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Souwesters Collection

Souwesters, also known as oilskin hats or waterproof hats, have been a staple in maritime culture for centuries

Background imageSouwesters Collection: The crew of the New Brighton lifeboat seen here aboard their new vessel The Edmund

The crew of the New Brighton lifeboat seen here aboard their new vessel The Edmund and Mary Robinson. The boat a Watson 41 lifeboat was built by Groves & Gutteridge of Cowes, Isle of Wight

Background imageSouwesters Collection: Summer Evening on the Beach at Skagen, 1884. Creator: Peder Severin Kroyer

Summer Evening on the Beach at Skagen, 1884. Creator: Peder Severin Kroyer
Summer Evening on the Beach at Skagen, 1884. Skagen is the northernmost town in Denmark

Background imageSouwesters Collection: Two Fishermen. Study, late 19th-early 20th century. Creator: Michael Peter Ancher

Two Fishermen. Study, late 19th-early 20th century. Creator: Michael Peter Ancher
Two Fishermen. Study, late 19th-early 20th century

Background imageSouwesters Collection: The Lost Felice, c. 1939 (oil on canvas)

The Lost Felice, c. 1939 (oil on canvas)
3588519 The Lost Felice, c.1939 (oil on canvas) by Hartley, Marsden (1877-1943); 101.9x76.7 cm; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, CA

Background imageSouwesters Collection: Sailor, Dieppe (b / w photo)

Sailor, Dieppe (b / w photo)
3096184 Sailor, Dieppe (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sailor, Dieppe. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Background imageSouwesters Collection: A lifeboat rescue off the coast of Brittany (colour litho)

A lifeboat rescue off the coast of Brittany (colour litho)
3099178 A lifeboat rescue off the coast of Brittany (colour litho) by Meaulle, Fortune Louis (1844-1901); Private Collection; (add.info.: A lifeboat rescue off the coast of Brittany)

Background imageSouwesters Collection: Rescue of two children from a floating ice floe, 1831 (colour litho)

Rescue of two children from a floating ice floe, 1831 (colour litho)
5207649 Rescue of two children from a floating ice floe, 1831 (colour litho) by Hardy, Paul (19th Century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Rescue of two children from a floating ice floe)

Background imageSouwesters Collection: Sailors of a shipwrecked English steamer, rescued after a terrible agony of forty hours

Sailors of a shipwrecked English steamer, rescued after a terrible agony of forty hours... (colour litho)
2815255 Sailors of a shipwrecked English steamer, rescued after a terrible agony of forty hours... (colour litho) by Beltrame

Background imageSouwesters Collection: The sail railway between Spurn Head and Kilnsea on the Yorkshire coast

The sail railway between Spurn Head and Kilnsea on the Yorkshire coast. October 1922

Background imageSouwesters Collection: The sail railway between Spurn Head and Kilnsea on the Yorkshire coast

The sail railway between Spurn Head and Kilnsea on the Yorkshire coast. October 1922

Background imageSouwesters Collection: Lifeboatmen wearing their SouOwester run down to their boat in the small Cornish fishing

Lifeboatmen wearing their SouOwester run down to their boat in the small Cornish fishing village of Mousehole Stairs. January 1935



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Souwesters, also known as oilskin hats or waterproof hats, have been a staple in maritime culture for centuries. These iconic headpieces are designed to protect sailors and fishermen from the harsh elements of the sea, making them essential gear for anyone braving the open waters. With their wide brims and sturdy construction, souwesters provide excellent protection against rain, wind, and spray, keeping wearers dry and comfortable even in the most challenging conditions. Originally made from oiled canvas or waxed cotton to repel water, modern souwesters now come in a variety of materials such as PVC or rubberized fabrics. Despite this evolution in materials, their classic design remains timeless and instantly recognizable. The distinctive shape of a sou'wester hat with its flared brim and adjustable chin strap is not only functional but also adds a touch of nautical flair to any outfit. Whether you're out at sea battling rough seas or simply walking your dog on a rainy day, a sou'wester hat is sure to keep you protected and looking stylish. So next time you find yourself facing inclement weather, don't forget to reach for your trusty sou'wester – it's more than just a hat; it's an essential piece of maritime history that continues to stand the test of time.