When most people think of gangster hats, they think of the fedoras worn by Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney and George Raft. However, when most people think of the ultimate mafia movie, they think of “The Godfather.”

In that 1972 classic film, Al Pacino plays rising mob don Michael Corleone who is ironically pictured in a homburg hat.

Considered a very sophisticated dress hat, one step below a top hat, the homburg is usually worn with suits or a top coat. Its history has an even more regal bearing.

Queen Victoria’s son Prince Edward, who would go on to be England’s King Edward VII, was traveling to Bad Homburg in Hessen, Germany, back in 1890 and decided to have a new hat made. It was a center-crease crown hat with a grosgrain dress band and a firm brim with an upturned bound edge. Almost instantly the hat was a grand success in men’s fashion and bore the name of the city in which it was first created.

At Hats Plus we carry many great homburgs. One of our most popular is the Biltmore Imperial. Made with a quality fur felt, it is both handsome and affordable.

So if you come to us on the day of your daughter’s wedding looking for just the right hat, we’ll show you some options you can’t refuse.