Looking for a way to boost your style this season? A new hat may be the perfect way to do so. With numerous styles to choose from and a wide array of colors and patterns, investing in a new hat or two is one of the best ways to improve your style and add a bit of taste to an otherwise plain outfit.
Whatever your go-to style is (vintage, grunge, hipster, or business), hats are the perfect accessory to add. Not only can they make a casual outfit more formal or a business suit more chic, but they can be worn for almost every event and at any time of the year.
To add some style to your wardrobe and boost your style, here are the top hats to keep in mind.
#1. Panama
Perfect for a beach day or for anyone who lives in the south, the panama hat is a traditionally Ecuadorian hat that’s light colored and stylish. These lightweight hats are durable (when made correctly) and will protect your face when you’re out and about. Even if you aren’t going to the beach, wearing a panama hat adds a casual, easygoing appearance to any outfit.
#2. Fedora
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo
Don’t confuse the fedora with the panama hat as these two are very different. Knowing the differences between the two can not only help you decide which one is better for your style, but help you avoid an embarrassing blunder.
The fedora is the traditional men’s dress hat and most often comes in neutral tones like black, navy blue, and brown. Featuring a medium brim, pinched sides, and a crease down the center, the fedora has remained a classic men’s hat since the 1900s that has yet to disappoint.
#3. Trilby
Again, don’t confuse this hat with a fedora as there are distinct differences. The trilby has a narrower brim and is traditionally made from straw or tweed. It’s a warmer weather hat and usually comes in lighter colors with a band around it.
#4. Pork Pie
Photo by Pascal Bernardon
We might as well make a list of hats that are commonly mistaken for fedoras, but aren’t. The pork pie hat is small and round, but there’s where the resemblance with fedoras ends. These hats have a narrow brim and, like the trilby, are often made from straw. However, the top of these hats are flat with a crease around the inside of the top.
Pork pie hats have been around in Hollywood for years with stars like Derek Hough and Brad Pitt caught wearing them. The hat has also been seen famously in Breaking Bad. All in all, these classic men’s hats are great for sprucing up any outfit. Luckily, the pork pie hat is easy to wear but you may want to double check that your face shape will look good with it.
#5. Mariner Hats
Another classic style, the mariner hat was traditionally worn by fishermen or sailors but is now making an appearance in fashion. This soft structured hat has a short front brim and a flat top and has been sported by the Beatles.
While mariners hats haven’t made it on the runway yet, they add a nice vintage touch to any outfit and can be worn with more casual or professional outfits.
#6. Newboy
If you’ve seen the broadway spectacle Newsies or you’ve watched a few episodes of Peaky Blinders, you know what this hat looks like. Originally worn by working class men, this soft, unstructured hat is now a classic look.
Newsboy caps are a classic and they work great for both professional business attire and casual looks. They typically come in neutral tones, so you can wear them with just about any outfit you have.
#7. Beanies
If you’re in search of hats for large heads, beanies are a great place to start. The stretchy, knitted materials allow them to fit every head size without damaging the hat or giving you a headache.
Unlike the hats listed above, beanies are typically only worn for casual outings. They come in every color and pattern you can imagine and will definitely keep you head warm during winter months. They work perfectly with grunge and hipster styles.
#8. Bucket Hats
Photo by Ivana Cajina
Another great hat for a casual style is the bucket hat. This 90s style hat has made quite the comeback this year and it’s expected to stick around for quite some time. Part of what has made them so popular is their versatility in color, pattern, and size.
Bucket hats can be found in large sizes or small sizes, bright colors or neutral colors, and patterned or plain. They’re easy to pack, making them a great travel accessory, and they don’t necessarily have to match your outfit to look good.
#9. Baseball
You probably own a few baseball caps already. While they are mostly used for casual outings, baseball caps can be stylish. If you want to appear more easygoing or athletic, baseball caps are a quick way to do this.
Baseball caps are available in all sorts of colors, patterns, and sizes. With an adjustable strap, these hats are perfect for large heads. With a virtually unlimited amount of choices, choosing a baseball cap comes down to your personal preferences and how you want to adjust your style.
#10. Beret
This classic French hat can be worn by both men and women. It immediately makes you look more sophisticated and put together and with multiple ways to style a beret, you’ll find it makes a great accessory.
Go Boost Your Style!
Photo by Ivana Cajina
You don’t have to commit to just one style of hat. In fact, having two or three styles on hand will give you more options for adjusting your outfit and boosting your style. Depending on your outfit or the day ahead of you, one hat may be better suited than another. When you have multiple hats, you’ll almost always have the perfect hat on hand and be prepared for anything.
Feature photo by Moose Photos
