Why did Sherlock Holmes wear a Deerstalker?

Sherlock Holmes’ deerstalker hat has become one of his most identifiable features which he is rarely spotted without. It may be surprising to many however that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has never made a single reference to the word ‘deerstalker’ in any of his fictional detective stories let alone any of his work.

Many often question the functionality of the deerstalker for Sherlock, as traditionally such a design was worn in rural settings and for hunting purposes which its name would suggest. This leaves us questioning what use a city-dwelling detective who is famously known for stalking suspects in Victorian London - not deers - would have for such a hat.

So how has the deerstalker become so synonymous with Sherlock’s character? And more impressively, stereotypical headwear for detectives in illustrations, cartoons, and films all across the world. Even more so than a magnifying glass, some may argue.

The answer lies with the original illustrator of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Sidney Paget.  Holmes first appears in a deerstalker in the illustrations for The Boscombe Valley Mystery in The Strand magazine in 1891. He probably opted for the deerstalker as in the story, Doctor Watson describes Sherlock as wearing a ‘close-fitting cloth cap’. Some even believe he decided on the design as Paget was not afraid of sporting a deerstalker himself.

The following year, Holmes is described wearing an ‘ear-flapped travelling cap’ in The Adventure of Silver Blaze. So, whilst Arthur Conan Doyle omitted to use the word ‘deerstalker’, the descriptions were quite fitting. 

The persona of Sherlock Holmes in his trademark deerstalker was cemented with the popularity of the films. In 1939, Basil Rathbone starred as Sherlock Holmes, first in The Hound of the Baskervilles and then The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.  In both, the actor was shown wearing the deerstalker in its appropriate setting – that is, Holmes wearing it proudly in the countryside and not in the city.

Although originally linked to agricultural surroundings, recent fashion for flat caps and the come back of tweed mean it can be pulled off by anyone - not just Sherlock. Designed with the Sherlock Holmes Tartan, this hat makes the perfect gift for any Sherlockian or just someone looking to keep warm in style.