A Robin Hood hat is a felt or cloth cap that is triangular in shape, with a long point in the back. Typically green, the Robin Hood hat also features an upturned brim with a feather tucked into it. This hat was supposedly worn by the British outlaw hero Robin Hood, who is rumored to have lived in England's Sherwood Forest some time between the 11th and 13th centuries.
These hats are not commonly worn as a fashion choice, but are more often used as part of a historical costume or for Halloween. Many costume shops sell low-priced versions of the Robin Hood hat, which may be made of plastic or very light, inexpensive felt. There are also many crafting or sewing sites on the Internet that offer directions on how to create one of these hats.
The general process for creating a Robin Hood hat is to take a semi-circular piece of stiff felt and fold it in half. Sew one of the edges together to make a quarter circle. Next, turn the piece of felt inside-out so that the stitching lies on the inside of the hat. Finally, turn up the rounded edge of the brim and stitch or tack it into place. Be sure to use a fabric that is stiff enough to make a sturdy hat. If the felt used is not rigid, the hat will simply collapse when worn, instead of maintain a pointed shape.
Scholars do not agree that Robin Hood was a real person. Among those who argue that he was real, there are several leading candidates for his true identity. The first is the fugitive Robert Hod, who lived in the Yorkshire area around the year 1225. Roybn Hood, the porter of King Edward II in 1324, is another.
The legend of Robin Hood does contain some elements that are consistent over time and identity. The first is the claim that Robin Hood lived in Sherwood Forest. Second, is that he was never without his band of Merry Men, which included Little John, Friar Tuck, and Will Scarlett. Another is the assertion that he had a love interest, like story of Maid Marian. A final consistent part of the legend is that he was never seen without either a a Robin Hood hat or a hood pulled over his head.
Robin Hood hats are also often seen at renaissance fairs, worn in combination with other costume elements, such as doublets, leather vests, and leggings. This hat is also identical to the one worn by the fictional character Peter Pan. The legend of Peter Pan is, in fact, a children's version of the original Robin Hood story — with Wendy filling the role of Maid Marian and the Lost Boys taking on the parts of the Merry Men.