How to Choose a Hat that suits you?

For centuries, hats had been an essential part of one’s style. They have the ability to completely change a look and that is why when you are choosing your accessories, it is important to consider what kind of hat will complement your features best. How to Choose a Hat that suits you?

Deciding What Style to Choose

Consider your hat needs. Do you want a hat to wear every day? For a special event? Are you buying the hat for fashion needs? For warmth or sun protection? What seasons do you expect to wear the hat in? Knowing this in advance can narrow your options from the start.

Familiarize yourself with the broad range of hat styles. There are all kinds of hats in the world, from casual to Kentucky Derby. Look through fashion magazines, catalogues, or online to get some ideas.

Match your hat style to your physique. The first rule of hat buying is that it should be proportional to your body. Your hat should balance out your dimensions rather than exaggerate them.

Tall crowns and upturned brims are lengthening, while wide and down turned brims make you appear shorter.[1]

A hat's brim should be no wider than the width of your shoulders.

The larger your build, the more hat you can get away with

Match your hat to your face. See Part 2 for how to determine your face shape.

Choose a color you know to be flattering. If you're not sure about this, notice which color(s) you're wearing when you receive a compliment or simply feel your best when you look in the mirror. Chances are, this is your color!

Think about your personality and your outfits. Your new hat will be one of the most prominent elements of your wardrobe, so it should complement your personal style.

Boho: berets, floppy wide brims, wide-brim fedoras

Preppy: structured hats with a wide brim, such as picture hats, bretons and boaters; structured berets, cloches, fedoras

Boys and tomboys: newsboy cap, fedoras, bowlers, boaters, ball caps, beanies

Vintage elegance: delicate pillbox styles, fascinators, structured wide brims, wide-brim cloches

Grunge: baseball hats, bowlers, soft berets or beanies, structured rolled wide brims

If you're buying the hat to go with a specific outfit (for a wedding, cocktail party, etc.), you would do better not to match the hat mechanically to the attire. Find one that complements the look, rather than copying it.

Consider your hairstyle. Many hats look best when long hair is pulled back and tucked into the ears.[4] However, if you want to wear your hair loose, this is another factor when making your decision.

Loose and flowing hair: berets, fedoras, floppy, bowlers

Short styles (pixies, bobs, etc.): cloches, picture hats, bretons, rolled brims, floppy wide brims, some pillbox styles

Shoulder-length: cloches, wide brims of any kind, fedoras, pillbox styles (better with curls), boaters, bowlers

Bangs: upturned brims, or wider down-turned ones, such as a wide-brim cloche

Establish a budget. Hats can be pricey, but you can often find some great deals at vintage or thrift shops.

If you don't have enough money for your perfect hat earn the money!

Look around and gather some ideas. Browse shops in your local area and search online to get a sense of prices and availability.