Best Hats for Oblong Faces (Styles That Actually Work)

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Some hats just make a long face look longer. And most of the time, you can’t even tell why it looks off.

Usually, it comes down to the shape. Tall crowns pull the eye upward, while short brims can make the face look narrower and more stretched.

You need a wider brim to make your face look wider. And a lower crown so your face doesn’t look stretched from top to bottom.

Below are the best hats for oblong faces for both men and women, along with the styles to avoid. 

Top Hat Styles for Oblong Faces

Short on time? Here’s a quick look at top hat styles.

What Is an Oblong Face Shape?

An oblong face shape, also called a long face shape, is longer than it is wide. The forehead, cheeks, and jaw are all close to the same width, and the face is noticeably longer from top to bottom. 

If you look in the mirror and your face looks more tall than wide, you probably have an oblong face shape. If you are still not sure about your face shape, use our face shape calculator to find out.

Oblong vs Oval Face Shape

An oblong face is long and straight, with the forehead, cheeks, and jaw all close to the same width. An oval face is wider in the middle and narrower at the top and bottom, like an egg.

The easiest way to tell the difference: if your face looks long and straight with no strong curves, it is oblong. If it has soft curves and looks balanced, it is oval.

Still not sure? Look straight into a mirror. If the sides of your face stay straight from top to bottom, it is oblong. If they curve in at the cheeks, it is oval.

If you think you have an oval face, check our best hats for oval faces guide instead.

How to Choose the Best Hats for Long Faces

Two things can make or break a hat on a long face: the brim and the crown. Here is what to look for before you buy a hat.

Choose Wider Brims to Add Balance

A wider brim makes a long face look more balanced. It adds width, and that is exactly what a long face needs. Go for a brim that is at least 3 to 4 inches wide. 

Stick to Low or Medium Crowns

A low or medium crown works best on a long face because it does not add extra height. Look for a crown that is between 3 to 3.5 inches. 

Avoid Tall Crowns and Narrow Brims

Tall crowns and narrow brims are the two things to avoid on a long face.

A tall crown adds height to your head and makes your face look even longer. Try to avoid crowns taller than 4 inches. 

A narrow brim does not add enough width to your face, so your face still looks long and stretched. Avoid brims narrower than 3 inches.

If you want to go deeper on this, our hat buying guide by face shape covers everything in one place.

7 Best Hats for Oblong Faces

All seven hats below work well on a long face. Each one adds width, keeps the crown low, and balances your features without making your face look longer.

1. Victoria Fedora

This Victoria Fedora works well on a long face. The 3-inch brim adds width, and the low pinched crown does not add extra height. That is exactly the combination an oblong face needs.

The hat is made from 100% poly-straw on the outside with a cotton lining on the inside. The cotton lining makes it comfortable to wear for long periods. It does not feel scratchy or stiff against your skin.

Inside the hat, there is a drawstring adjustment. You can tighten or loosen it to get the right fit without the adjustment showing on the outside.

The hat has UPF 50+ sun protection, which blocks most of the sun’s UV rays from hitting your face and neck. It is not waterproof though, so avoid wearing it in heavy rain.

To pack it, Wallaroo recommends folding it into a soft taco shape. Many buyers stuffed it into suitcases and bags and said it came back to its original shape without much trouble. If it loses shape over time, you can steam it back into form. Do not use a hair dryer on it.

You can wear this hat to the beach, on vacation, hiking, gardening, or just walking around on a sunny day. It works for casual outings and travel days equally well. Both women and men wear it, though it is designed for women.

Why We Like This One

The hat holds its shape well with regular wear. Several buyers said they have owned it for two or more years, and it still looks good. 

It packs well for travel. Buyers stuffed it into suitcases and bags on long trips, and it came back to its original shape.

The cotton lining is soft against your skin. It does not itch or feel rough even after wearing it for hours.

The UPF 50+ protection is genuine. It blocks most of the sun’s UV rays from hitting your face and neck.

Where It Falls Short

There is no chin strap. The drawstring does a decent job on most days, but if you are on a boat or somewhere very windy, the hat can still blow off.

The brim covers your face well, but it does not reach your neck or shoulders. Keep that in mind if you burn easily.

Bigger heads may find it a tight fit. Check your head circumference against the size chart before you order.

A few buyers got their hats crushed in a small envelope instead of a box. Most orders arrive fine, but some don’t. If it happens to you, ask for a replacement. 

This Hat Is Perfect For You If:

• You travel a lot and need a hat that fits in your bag without getting ruined
• You spend time outside and want real sun protection
• You have a small or average head size and want to adjust the fit yourself

You Should Probably Skip This If:

• You need sun protection for your neck and shoulders, too
• You want a hat with a chin strap for very windy conditions
• You have a large head, and most hats already feel tight on you

So, Should You Actually Buy It?

If sun protection and style both matter to you, the Victoria Fedora is worth it. It has a shape that works well on long faces, holds up over time, and packs well for travel.

It has a 4.5 rating from over 1,700 buyers and is one of the best fedora hats for women under $60 for beach days, outdoor trips, and sunny city walks. 

Just make sure it arrives in a box. If it comes crushed, ask for a replacement before you try to wear it.

2. Wide-Brim Sun Hat

This sun hat has a 3.74 inch wide brim that adds width to a long face, and the crown sits low so it does not make your face look longer.

It is made from 100% cotton, which is lightweight and breathable. The brim has a thin wire inside it, so you can bend and shape it any way you want, depending on where the sun is coming from.

There is a ponytail hole at the back, which is a feature most sun hats do not have. It also comes with a windproof chin strap to keep the hat on during windy days. 

The fit is adjustable with a buckle inside, and it fits most head sizes between 22 to 23 inches around. 

You can fold it flat and pack it in a bag. It comes back to its original shape after unpacking. You can wear it to the beach, gardening, hiking, boating, or any outdoor activity. It is designed for women, but men can wear it too.

Why We Like This One

The brim has a wire inside so you can bend it any way you want. Most sun hats do not let you do that.

The chin strap keeps it on your head even on windy days.

It folds flat into a bag without losing its shape.

Where It Falls Short

The chin strap is sewn on, so you cannot take it off. You can tuck it inside the hat when you do not need it, but you cannot remove it completely.

If you have thick hair or a larger head, the fit can feel tight. The buckle inside helps, but it has its limits.

The wire in the brim can start poking out after a few months of daily use. If you only wear it sometimes, this is probably not an issue.

This Hat Is Perfect For You If:

• You wear your hair in a ponytail and want a hat that works with it
• You spend a lot of time in the sun and want good protection without spending much
• You travel often and need a hat that fits in your bag

You Should Probably Skip This If:

• You have thick hair or a larger head, and hats usually feel tight on you
• You want a chin strap you can take off completely
• You wear your hat every single day and need something more durable

So, Should You Actually Buy It?

If you spend a lot of time outside and need a good sun hat under $20, this one gets the job done. The wire brim, ponytail hole, and cotton fabric make it more practical than most hats at this price.

3. Panama Hat

This hat has a 3-inch wide brim and a medium crown, which is exactly what works on a long face.

The hat is made from 90% paper straw and 10% polyester. The tight weave makes it feel sturdy, not cheap or flimsy. Inside, there is a cotton sweatband to absorb moisture on hot days. 

A black ribbon band wraps around the crown and gives it a clean, classic look. Inside the hat, there is a Velcro adjustment strap so you can tighten or loosen the fit without it showing on the outside. 

It also comes with a chin strap for windy days. You can tuck the chin strap inside the hat when you do not need it.

The hat comes in two sizes: M/L fits head circumferences of 22.2 to 22.8 inches, and L/XL fits 22.8 to 23.4 inches.

It has UPF 80 sun protection, which blocks most UV rays from hitting your face and neck. It is not waterproof, so avoid wearing it in heavy rain.

It has UPF 80 sun protection, which blocks most UV rays from hitting your face and neck. It is not waterproof, so avoid wearing it in heavy rain.

You can fold it flat and pack it in a bag. It comes in a hard plastic mold that protects the shape during shipping, and many buyers kept the mold for storage at home. 

It works well for beach days, travel, gardening, hiking, and everyday outdoor use. Both women and men wear it.

Why We Like This One

You can stuff it in a bag or suitcase, and it still comes out looking the same.

The strap inside lets you adjust the fit. People with small and large heads both said it fit them well.

Where It Falls Short

The chin strap does not come off. You can tuck it inside the hat when you do not need it.

The Velcro strap inside can tear if you pull it too hard. Be gentle the first time you adjust it.

The khaki color looks more brown in person than it does in the photos. If you are matching it to a specific outfit, keep that in mind.

This Hat Is Perfect For You If:

• You travel a lot and need a hat that fits in your bag without getting ruined
• You want strong sun protection without spending too much money
• You want one hat that works for the beach, a city walk, or a night out

You Should Probably Skip This If:

• You want a chin strap you can remove completely
• You want a true light tan or khaki color
• You have a big head, and most hats feel too tight. If you always struggle to find a hat that fits, check our guide on how to find hats that fit big heads.

So, Should You Actually Buy It?

If you spend time outside and want a hat that looks good and lasts long, this one is worth it. Over 15,000 buyers rated it 4.6 stars, and it is one of the best straw Panama hats under $30.

4. Bucket Hat

The low rounded crown on this hat keeps extra height off your face, and the brim sits at a downward angle on the sides, which helps a long face look more balanced.

The hat is made from 100% polyester. It is lightweight, soft, and flexible, so it does not feel stiff or heavy on your head.

The fabric is quick-dry and water-resistant, which means light rain and splashes are not a problem. It is not fully waterproof though, so avoid wearing it in heavy rain.

There are a couple of stitched vent holes on the sides for airflow. Inside, there is a drawstring to adjust the fit. The chin strap is detachable, so you can clip it on when it is windy and take it off when you do not need it.

This hat is designed for bigger heads and fits head circumferences of 23.6 to 24.4 inches. It comes in multiple sizes from S to XXL. 

You can fold it flat and pack it in a bag, and it comes back to its original shape after unpacking.

It works for fishing, hiking, beach days, travel, camping, and everyday outdoor use. Both men and women can wear it.

Why We Like This One

It fits larger heads without feeling tight or leaving red marks, which is something most bucket hats fail to do.

The chin strap clips off, which most hats at this price do not let you do.

You can stuff it in a bag on a trip, and it comes back to its original shape every time.

Where It Falls Short

It is not waterproof. Light rain is fine, but you will get wet in heavy rain.

This Hat Is Perfect For You If:

• You have a bigger head, and most bucket hats feel too tight
• You want a chin strap you can actually take off
• You need a hat you can fold into a bag without ruining it
• You spend time near water and need something that handles splashes

You Should Probably Skip This If:

• You need a hat that holds up in heavy rain
• You have an average or smaller head and want a snug fit
• You prefer cotton over synthetic fabric

So, Should You Actually Buy It?

If you have a big head and bucket hats never fit you right, this one is made for you.

It fits head circumferences between 23.6 to 24.4 inches, the chin strap comes off when you do not need it, and it folds flat into a bag. 

5. Cloche Hat

The rounded crown and short downward brim on this hat sit close to the head, which works well on a long face.

It does not add any extra height, and the brim draws attention to the sides instead of making the face look longer.

It is made from 95% polyester and 5% spandex, so it is lightweight, soft, and stretchy. It does not feel stiff or scratchy. The fabric has a medium stretch, which means it fits different head shapes without feeling tight. Inside, there is a drawstring to tighten or loosen the fit. 

It comes in one size that fits head circumferences between 55 to 58 cm, which is 21.6 to 22.8 inches. The brim has a wire inside so you can shape it the way you want. It comes with a detachable chin strap for windy days. 

You can fold or roll it up and pack it in a bag, and it comes back to its shape after unpacking. It works for church, weddings, tea parties, beach days, travel, and everyday casual wear. It is best for fall, spring, and mild winter days. 

This is one of the best hats for women with a long face who want a vintage style that works for both casual and dressy occasions.

Why We Like This One

The wire brim lets you shape it however you want. You can wear it flat, angled down, or folded up for a different look each time.

It packs flat without wrinkling, which makes it easy to carry in a bag for trips.

It works for both casual and formal occasions, which most hats at this price do not pull off.

Where It Falls Short

It is not waterproof. Light rain is fine, but heavy rain will get through.

Some hats arrive without the bow shown in the photos. If you are okay with that, it is still a great hat for the price. 

The hat runs a little big, but the drawstring inside helps you tighten it to the right fit.

This Hat Is Perfect For You If:

• You want a vintage-style hat that works for both casual and formal occasions
• You travel often and need a hat that packs flat without losing its shape
• You want a hat with a chin strap for windy days
• You want something that works across fall, spring, and mild winter days

You Should Probably Skip This If:

• You need a hat for heavy rain
• You want a hat that looks exactly like the photos, including the bow and detailing
• You have a very large head above 22.8 inches and struggle with fit

So, Should You Actually Buy It?

If you want a vintage cloche hat that looks good on a long face, packs well for travel, and works for both casual and dressy occasions, this one is worth it.

Over 2,300 buyers rated it 4.3 stars, and it is one of the more affordable cloche hats you will find at this quality. 

6. Baseball Cap

The low-profile crown and pre-curved brim on this baseball cap work well for a long face. The brim curves forward and draws attention sideways instead of adding height, which helps your face look more balanced.

It is made from 100% cotton with a washed finish. The fabric is soft and light, so it feels good all day without making your head hot or sweaty.

The 6-panel unstructured design keeps the crown soft and low, so it sits naturally on your head without feeling stiff or bulky. The back has a metal buckle closure that adjusts to fit your head. 

It comes in two sizes. L-XL fits head circumferences of 22.4 to 23.2 inches, and XL-2XL fits 23.6 to 25.5 inches. The cap is not waterproof, so avoid wearing it in heavy rain. 

You can wear it for golf, walking the dog, gardening, beach days, running errands, or everyday casual wear. Both men and women wear it.

Why We Like This One

This cap fits bigger heads comfortably without leaving red marks or squeezing your forehead.

The metal buckle is strong and easy to adjust.

The cap has extra room in the back, so if you have thick hair or wear a ponytail, it fits comfortably without feeling tight.

Where It Falls Short

The color looks slightly different in person than it does in the photos. If you’re matching it with a specific outfit, keep that in mind.

This Hat Is Perfect For You If:

• You have a big head, and baseball caps never fit you right 
• You have thick hair, braids, locs, or a fro, and need extra room inside the cap 
• You want a casual, everyday cap that goes with anything 
• You want a soft, lightweight cap you can wear all day

You Should Probably Skip This If:

• You want a color that looks exactly like it does in the photos
• You need a waterproof cap for rainy weather 
• You have an average or smaller head and want a snug fit 

So, Should You Actually Buy It?

If you have a big head and baseball caps always feel too tight, this is one of the best caps for big heads under $30. 

It fits up to 25.5 inches, 2,200+ buyers rated it 4.7 stars, and the cotton feels soft all day. Just know the color may look slightly different in person. So if you are matching it with an outfit, keep that in mind.

7. Flat Cap

The flat, low profile crown on this cap sits close to the head and does not add any extra height, which works well on a long face. The short front brim draws attention forward rather than upward, helping the face look more balanced.

It is made from 95% polyester and 5% wool. The fabric has a medium weight, so it feels warm enough for fall and spring but can get hot in summer. The herringbone pattern gives it a classic, clean look that works with casual and smart-casual outfits both.

The brim snaps down in front, which is where the “snap cap” name comes from. You can wear it snapped or unsnapped depending on the look you want. 

Inside, the lining is soft and well-finished. The fit is snug and structured, not loose or floppy. It comes in standard hat sizes, so measure your head before ordering. 

It is not waterproof and is not ideal for heavy rain. Hand wash only and air dry to keep it in shape. 

It works for everyday wear, city walks, travel, and casual outings. Both men and women wear it.

Why We Like This One

The snap brim gives you two looks in one. You can snap the brim down or leave it up, depending on the look you want that day.

The inside feels soft against your head, which most caps at this price do not care about this.

Where It Falls Short

It runs warm, so it is not for hot summer days. Buyers said it works best in spring, fall, or cool evenings.

It feels a bit hard and tight at first, but after a few wears it gets softer and more comfortable.

This Hat Is Perfect For You If:

• You want a flat cap that actually flatters a long face
• You wear it mostly in the fall, spring, or cool evenings
• You want a cap that works for casual and smart-casual outfits

You Should Probably Skip This If:

• You live somewhere hot and plan to wear it in the summer heat
• You need a waterproof hat for rainy weather

So, Should You Actually Buy It?

If you want a flat cap that looks good, feels premium, and lasts for years, this one is worth it. It is not cheap, but for a flat cap under $60, the quality holds up well. Just know it runs warm, so it works best in fall and spring.

Hats to Avoid for Oblong Faces

Some hat styles make a long face look even longer. Here is what to avoid.

High-Profile Trucker Hats

High-profile trucker hats are not a good choice for oblong faces because the tall, structured front panel adds a lot of height on top of your head. This makes a long face look even longer.

The mesh back and flat front of a trucker hat also make the face look narrow from the sides. If you like the trucker hat style, look for a low-profile version with a shorter front panel instead.

Tall Crown Hats

Tall crown hats make a long face look stretched because they push the eye upward. The taller the crown, the worse it looks on a long face.

Avoid any hat with a crown taller than 4 inches. This includes top hats, cowboy hats with tall crowns, and any fedora or Panama hat with a high dome-shaped crown.

Narrow-Brim Hats

Narrow brim hats do not add enough width to balance a long face. Without width on the sides, the face looks even more stretched from top to bottom.

Avoid brims that are less than 3 inches wide. This includes pork pie hats, trilby hats, and any hat where the brim is too small to shade your full face.

Over to You

Every hat on this list suits a long face, but if you have no idea where to begin, start simple.

For women, the Wallaroo Victoria Fedora is the easiest pick. The brim adds width, and the low crown keeps your face from looking stretched. It works for the beach, travel, and everyday wear.

For men, the Zylioo Baseball Cap is the safest starting point. It is casual, comfortable, and works for everyday wear.

Just pick the one that fits your style and go from there.