Why did men in 19th and early 20th century America overwhelmingly wear hats?

by justabigasswhale

Today hats are often seen as a novelty article of clothing, but Whenever you see pictures from this time period, almost every man is wearing a hat, especially when their outside. Why did they do this? What caused this ubiquitous fashion choice, and why it it go out of fashion?

SarahAGilbert

While you're waiting, you might enjoy this related answer by /u/mimicofmodes (aka chocolatepot) on why men stopped wearing hats in the 1960s.