubtedly their headgear though. For decades, the Kentucky Derby has been known for its outlandish hats for both women and men. It's one of the race's most time-honored and beloved traditions. But what does it mean?

When did women start wearing such enormous, flowy hats to the Derby? Why would they do so? When did men start joining in with hats of their own? There is a massive history behind this event's fashion, as it has grown into one of the most massive mega-fashion shows ahead of its sesquicentennial running.

Here's everything to know about the significance behind exuberant headgear at the Kentucky Derby.

2024 Kentucky Derby: Updated odds, predictions and full field for 150th Run for the Roses

Why do people wear fancy hats to the Kentucky Derby?

Any keen-eyed spectator will notice that the most prominent part of the famous Derby domewear is undoubtedly the brim. It stretches out far beyond the wearer's forehead to provide a copious amount of shade. This was practically a necessity during the early years of the race.

With the race taking place in May every year, the hot Kentucky sun was a lot to bear. Those big brims quickly turned into a fashion statement with some reports dating the tradition back to the early 20th century. However, the game changed in the 1960's once television was introduced and women seized the opportunity to display their social status on a more national stage.

Over the years, we've seen numerous celebrity women use the Kentucky Derby stage to flaunt their outfits from Kim Kardashian (2009) to Rebecca Romijn (2010) to Kate Upton (2016) and most recently, Brittany Mahomes (2023). The introduction of social media has only brought the event to a more national stage. But women aren't the only spectators prone to wearing fashionable hats to the race.

Men have also found ways to don interesting headpieces at Churchill Downs, whether it be a fedora, bowler hat, or classic Panama. Obviously, the most important factor when determining a men's hat for the event is how well it goes with the rest of the outfit. Throughout the years, many men have made statements of their own including Tom Brady (2011), Spike Lee (2006), and Ashton Kutcher (2012).

What are the defining characteristics of a Kentucky Derby hat?

For men, not much. It's honestly just a matter of wearing something formal. For women though, there are many characteristics commonly witnessed. The most obvious is the brim, which has already been discussed, but is usually paired with some sort of floral attire, whether it be a single flower placed in the middle or an entire bouquet to really get everyone's attention.

Lastly, the hat's colors need to stand out. While white, beige, and black hats can certainly look great, the ones that really draw crowds are the vibrant reds, yellows, and pinks that really punch home the point of the hats: to embrace femininity and elegance.

Pictures from the 2024 Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby 2024: TV, streaming and where to watch

• When: Saturday, May 4

• Coverage starts: 2:30 p.m. ET

• Post time: 6:57 p.m. ET

• Where: Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky

• TV: NBC

• Stream: Peacock; YouTube TV; fuboTV

HOW TO WATCH: See the 2024 Kentucky Derby with a subscription to Peacock

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The history, legacy and celebrities of the famed Kentucky Derby hats