When it comes to improving an outfit, making a statement or showcasing your confidence to the world, the hat can be a useful, unique and bold accessory. From old detective movies to modern casual dress, men’s hats have evolved and changed with time, but always remained a staple of the masculine wardrobe. Fashionable, functional or somewhere in between, these men’s hat styles will enhance your outfit and take your look to the next level. If you’re shopping around, you may need different types to suit specific looks, occasions and scenarios, making it hard to choose the right one.
From classic to modern choices, here are some of the best men’s hat styles to know about for a stylish look.
Types of Hats For Men
Fedora
The fedora is the iconic accessory of classic film noir Hollywood, and it’s not difficult to see why. Made of cashmere or wool, or occasionally animal felt, the fedora is the look of the leading man. Wear it with confidence, but allow the style to speak for itself, and consider maintaining a more neutral tone when determining the right fedora for you. It’s a hat with history that always makes a statement.
Trilby
The trilby may have a lot in common with the fedora and is often mistaken for the same style, but the trilby is more about fashion than function, hence its popularity among boy band performers in the early 2000s. The trilby was historically known as the hat worn by rich men and was often seen at horse races and other luxury events. If you do wear yours to the races, bring your sunglasses. Trilbies are lightweight and comfortable in warm months, but are traditionally worn back on the head and won’t provide much protection against the elements.
Panama Hat
If you’re searching for an effortlessly sexy look, the Panama hat might just fit your needs. A Panama evokes beachside escapes, romantic seaside adventures, and classic masculine confidence that people around you are sure to notice. The Panama hat is perfect for the hot weather in Miami and other tropical places, as it is traditionally made with plaited leaves from what is locally known in Ecuador as the toquilla palm plant. It owes much of its popularity to President Theodore Roosevelt and his work on the Panama Canal. Breathable, lightweight and versatile, Panama hates best match light summer fashions including white linen shirts and comfortable pants.
Bowler Hat
Take your look to the next level with a vintage-inspired bowler hat. Also known as the derby hat, the bowler dates back to 19th-century England and the London hatmakers Thomas and William Bowler. While it was historically worn by both middle and upper classes and as both semi-formal and informal attire accessories, bowler hats tend to add an upscale aesthetic to an outfit. Consider pairing yours with a classic waistcoat or other timeless pieces.
Snapback Cap
When it comes to trendy and bold, there’s nothing like a ’90s-inspired snapback to add something special to your look. Snapbacks have a flat, wide brim, and a more structured design than some of the other ball caps on the list. This makes the snapback great for both formal outfits in need of a fresh accessory and more laid-back styles you’re looking to complete. The style dates back to the baseball team the Brooklyn Excelsiors, who introduced this iconic look in the 1850s.
Dad Hat
Along with chunky white trainers, fanny packs, and whitewash denim, dad hats have made a comeback as accessories that are considered truly fashionable. They’re comfortable and breathable, thanks to the traditionally cotton fabric, which makes them a great option for casual outings and summer events. If you’re looking to add a little vintage to your look, the dad hat is the way to go.
Newsboy
When you want to capture that sleek British style, the newsboy hat more than does the trick. While the general shape and the front visor (known as a stiff peak) are similar to the newsboy hat’s cousin, the flat cap, the newsboy hat is rounder and fuller and known for its top button. It is traditionally a style of the wealthy, although the newsboy cap can be seen in rebel fashions looking to chic up edgy styles.
Flat Cap
If the newsboy hat is classically British aristocrat, the flat cap speaks to the farmers and chimney sweeps of old. Designed for real use rather than fashion, these old-school caps it is usually crafted of wool or tweed and lined on the inside, which helps to keep its wearer warm and comfortable, and protected from the elements. In the modern-day, this clean-cut accessory can add something special to an upscale casual look.
Beanie
The beanie may have started out as a surefire way to stay warm in the winter, but this timeless hat has become essential for any modern man’s wardrobe. It blends seamlessly into nearly any outfit, from the functional outdoorsman look to the city hipster, and can be used in fall, winter or spring to maximum effect. If you’re looking to get the most out of your beanie, consider neutral colors and an all-seasonal thinner material, or just invest in a few different kinds.
Bucket Hat
There’s no ‘90s throwback look more iconic than the bucket hat. Once used by fishermen to protect against the rain, the bucket hat became a staple of ‘90s street style and subcultures like skateboarders and fans of hip hop and other musical genres. Now is the perfect time for a bucket hat revival, so pull out your high tops and try out this cool look for yourself.
Baseball Cap
The baseball cap matches just about any outfit. Rep your favorite sports team, street artist, or American landmark, all the while adding a cool look to your casual, outdoor, or even clean-cut style. There are many types of ball caps and cap styles, but the classics are classics for a reason and nothing can replace a comfortable and cool baseball cap.
Trapper Hat
The trapper hat is another historical and functional piece that has become a fashionable statement piece for the handsome modern man. In this case, it preserved some of its functionality and is a must-have winter accessory for anyone in cold-weather climes. Tie the fur flaps down to keep your face and neck warm in cold winds, or bend them back for improved visibility and a more stylized look. For the trapper hat, embrace your outdoorsman, with flannels, boots, and all-weather vests.
Boater
Make a statement in summer wear with the classic boater look. The boater hat is more European coast than the Panama hat, but because this semi-formal accessory is crafted with stiff straw material, it’s excellent for hot weather and sun protection. They traditionally have a flat top and a wide, flat brim and can be used to make a casual outfit more formal or a formal outfit comfortable and beachy.
Pork Pie
When you don a pork pie hat, you’ll be joining a fashion trend that has remained strong for centuries in some form or another. Famous actors like Buster Keton wore this classic accessory on the big screen and the pork pie was the first hat worn by women in the mid-1800s. The hat is small and round, and the brim is much narrower and curls up at the edge. Oftentimes, it is adorned with a ribbon or other chic pieces, which gives you the chance to make this look your own.
Top Hat
Take formal to a whole new level with a modem, refreshing revival of the top hat. The top hat is an iconic piece that has stood as the symbol of luxurious and evening wear for centuries and it’s not difficult to see why. Add something special to your night on the town or at that next formal event by finding the right modern top hat aesthetic for the 21st-century man that fits your unique style.
Popular Men’s Hat Styles
The most popular hat styles for men are the baseball cap, fedora, beanie, bowler, flat cap, panama, straw and bucket. With so many cool men’s hats, picking the right style for your outfit can be a challenge. From summer hats that are light and breathable to winter hats that will keep your head warm while looking trendy, the best hats for men are made with high-quality materials and come in stylish designs.
If you’re leaning towards more classic styles, the fedora and panama are coming back into fashion as headwear becomes more popular. Brands like Bailey, Goorin, Christys’ London and Barbour make classy hats you can wear for a lifetime.
For a hipster hat that even celebrities endorse, try the trilby, pork pie, flat cap or beanie. These kinds of hats can be worn with casual and professional outfits for extra flair. When paired well, these fashionable hat styles can elevate your look, but beware that it’s just as easy to create a fashion faux pas.
The most universal and versatile hat will always be the baseball cap. Cool caps are the ultimate accessory for men who want comfort and style in their active lifestyle. As one of the most popular hats, this type of cap is especially useful when you’re between haircuts and don’t want to style your hair.
Ultimately, the right hat can complement any classy, dressy, casual or random outfit. Fortunately, you can’t go wrong with any of these styles.
