Hats are a unique article of clothing. They act as both a fashion statement and protective gear. Throughout human history, people have used hats to be stylish, to make political statements, and to protect themselves from a host of threats. No other article of clothing has quite the elaborate and intriguing history because hats stand out, and that’s without the large, wide-brimmed, feathered hats of the 1700s. If someone is simply wearing a cap, you notice.
Hats can even represent entire professions or people. The picture of a gallon hat immediately brings to mind cowboys. A hat with a red cross represents nurses, despite the fact that nurses haven’t worn that type of hat in about a century.
What really makes hats interesting is that you can design them to be entirely practical, but they can still be stylish and comfortable. Straw hats are breathable and large, but they are incredibly effective at keeping your face and neck protected from UV light.
With so many different types of hats, you can find one for virtually any occasion. From costumes to careers to climates, there’s a hat for every need and occasion.
Summary of The Different Types of Hats
With such a long history and a wide variety of hat types, it can be difficult to know what hat you need. The following is a long list with details about many different types of hats. While it isn’t a complete table, it covers many of the types of hats you are likely to see today.
| Type of Hat | Description |
| Caps | |
| Apple / Newsboy Caps | A comfortable cap that has eight panels with a decorative button at the top. The Apple cap is a larger version of the Newsboy cap. |
| Ascot Cap | Often made of felt or wool, this cap is rounder and sits comfortably on the top of the head. |
| Ball Cap | Made popular as a cap worn by baseball players, the cap is actually worn by a much wider audience. The long visor in the front ensures that people can see, but their eyes are protected from direct sunlight. |
| Beanie/Knitted/ Stocking Cap | Associated with winter and skiing, these caps are flimsy because they are designed to keep the head and ears warm. They are form-fitting, so they stay on a person’s head, regardless of strong winds. There is no brim or visor – it is not meant to block light. |
| Beret | A familiar hat associated with the French, the beret is usually made of acrylic, cotton, or wool. It has a stem at the top, making it similar in appearance to an acorn top. |
| Flat Cap | Similar to the Newsboy hat, the flat cap is rounded. It has a bill, but the rounded crown is sewn or fastened to it. |
| Peruvian Cap | A knitted cap that is made to keep the wearer’s head warm in the cold. Named after where it originated in Peru, it can get very cold in the mountains, so they made a hat that fits the head and has flaps to cover the ears. |
| Hats | |
| Boater/ Skimmer Hat | These hats are associated with barbershop quartets. Often, they are white or cream-coloured with a bright, wide ribbon working around the higher crown. Typically made of straw, it is a summer hat that helps keep the sun out of the wearer’s eyes. |
| Bowler/ Derby Hat | Popular in the 1800s, this hat is still associated with the British. It has a short brim that curls up. The crown is higher and round. Typically, they are made of felt and are black. |
| Bucket Hat | This is often associated with fishing. It is usually made of cotton or other soft materials and has holes around the top to allow air to blow against the wearer’s head. The brim is floppy and extends far enough to protect the wearer’s eyes. |
| Cloche Hot | The crown of the hat has a bell shape. Often worn in the summer. It has a similar brim to a floppy hat but doesn’t extend quite so far. It is currently experiencing an increase in popularity, likely because it is comfortable and provides protection against the summer heat and sun. |
| Fedora | Most closely associated with mobsters and PIs, the Fedora has remained popular for the better part of a century. |
| Fez | A unique hat, it looks more like a cylinder on the wearer’s head. It is typically a shade of red, and a tassel hangs down from the top. |
| Floppy/Wide-brimmed Hat | Associated with summers and beaches, these hats are designed to allow the head to breathe in the heat while protecting the face and neck from the sun. The Kettle Brim and Lifeguard Hats are both very similar in appearance, but they have chin straps, and the crows are different. |
| Gallon/Cowboy/ Western Hat | This one is easily envisioned and is one of the most well-known hats because of how frequently cowboys are portrayed in media. |
| Novelty Hat | This can be any kind of hat, with Santa hats being the most commonly seen. These can be for holidays, costumes, or other events over the course of the year. |
| Panama Hat | Usually, white hats are similar to the boater hat, they have a black band around them. They are often seen in movies being worn by villains, such as Hannibal Lecter. |
| Pith Helmet | This is the adventurers’ hat, often seen in movies with archaeologists and adventurers. It is also associated with US Post Office workers who walk instead of driving a vehicle. |
| Porkpie Hat | With the appearance of a top hat with half the height, this hat has been gaining popularity in recent years. This is likely because it was Walter White’s preferred hat in the TV show Breaking Bad. |
| Tam | Similar to the beanie, this hat is knitted. However, it usually has a band, and the crown mushrooms a bit. It can come in any colour. |
| Top Hat | Most closely associated with British aristocracy, the top hat is often seen in movies and TV to show that someone is dressed to impress. The crown rises high from the brim, and it is black. |
| Visor Hat | Often worn by tennis players, this is the only hat on the table that doesn’t have a crown. The top of the head is free to breathe easily while the person wearing it works up a sweat. It has a bill that protects the player’s eyes from the sun. |
There are still plenty of other types of hats, but many of them are period-specific or specialised. With such an extensive history, more hats have been forgotten over time than what we have today.
The Evolution of Hat Styles
Hats date back to before Ancient Egypt, during a time outside of recorded human history. The first documented hats were around 3200 BCE. As the aristocracy and royal Egyptians had shaved heads, they wore intricate headdresses. This was necessary because of the hot desert sun.
By the time of Ancient Rome, there were already numerous hats, and often those hats indicated a person’s station or position in the military. Slaves who were freed wore the Phrygian cap to show that they were free. These hats would actually be adapted by Americans and French people following their respective revolutions.
The Middle Ages saw hats become instrumental in identifying different members of the Church. They were also used to indicate the hierarchy of the society as well, although they didn’t have the same implications as the hats worn by members of the church. A person who needed a member of the Church to complete a service would be able to identify them in part by their hats; the hats for the aristocracy were far less relevant to most people.
By the 1700s, hats had become important fashion statements, moving them away from being largely a sign of status or class. They became an important part of women’s outfits. Entering the realm of style over hierarchical function, the appearance and size of hats exploded.
Women wore large, elaborate hats when trying to show off in public. When doing more mundane tasks, they opted for bonnets and handkerchiefs.
By the 20th century, hats were used for different professions, indicating a change back to focusing on function. They continued to be popular as convenient clothing, becoming a regular item.
Part of the reason hats have become a regular part of a person’s outfit is that they protect people from the sun.
Another large reason that hats have become normal though is how they have been portrayed. The use of hats throughout history has caught people’s imagination. They have come to be closely tied to so many different eras, particularly the Fedora, cowboy hot, and Panama hats.
When a character becomes popular, any hats that character wears gain in popularity – or infamy. Sometimes these hats become a part of costumes, but more often, they become a regular part of people’s outfits.
Types of Hats for Every Occasion
There are many ways to classify hats, but one way to determine a hat’s use is by its classification based on its use. There are four primary ways of identifying hat types and how they are used today.
Casual Wear
Hats that are part of casual wear are worn by people all of the time. They don’t have a specific purpose. Some people wear them to hide bald spots, others don’t want to style their hair, and others simply enjoy wearing hats.
Hats that fall into this category include baseball caps, bucket hats, and trucker hats. They tend to be easy to remove and are made of materials that are breathable for the wearer.
Formal Wear
Though not nearly as common today, many types of hats fall into the formal wear category. Perhaps the most obvious are the hats worn by brides and women at funerals.
It is more common for women to wear hats as a part of their formal wear, although there are definitely formal wear hats for men. The most obvious is the top hat, but the Fedora and bowler hats are also considered more stylish.
Outdoor Activities
One of the two functional hats, outdoor hats are meant to provide protection against the sun and UV rays. They also block out brighter light around midday so that the wearer can see.
These hats are made of materials where the wind can still blow through the wearer’s hair. Often, they are made of straw, so they are lightweight and light in colour.
Popular examples of these are sun hats, floppy hats, and outback hats.
There are a few hats that are made to be a bit harder to protect a person’s head, such as the safari hat. This could also include things like construction hats, which are designed to protect against falling objects and the sun.
Winter Hats
The other highly functional type of hat is the winter hat. These are designed to trap heat, usually including an inner lining, and are knitted on the outside. By adding two layers, one of which is thicker, these hats can keep a person’s head and ears warmer.
Unlike the other kinds of hats, these winter hats are generally fitted, so there aren’t bills, brims, or visors. Their primary purpose is to keep you warm, so they cover more of your head than any other hat.
Hats in this category include beanies, fur hats, trapper hats, and Peruvian hats.
Hat Styles by Material
As you may have noticed in the previous section, hats with different purposes tend to be made with a specific material. If you aren’t sure what a hat’s purpose is, you may be able to tell based on its material.
Straw Hats
These are your outdoor summer hats. Some of the most popular straw hats are associated with the beach, the jungle, or the desert. That’s because straw hats are perfect for the heat.
Considering people tend to go to bodies of water, straw hats are ideal for ensuring the hat doesn’t absorb the water. With most bodies of water also attracting breezes, it is the best material for helping a person stay cooler.
Wool and Felt Hats
Wool and felt hats tend to be better at trapping and retaining heat. They protect your crown from getting cold while also allowing for hats to have a very different look. Consider how different a Fedora looks compared to a Stetson, Bowler, and church hat.
These hats hold their shape and can withstand a lot of punishment. Depending on how a person plans to use the hat, some can even be made with leather instead.
Synthetic Materials
Synthetic materials provide a wider range of uses and can be made to better fit a wide range of situations. They are particularly useful for athletes because they tend to be more breathable while being formfitting. That means that a breeze or active day won’t cause the hat to come off.
Probably the best example of this is the baseball cap. Sun hats and other sports caps are much more likely to be made of synthetic materials.
In addition to being better for activities, it’s easier to wash than the other two types of hats. If someone is really active while wearing a hat, being able to wash the hat without a lot of extra work is definitely more convenient.
Choosing the Right Hat for Your Head Size and Face Shape
When it comes to striking the right look with a hat, it’s important to consider your facial shape. You want the hat to highlight your features and complement the shape.
The first consideration is the size of your head. Certain styles are better suited to smaller heads:
- Beanies fit snugly on the smaller head, so you don’t have to worry about the cold getting into empty spaces. They are fairly popular and tend to go with most outfits. Unless it’s a warmer part of the year, they are a great addition to your wardrobe.
- Short-brimmed hats are another good hat for smaller heads, mostly because they are stylish without making your head look abnormally small. They are simple, yet elegant.
- Apple hats and Newsboy caps are great choices because they are close-fitting, so they do not dwarf your head. They also tend to complement facial features as they draw the eye down instead of to the hat itself.
There are also hats that work better for larger heads:
- Wide-brimmed hats can make your head look smaller because they expand so much further from your head. They also add a look of confidence because they are associated with people who are more relaxed.
- Ball caps are incredibly easy to adjust, making them a great cap for a larger head. You don’t have to try the cap on because you can adjust it to be more comfortable.
If you have a more standard-size head, there isn’t really a better hat. It’s more a matter of personal preference, so just try on hats and decide if you like the look.
Finding the right hat for your facial shape is usually a much better way of determining which types best complement your face:
- If you have a heart-shaped face, your forehead is wide, and your face moves down more into a point at your chin. The best hat for this shape is the Fedora, which you can see by going back through movies and seeing which actors wear the hat best. The pork pie is another great hat. If you prefer something more generic, hats that have a medium brim help frame your face the best.
- If you have an oval face, you are in luck – this tends to be the best facial shape for any style of hat. Experiment with the different styles and see which one you like best.
- If you have a round face, hats that have a more angular shape provide more definition to your face. Both the Fedora and the trilby hat provide the best contrast to your face’s shape. Any hat that has indentations or pinched crowns helps to make your face look longer.
- If you have a square face, you need a hat that is rounder and with softer lines. This provides a balance to the angles on your face. One of the best hats for this shape is the bucket hat can soften your features.
Personalising Hats with Your Logo
If you have a business and you want to put your company logo on a hat—or even if you want to give friends and family great customised hats—you have many options.
There are many reasons to customise your hats, and pretty much any style hat can be customised. However, the one that looks the best when customised is the cap. They are designed to display logos, usually for a sports team, and that means their shape and form are ideal for showing off your logo or an idea.
Customising hats is not a new concept. People have been embroidering on hats for centuries. Perhaps the most well-known is the wide variety of hats worn by religious figures and nurses. The symbols helped people to identify people in these professions when they were needed. If you were hurt on the battlefield, it was easy to find the nurse’s hat with the Red Cross on it to get treatment.
As technology advanced, manufacturers were able to mass-produce patches, which could then be added to hats for a more uniform appearance. This allowed hats to have more complex designs while still looking professional.
Over the last few decades, technology has made it even easier to customise hats by printing patterns on them. Customised printing has come a long way since the early days.
There are many different branding methods, so you can choose the one that looks the best with your hat and logo. You want your hat to make the right impression. From finding the right style to creating the right look with your logo.
Whether you want to sell your hats as merch or make them a part of an upcoming event, the right solution can leave a great impression on your target audience. The right customization technique can make your hats look that much more professional.
Final Thoughts
A study on hat style preferences can help you understand what hat looks best on you and what kinds of hats are currently in style. There is a lot to consider when selecting a hat, whether for yourself to wear or sell.
You don’t have to choose either style or function – you can have both. Take the time to explore all of your options and understand what your customers want. Then you can provide the right hat solution.
