When the Kentucky Derby began in 1875, both American and British women alike wanted to wear their finest to the races, and in those days that definitely included a hat.

And for two women who are rapidly gaining success — they are the official hat designers of the Kentucky Derby Festival — Welsh and Bell got into the hat business purely by accident.

According to the Kentucky Derby’s website, the hat-wearing tradition was started by founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., who modeled the race after high-class European racing events.

The original Featured Milliner of the Kentucky Derby, Christine A. Moore is a New York City-based hat maker who travels throughout the country to outfit men and women in the perfect hat.

It’s off to the races for Kentucky Derby fans. And those truly committed to the May event know that the fashion -- particularly women’s hats -- is just as important as the thoroughbreds racing.

The hats only grew more wild and fanciful when the Kentucky Derby became widely televised in the '50s and '60s — naturally, attendees wanted a shot at standing out from the crowd.

Ahead, you’ll find the 15 best Kentucky Derby outfits and hats to sport at this year’s event for both men and women. Think: preppy, Souther-inspired style, from polos and dress pants to ...

Here, women sport fancy hats and watch preliminary races at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., before the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby, May 5, 2012. JEFF HAYNES / Reuters ...

May 4, 2024; Louisville, KY, USA; Women pose with their complimentary Derby hats during the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky. on May. 4 2024. Mandatory Credit: Sam Upshaw, Jr.-USA TODAY Sports ...

The Kentucky Derby Museum’s Big Brims annual hat sale was nothing short of amazing. Here are the 12 best Kentucky Derby hats we saw at the event.

Elaborate hats are as evocative of the Kentucky Derby as mint juleps and, well, horse racing. But why do women wear hats to the Derby at all? According to the Kentucky Derby’s website, the ...

Aside from being Kentucky’s premier sporting event, the Kentucky Derby is also known for its colorful fashion scene — particularly wide-brimmed “Southern Belle”-inspired women’s hats.