Pith helmets are also known as topis or topees, or perhaps even the sun helmet. It is a lightweight helmet made of cork or pith from the sola, which is Indian swamp growth. Pith helmets are cloth-covered helmets that are intended to protect a person's head from the scorching sun. What are the origins of Pith helmets?

The Pith Helmet History

Pith helmets have existed since the 1800's, with 1870 as a definitive date when the Pith helmets became popular with military personnel in some of Europe's colonies. The Pith helmet was also influenced by the German design, the Pickelhaube. Other Pith-like creations then emerged from the Philippines. As the name suggests, Pith helmets were made from pith with peaks at the front and back and then covered with white cloth or a band. This helmet has always had holes for ventilation, while the accompanying chinstrap was often times made out of leather or a brass chain. Later, the Pith hat would be made from cork, hence adding to a rather convoluted etymology.

Wolseley Pith Helmets And Into The Future

The Mid Eastern Wolseley pith helmet is usually associated with the former British empire, though many European colonies used the same Pith helmet. It was often used as a symbol of authority, though it was sometimes worn by civilian low rank officials. Mid Eastern Wolseley Khaki Pith helmets are still sold today, a true collector's item, usually for less then $30.00.

Eventually the Pith helmet became popular civilian headgear for Westerners towards the end of the 1800's and into the new century. There has long been assumptions that the Pith helmet was a necessary item for European travelers to avoid sunstroke. This is partially true, in that a Pith helmet can protect wearers from sun over-exposure, that can lead to overheating as well as skin cancers. A safari Pith helmet can be a lifesaver if you're planning on an extended travel period in a hot climate.

By the late 1900's Pith helmets ceased in much of Britain. However, after World War II the Viet Minh of Vietnam copied the design and introduced the NVA pith helmet, or as it is known today, the Vietcong pith helmet.

Pith Helmets Today

There are still many admirers of Pith helmets, whether the product is made from real pith or is a technically made of straw. Pith helmets are still worn by the Royal Marines as a tribute to the old British empire, and a marine Pith helmet is quite a collectible. Sometimes even Unites States Postal Service workers wear the Pith helmet as a way to keep their head protected from the sun. Pith helmet clip art can be found at Clipart.com or FotoSearch.com.

The pith helmet is a piece of history and very cool in the Summer!