Ridiculous History: Episode Summary – "History's Most Ridiculous Clothing, with AJ Jacobs: Part One"

Date Released: April 29, 2025
Hosts: Ben Bolin and Noel Brown
Guest: AJ Bahamas Jacobs

Introduction: Welcoming AJ Bahamas Jacobs

In this engaging episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bolin and Noel Brown delve into the often bizarre and impactful world of historical fashion with special guest AJ Bahamas Jacobs. AJ, known for his podcast The Puzzler, brings his expertise to explore how certain clothing items have sparked controversies, laws, and even riots throughout history.

The Flamboyant Evolution of Hats

The conversation kicks off with a discussion about hats, highlighting their dual role as both functional wear and bold fashion statements. AJ emphasizes how hats have historically been more than mere accessories, often symbolizing status and identity.

AJ Bahamas Jacobs (02:05): "Hats can be quite flamboyant. They can be quite a statement, more so than a piece of functional gear."

Taxidermied Bird Hats and the Birth of the Environmental Movement

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the extravagant bird hats of the late 1800s, which inadvertently catalyzed the environmental movement. AJ uncovers how the obsession with egret plumes and other bird feathers for women's hats led to the decimation of millions of birds annually.

AJ Bahamas Jacobs (10:17): "Women loved their feathered hats. They loved these fancy parrot feathers, egret plumes, herons, birds of paradise. And they were very expensive. It was hard to get them."

The ensuing environmental backlash, spearheaded by Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall in 1905, resulted in the formation of the National Audubon Society. This organization played a pivotal role in passing the Audubon Plumage Law, which protected birds from the plume industry and laid the groundwork for modern conservation efforts.

Noel Brown (13:04): "The National Audubon Society here in the States is still, as you said, very much active. That's a bit of hidden history."

The Straw Hat Riot of 1922: When Fashion Sparks Violence

Transitioning to the early 20th century, the hosts explore the Straw Hat Riot of 1922 in New York City. This bizarre event was rooted in strict societal dress codes, where wearing straw hats outside the summer months was met with hostility. The enforcement was so severe that individuals faced physical assault for violating unwritten fashion rules.

AJ Bahamas Jacobs (18:37): "There was the straw hat riot of 1922. New York City society had this rule that you should stop wearing straw hats. If you wore your straw hat after September 15th, you were opening yourself up to some real trouble."

The riot saw mobs armed with wooden sticks and nails targeting those who dared to wear straw hats past the socially accepted date, leading to injuries and arrests over an eight-day period.

Zoot Suit Riots of 1943: Fashion Meets Racial Tension

The discussion then shifts to the Zoot Suit Riots of 1943 in Los Angeles, where zoot suits became a symbol of cultural identity and resistance among African American and Latino youth. The flamboyant suits, characterized by wide shoulders and baggy pants, were deemed unpatriotic during World War II due to fabric rationing, igniting racial tensions and violent confrontations.

Noel Brown (22:04): "You always picture dudes in big hats and loose suits just brawling in the streets. But what set it off?"

AJ Bahamas Jacobs (22:34): "The white Angelenos attacked the mostly Mexican people who were wearing these zoot suits. They had an excuse—these suits were unpatriotic because they were using too much fabric."

The riots underscored how fashion can become a flashpoint for deeper societal issues, including racism and cultural misunderstanding.

Tall Top Hats: Symbolism and Societal Reactions

Exploring further into the realm of hats, the episode revisits the case of Mr. Hetherington in 1797 London. Hetherington was arrested for wearing an excessively tall silk hat, which was seen as a public disturbance due to its intimidating appearance.

AJ Bahamas Jacobs (27:23): "His crime was wearing a huge tall silk hat. The article in the London Gazette says that this tall structure with shiny luster was calculated to frighten timid people."

The exaggerated height of the hat caused public discomfort, leading to physical altercations and the breaking of Hetherington’s arm when a crowd reacted violently to his distinctive headgear.

Cultural Depictions and the Legacy of Ridiculous Hats

The hosts discuss the lasting cultural impact of extravagant hats, referencing artistic representations such as Edward Gorey's gothic illustrations and Abraham Lincoln's iconic top hat. These depictions highlight how certain hat styles have transcended their functional origins to become enduring symbols in art and popular culture.

Noel Brown (32:19): "The tall, skinny top hat really makes me think of the art of Edward Gorey. It fits that macabre, gothic vibe."

Conclusion: Reflecting on Fashion’s Ripple Effects

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on how seemingly trivial fashion choices have historically led to significant societal changes and movements. They commend AJ for shedding light on these fascinating intersections between clothing and history.

Ben Bolin (33:09): "We know that hats have also led to, as you so beautifully foreshadowed, absolute chaos in the streets."

With promises of continuing the exploration in the next part, Ben and Noel extend their gratitude to AJ Bahamas Jacobs for his insightful contributions.

Final Remarks and Future Episodes

The episode concludes with brief mentions of other contributors and a teaser for the continuation of the discussion on other controversial clothing items, such as ruffs, corsets, and collars, promising an equally riveting exploration in the next installment.

Noel Brown (33:31): "This is going to be a two-part series. Big thanks to AJ Bahamas Jacobs, a real clothes horse with the tricorn hat."

Stay tuned for Part Two of "History's Most Ridiculous Clothing" to uncover more about the extraordinary and often tumultuous history of fashion.

For more episodes and intriguing historical tales, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.