Hats Worn by Michael Jackson – 5 Intriguing Facts

It’s hard to think of Michael Jackson without thinking of his ornate costumes and intricate performances. Whether he was on or off the stage, one thing was for certain: MJ had style. This trait was further reflected in the artist’s choice of hats over the years.

Here are 5 intriguing facts about the hats worn by Michael Jackson:

1. The King of Pop wore his hats both on and off the clock.
2. Michael Jackson wore a hat while appearing on TV for the first time in 1969.
3. The accessory was present during some of the singer’s most famous moves. 
4. Fans would fight over MJ’s hats.
5. The iconic “Smooth Criminal” white fedora was auctioned off for 10,000 euros.

Stay tuned to learn more about how Michael Jackson’s love for hats accompanied him throughout his career! 

1. The King of Pop wore his hats both on and off the clock.

Michael Jackson is amongst the wide scope of artists, musicians, and even gangsters that helped to popularize the fedora in their respective times. The King of Pop not only used the accessory as a prop reserved for some of his most famous performances, but he also styled the hat into his everyday life. Eventually, the hat became almost instantly associated with the singer, and is still recognized in the 21st century as a classic MJ piece.

2. Michael Jackson wore a hat while appearing on TV for the first time in 1969.

Once we remember the important and iconic roles that hats played in Michael Jackson’s career throughout the years, it is no wonder that it all started with a hat, too! When he was just 12 years old, performing with his brothers in their band Jackson 5, he wore a magenta pork pie hat. The appearance – their first on television – was on The Ed Sullivan Show. It’s safe to say hats have always worked out well for MJ.

3. The accessory was present during some of the singer’s most famous moves. 

Michael Jackson’s success emphasized his unparalleled talent in performance. Beyond his mastery of music, he also showed us all he knew how to dance. The choreography included in his shows – and in his career – were some of the most anticipated moments in MJ’s performances. 

Moves like the moonwalk were made globally popular and recognizable due to their flawless execution. Jackson’s beloved fedora also further accessorized some of the most quintessentially ‘MJ’ moments in history – the hat tilt and the anti-gravity lean.

4. Fans would fight over MJ’s hats

As he continued to be an unmatched success on stages all over the world, Michael Jackson made a habit out of tossing his hat into the audience after performing the hit song “Billie Jean.”  Unsurprisingly, fanatic fans came to expect this moment, and fought passionately for the accessory as it was thrown out onto the floor.

Due to his millions of impassioned fans, few hats have likely survived the enthusiasm of the crowds, and were probably destroyed in the mess. 

5. The iconic “Smooth Criminal” white fedora was auctioned off for 10,000 euros

For the Moonwalker film, there were a few white fedoras especially made for the singer to wear. Upon the completion of the project, some of these hats were gifted from Michael Jackson to his close collaborators, one of them being one of his former managers. This particular hat was to be auctioned off years later for a significant amount of money. 

Beyond its already valuable nature, Jackson’s signature on the inside, reading “Love Michael Jackson” increased the value of the item, as did his passing. The hat was sold for 10,000 euros.