Perhaps the most powerful symbol of the British Empire was the lightweight, breathable yet strong Pith Helmet. Originally made from the pith of an Indian swamp plant, pith helmets were military issue headgear, and so effective at shading a soldier’s head and face in tropical locales, preventing him from sweating too profusely, that they were adopted by all the colonial powers – not to mention millions of civilians as an essential hot weather accessory. Even the United States Army wore them in the 1880’s, and today’s Marine Corps rifle instructors still wear them. Pith helmets never go out of style, because they still provide the best protection against harsh sun rays, as well as “intrepid explorer” good looks when you travel to the sun-scorched corners of the earth. Constructed of rigid tan straw mesh, with a 2½” wide sunblocking brim, 6 breathable grommets and a terrycloth padded front sweatband. Synthetic leather strap adjusts to fit head sizes 7 - 7 3/8. Imported.
