A Kentucky Derby hat Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal and USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

Big hats take center stage at the Kentucky Derby

By Eric Smithling | Last updated May 6, 2023 7:39 PM ET

Saturday was a big day for big hats.

Preps underway for medics & stretchers to be ready whenever one of the coronation soldiers standing guard faint from the heat. Esp the ones in the bearskin hats. Maybe the rain tomorrow will help cool things down. pic.twitter.com/RBZnn9XR3P
— Melinda Mosheim (@melinda_mosheim) May 5, 2023

Oh, wait. Wrong hat, wrong event.

We are ✨living✨ for the hat and fascinators so far today. pic.twitter.com/hWIIGo8qM5
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 6, 2023

Much better.

After the coronation of King Charles, the Kentucky Derby kept the theme of gaudy headwear going. Next to the actual horse race, the Derby is best known for the bold fashion choices of those in attendance, mainly their flamboyant hats.

The looks certainly didn't disappoint this year.

❤️ for the head
for the helmet pic.twitter.com/7RUz2MlnCN
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 6, 2023

Good weather, good fashion, and good times. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/1zPm3z8TZN
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 6, 2023

Spectators are ready for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Post time is 6:57 p.m. EST.

Follow live updates here: https://t.co/HkKGiPhllz pic.twitter.com/IL7Mv1zfmM
— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 6, 2023

Someone even gave Princess Anne an idea for her next hat.

Now THAT is a HAT. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/5kXsWCenkJ
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 6, 2023

Princess Anne, King Charles III’s secret weapon, has a starring role in the #Coronation today https://t.co/Hu6sWuD6ve pic.twitter.com/6loWGeqw6m
— Tatler (@Tatlermagazine) May 6, 2023

“So Princess Anne, you have one mission. Just sit right in front of Harry with a massive red feather on top of your hat. Perfect. Nailed it. Mission accomplished.”#Coronation pic.twitter.com/HGRIqHXN9k
— James Melville (@JamesMelville) May 6, 2023

The tradition dates back to the first Kentucky Derby in 1875. As stylist Darius Baptist told ABC News in 2017, "When women got dressed up, especially when they were going to church and formal events, the woman's crowning glory was the hat."

Butler went on to add, "It's also a combination of Southern culture and British culture."

That was never more evident than on Saturday, when the two collided in a major way.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

More must-reads: