Definition

Noun: A man's formal felt hat with a round, hard crown and a narrow brim.

Usage

This is a historical term for a specific style of men's headwear, primarily used from the late 19th to early 20th century. It describes the hat's shape and material.

Examples

• The gentleman tipped his plug hat as he passed by.
• In old photographs, you can see many men wearing plug hats.
• His formal attire was completed with a black plug hat.

Advanced Usage

• The term is now chiefly historical or used in period descriptions. It is not commonly used in modern fashion vocabulary.
• It is often associated with formal city wear, businessmen, and figures from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Variants and Related Words

• Derby hat (U.S.) / Bowler hat (U.K.): This is the more common modern name for the same style of hat. A plug hat is synonymous with a derby/bowler.
• Top hat: A different, taller style of formal man's hat. It is not a synonym for plug hat.

Synonyms

• Derby (U.S.)
• Bowler (U.K.)
• Coke hat (archaic)

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Soft hat
• Top hat
• Cap

Noun

1. a felt hat that is round and hard with a narrow brim