Hats are a wardrobe essential that instantly upgrades your style. From trendy beanies to classic fedoras, hats have the power to complete any look and make a bold statement. Read on to learn more about the best types of hats to rock and how to pick the right one.
Different Types of Hats
Variety is the spice of life! Whether you add a finishing outfit touch with a fedora, throw on a dad cap, or snuggle up into a beanie, there’s no such thing as having too many hats in your wardrobe.
Boost your cap knowledge by learning about the most popular types of hats.
Baseball Caps
Baseball caps are characterized by a moderate bill and six-quarter panels with a button on top. They’re robust, diverse, and provide excellent protection from the sun, making them an ideal choice for casual daily wear.
Sun Hats
Sun hats, or beach hats, are known for their sizeable circular brim, providing essential protection from damaging UV rays. Beach hats are the epitome of style meets function, crafted from quick-drying materials that can withstand a sandy day at the beach.
Berets
The beret style began in the early 17th century in Northern Spain and Southern France, earning a reputation as the quintessential hat for creatives. Made from 100% cruelty-free wool, cotton, and other synthetic materials, this round and puffed style offers classic French flair and insulation from cold and hot weather.
Beanies
The beanie is a snug-fitting hat made of cotton or wool designed to keep your head warm in harsh weather conditions. Manufacturers have produced several variations, including the long stocking cap. This style looks like the standard beanie but with a taller, hanging crown for bonus style points.
Boater Hat
The boater or skimmer hat is often associated with boating events, barbershop quartets, and formal summer attire. This beloved hat style is made from straw, features a small to medium-sized brim, and has a flat top and shorter crown.
Visors
Visors are popular among golfers, tennis players, and volleyball players, offering excellent sun protection and ventilation. Most visors have an adjustable strap in the back, allowing for a customizable fit.
Trucker Caps
Trucker caps are a widely used variation of the baseball hat, with mesh panels for greater ventilation and comfort. This hat’s fit adjusts using snaps on the back strap, while the front panel is often decorated with embroidery or patches – a popular option for customization.
Western Hats
Western hats are the classic hats of the American Southwest. They boast a large brim that shields the face from the elements, with an upward curve on the sides – prioritizing functionality over fashion. These western hats are made from various materials with waterproof options for rainy days on the ranch and lightweight straw choices for dusty and hot mid-summer weather.
Army Hats
During basic training, the military wears camouflage army hats, also known as service or military caps. Commonly worn by veteran military and active duty personnel, they’re also bold yet casual fashion accessories for citizens worldwide.
Boho Hats
Boho hats, which capture the laid-back hippy style of the 1960s, are a trendy accessory that you can dress up or down. Available in a range of brim sizes and colors, these hats are flattering for many face shapes and offer excellent sun protection for the free-spirited hat lover on the go.
Bucket Hats
Bucket hats, also known as boonie or fisherman’s hats, were initially made for outdoor recreational activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. This soft hat features a medium-sized brim and chin strap for a comfortable all-around fit. It offers excellent protection from the rain and sun, and its snug fit and packability make it the perfect choice for travel.
Gambler Hats
Gambler hats combine the outback and western styles and have a wide brim and an oval crown. They’re made of canvas, straw, or felt, making them suitable for various weather conditions. Popular during the days of the Mississippi riverboat casinos, these comfortable hats provide outstanding sun protection. They’re perfect for those wanting to add a little western flair to their wardrobe without going overboard.
Fedora Hats
The fedora is a broad term encompassing many brim shapes and crown styles. It’s a classic look that suits a wide range of people and is often worn by celebrities, adding to its popularity. Characterized by a short to mid-sized brim with an upturn in the back and the ability to be turned up or down, the fedora is timeless.
Snapbacks
Since the early 1990s, the snapback hat, designed by New Era Cap in New York, has been a favorite of millennials and Gen Z’ers. Initially popularized in hip-hop, these structured hats remain a staple in modern style. They have a flat bill and a classic six-panel design, making them an ideal choice for sports events and casual wear.
Dad Hats
This style rose to popularity in the 1990s and has a flat brim and an unfitted, slouchy look that pairs perfectly with dad sneakers! The name “dad hat” references its relaxed, casual style, which is associated with a more laid-back and approachable look.
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Cap Anatomy — What Are Hats Made Of & What Are Their Parts?
Every cap is different, and the cap anatomy refers to the components and materials that make up a hat. We’ll explore the materials commonly used and break down the anatomy of a hat so that you can have a better hat-buying experience – ensuring your next cap meets your desired fit and style.
Materials of Hats
Hats can be made with a wide variety of materials depending on their use case and intended style:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Cotton
- Wool
- Buckram
- Linen
- Straw
- Suede
- Plastic
- Jute
- Mesh
- Twill
- Canvas
- Felt
- Polypropylene
- Acrylic
- Leather
- Rubber
- Hard plastic
- Silk
- Tulle
- Linen
- Velvet
- Foam
- Fur or Faux
- Cashmere
Hat Parts
Hats serve different purposes, from providing shade and comfort to adding style. Understanding the many parts of a hat and relevant terms can help you choose the right one for your needs.
Here are the hat parts you should familiarize yourself with:
- Crown: The crown is the top part of the cap that sits atop your head. A brim helps shield the sun from your eyes and is commonly found on fashion hats and baseball caps.
- Hat Band: The hat band is a decorative strip around the hat – often a leather strip, braided cord, or ribbon.
- Decoration: These are embellishments on a hat, such as tassels, feathers, beads, buckles, etc.
- Brim/Visor: The projecting part of the hat provides shade, giving you maximum sun protection.
- Closure: The closure is located at the back and ensures a snug fit. It can be stretchy, fitted, or adjustable, with plastic snaps, buckles, or hook and loop styles.
- Button: The button conceals the stitching where the six panels of cloth join together – typical to baseball caps.
- Sweatband: Sweatbands are the inner band that ensures proper fit and keeps the hat’s shape.
- Liner: This is the interior lining of the cap, usually constructed from soft fabrics like velvet, satin, silk, synthetic mesh, or cotton.
- Eyelets: Eyelets are small holes found on cloth hats that enhance ventilation and keep your head cool.
- Panels: Most of a cap consists of panels sewn together by seams forming the crown’s shape. Typically, five or six panels per hat join to create a rounded crown appearance.
How To Pick The Right Hat For You
Shopping for hats is like trying on pants – sometimes, you find the perfect fit right away, but other times, it’s a struggle.
No two people have the same head shape or personal style, so it makes sense that hats don’t fit everyone the same way. Discover how to choose the right hat based on your needs.
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Personal Style
It’s crucial to consider your hair type when choosing a hat. If you have curly and thick hair, look for hats with elastic or stretchy material. For those with coarse hair, a more structured hat design works well.
Furthermore, consider the colors of the clothing you typically wear and choose a hue that complements them. Neutral shades like black, gray, or white are safe yet classic options.
Lastly, consider the activities you regularly participate in. For instance, a baseball cap would be a viable choice if you’re in a softball league, while a trapper hat would be appropriate for winter sports.
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Face Shape
The ideal hat can accentuate your best facial features – if you select the right one.
There are five face shapes: oval, square, heart, triangle, and circle. Opt for a hat with a crown shape that differs from your face shape.
For example, a square face shape could opt for hats with rounded crowns, such as boater hats or fedoras, to balance out the angles. However, rounded face shapes are better off with narrow crowns. An oval face is well-balanced, allowing you to choose practically any hat style.
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Measure
Always measure your head using a tape measure to determine your head circumference. A well-fitted hat complements your outfit and overall appearance.
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Budget
Before shopping for a hat, determine your budget to ensure you get the most out of your investment. If you’re willing to splurge on your ideal hat, go for it! Knowing how much you can spend will help you narrow your options and avoid overspending.
Final Thoughts
When done right, a hat can be the missing piece to your outfit that exudes a unique style and passion for life.
Want to take your hat game to the next level? Customized hats are great for brand promotion, gift-giving, or expressing your unique style and personality.
Get in touch with The/Studio to get on-brand, retail-ready custom hats for you or an organization you represent. You’ll get exactly what you’re looking for – from the material and hat type down to stitching, colors, and detailed printing.
