1950s Lit Brothers Straw Turban Hat | Velvet Trim & Illusion Veil

Whether you’re channeling a Sunday matinee look or topping off a cocktail ensemble, this 1950s Lit Brothers straw turban brings structured 1950s whimsy with every tilt. Vintage Turban Hat DetailsFrom the golden age of department store millinery, this 1950s Lit Brothers turban brings all the drama in a petite, perched silhouette. Built on a blocked straw base in two warm tan tones, the hat features a gently rolled brim and a cylindrical, high-profile crown—a classic turban shape of the era. A rich millinery velvet ribbon encircles the middle, topped with a playful layer of flocked illusion veiling scattered with rust-colored polka dots.Authentic 1950s turban hat.Blocked straw construction in two tones of tan.Wide velvet millinery ribbon trim.Beige illusion veiling with flocked polka dots.High-profile cylindrical crown.Rolled brim edge.Labeled: Lit Brothers, Philadelphia.Hat size: 21.5. NOT SHIPPABLE TO ITALY due to Italian customs prohibition. VINTAGE CONDITION SHOP MORE VINTAGE HATS Shop more Spring & Summer Hats WHAT IS A TURBAN About TurbansA turban is a type of hat made from a long, draped scarf wrapped around the head, or a rigid hat with a beehive-shaped crown and no brim, which is wrapped and draped with fabric to resemble a wrapped scarf. It is interesting to note that turbans date back 5,000 years to Mesopotamia. Moreover, Paul Poiret popularized them for women in the early 1900s. The turban marked the transition from the enormous hats of the decade to the close-fitting cloche of the 1920s. After falling out of favor for a while, turbans reemerged in the late 1950s and 1960s, becoming very popular once again. ABOUT LIT BROTHERS Lit Brothers began in 1891 as a millinery shop run by Rachel P. Lit at 8th and Market Streets in Philadelphia. Her offer of free hat trimming quickly drew crowds, and with the help of her brothers, the store expanded into a full-block department store by 1907. The flagship location eventually incorporated 33 separate buildings behind a unified Renaissance Revival facade, creating a distinctive cast-iron landmark. Lit Brothers built its reputation as a moderately priced alternative to more upscale competitors like Wanamaker’s and Gimbels, drawing shoppers with its millinery salon, bustling bargain basement, and festive holiday windows. Despite its success, the store closed in 1977 following the collapse of its parent company, City Stores. The historic building remained vacant until the late 1980s, when developers transformed it into the Mellon Independence Center, now known as Market Place East. Today, the ornate facade still anchors the block, preserving the legacy of one of Philadelphia’s most iconic department stores. HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HAT SIZE HOW TO FIND YOUR HAT SIZEPull a fabric tape measure or length of string around your head just slightly above the ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head.Hold the tape firmly, but not too tightly. You are measuring your head exactly where the hat will sit in either inches or centimeters.If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the next largest size.Then buy a fabulous vintage hat from MadgeSEE OUR HAT SIZING CHART SHIPPING & RETURNS We ship items within five business days. Occasionally, there might be shipping delays. If this occurs, we will promptly notify you.Clothing and accessories ship via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx, selecting the best option based on price and insurance. Jewelry ships either First Class or Priority. For overseas orders, we use International First Class. Please refer to our Shipping Information for detailed rates.International buyers are responsible for all customs duties. PLEASE NOTE: Starting July 1, 2021, EU members will incur VAT taxes based on the specific country’s tax rates during importation.We know you may be wary about buying vintage items. If so, we do offer returns. If you receive vintage pieces and are dissatisfied or if the item doesn’t fit, please inform Madge of your return request within 10 days of receiving the merchandise. You must return the items within 30 days after notifying us.You can find our complete Return Policy here. If you have further questions after reading, please call or text (404) 850-1757. SIGN UP FOR SPECIALS & DISCOUNTS Photos copyright © 2025 Madge’s Hatbox Vintage. Join our Facebook group, Mad About Vintage, for weekly specials.  Share this vintage treasure: Pinterest Facebook Email WhatsApp