Common types of hats include baseball caps, dad hats, beanies, bucket hats, fedoras, trilby hats, flat caps, berets, cowboy hats, Panama hats, sun hats, and trapper hats.
Each style has its own shape, design, and purpose.
26 Types of Hats and Their Names
Below, we’ll look at the most popular hat styles, what makes each one different, how it looks, and when and where you can wear it.
1. Baseball Cap
A baseball cap is a soft cap with a rounded crown and a brim at the front. The brim can be curved or flat, and the back can be fitted, adjustable, or closed with a snap. See what each part does in our Parts of a Baseball Cap guide.
It’s one of the easiest hats to wear with everyday clothes. You can wear it with jeans, shorts, T-shirts, hoodies, or sportswear.
It works well for ball games, travel, walks, yard work, running errands, and other casual outdoor activities. The front brim also helps keep the sun out of your eyes and gives some shade to your face.
Baseball caps come in different fabrics, including cotton, cotton blends, wool, and polyester.
2. Dad Hat
A dad hat is a soft, low-profile baseball cap with a curved brim, six panels, and an adjustable strap at the back.
The crown is not stiff, so the hat sits loosely on your head and has a more relaxed look than a structured cap. Cotton is a common choice, and many dad hats have a simple logo, small design, or plain front.
You can wear a dad hat with jeans, shorts, T-shirts, hoodies, and other casual clothes. It works well for everyday errands, walks, travel, outdoor activities, or just a relaxed day out. The curved brim also gives your eyes some shade from the sun.
3. Beanie Cap
A beanie is a soft, close-fitting hat that covers your head and usually your ears. It is most often made from knitted or stretchy fabric, so it can fit snugly without a brim.
Beanies are mainly worn in cold weather to keep your head and ears warm. You can wear one for everyday winter outings, walking, hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities.
They also work well with casual clothes such as jeans, jackets, sweaters, and hoodies. Most beanies are made from wool, acrylic, cotton, fleece, or a blend of fabrics.
Thin beanies work well in mild weather, while thicker ones give you more warmth in cold weather.
4. Bucket Hat
A bucket hat is a soft hat with a round crown and a downward-sloping brim that goes all the way around. The brim is usually wide enough to give your face some shade, but the hat stays softer and more relaxed than a structured sun hat.
Bucket hats are popular for casual wear, especially in warm weather. You can wear one at the beach, while traveling, on walks, at outdoor events, or with everyday summer clothes. They also work well with jeans, shorts, T-shirts, and other relaxed outfits.
Most bucket hats are made from cotton, canvas, denim, nylon, or similar fabrics. Some are light and packable, which makes them handy for travel.
Our What Is a Bucket Hat guide goes into more detail.
5. Snapback Hat
A snapback hat is a baseball-style cap with an adjustable plastic snap closure at the back. It usually has a structured crown and a flat, wide brim, although curved-brim snapbacks are also available.
Snapbacks are mostly worn as casual hats. They work well with jeans, T-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, and other relaxed clothes. You’ll also see them often at sports games and other casual events.
The plastic snap closure at the back makes snapbacks easy to recognize. They can look a lot like baseball caps, but the structured crown sets them apart. Our snapback hat guide explains the difference.
6. Trucker Hat
A trucker hat is a baseball-style cap with a solid front and a mesh back. The mesh lets air pass through, which makes it a good choice for hot weather. Most trucker hats also have an adjustable snap at the back.
Trucker hats started as practical work hats, but today they are mostly worn as casual hats. They work well with T-shirts, jeans, shorts, work clothes, and other relaxed outfits.
You can wear one for road trips, outdoor work, camping, fishing, or a day outside in warm weather. The front is often made from cotton, foam, or another solid material, while the back is made from mesh.
This mix of a solid front and breathable back is what gives a trucker hat its familiar look
7. Visor Hat
A visor hat is a type of headwear with a brim at the front but no full crown covering the top of your head. It leaves the top of your head open while the brim shades your eyes and face from the sun.
Visors are common in sports such as tennis, golf, and running because they keep the sun out of your eyes without making your head feel as warm as it would under a full hat. You can also wear one for walking, gardening, the beach, or other outdoor activities.
Most visors have an adjustable strap at the back and come in materials such as cotton, polyester, or other lightweight fabrics. Some have a curved brim, while others have a wider, flatter brim for more shade. The open top is the main feature that separates a visor from a regular cap.
8. Fedora Hat
A fedora is a structured hat with a pinched front, a crease along the top of the crown, and a brim that goes around the hat. The brim can be narrow or fairly wide, and it may be worn flat or turned up at the sides.
These are often worn with smart-casual or dressier clothes. You can wear one with a blazer, button-down shirt, trousers, or a simple jacket when you want something a little more dressed up. They can also work with casual outfits when the hat has a softer shape
Fedoras come in materials such as wool felt, fur felt, straw, and cotton. Felt fedoras are common in cooler weather, while straw versions are better suited to warmer days.
For a closer look at this hat style, see our What Is a Fedora Hat guide.
9. Trilby Hat
A trilby is a small, structured hat with a pinched front, a creased crown, and a narrow brim. The back of the brim is often turned up, while the front sits lower.
Trilby hats are usually worn with smart-casual clothes rather than formal suits. You might see one with a button-down shirt, jacket, jeans, or trousers. They can work for dinners, parties, events, or a dressed-up day out.
Felt and straw are common materials. A felt trilby works better in cooler weather, while a straw version is a good fit for warmer days. A trilby has a shorter, narrower brim and a sharper shape than a fedora.
10. Homburg Hat
A Homburg hat is a stiff, formal hat with a single crease running along the top of the crown and a brim that curls up slightly around the edges. It usually has a hatband around the crown and a fairly firm shape.
Homburg hats are mainly worn with formal or business clothing. They can work well with a suit, overcoat, or other dressier outfits, especially for formal events and traditional occasions.
Most Homburg hats are made from felt, which gives them their firm shape. They are not as common in everyday wear as fedoras, but they are still a good choice when you want a more traditional and formal look.
11. Bowler Hat
A bowler hat is a hard, rounded hat with a short brim that curves slightly upward around the edges. Its crown has a smooth, dome-like shape with no crease or pinch at the top.
The bowler is mostly known as a traditional and formal hat. You can wear one with a suit, dress coat, or other classic clothing, although today it is more common at themed events, performances, and vintage-style occasions.
Bowler hats are usually made from stiff felt, which helps the rounded crown keep its shape. The smooth dome and short curled brim make it easy to tell a bowler apart from hats such as the fedora or Homburg.
12. Top Hat
A top hat is a tall, formal hat with a flat top, straight sides, and a wide brim. The crown is much taller than on most other hats, which makes it easy to recognize.
Top hats are worn with very formal clothing. You may see them at weddings, formal ceremonies, traditional events, or with morning and evening dress. They are not common everyday hats today.
Most traditional top hats are made from black or dark-colored felt. Some have a satin or grosgrain band around the crown. The tall crown and flat top are the features that set a top hat apart from other formal hats.
13. Cloche Hat
The cloche hat, also called a flapper hat, is a close-fitting, bell-shaped hat with a low brim that frames the face.
The crown is usually rounded and follows the shape of the head, while the brim can sit close to the eyebrows or curve down around the face.
Cloche hats are best known for their popularity in the 1920s and are still worn with vintage and classic outfits today. You can wear one to a dressy event, a vintage-themed occasion, or simply as part of a classic outfit.
Cloche hats are often made from felt or other soft fabrics, with some styles made from straw for warmer weather. Mostly worn by women, but anyone who likes the style can wear it.
14. Flat Cap
A flat cap is a low, rounded hat with a short, flat brim at the front. It is sometimes called an Ivy cap, Irish cap, or English cap. The brim is usually stiff, and the crown has a soft, slightly rounded shape that sits close to the head.
Flat caps are easy to wear with everyday and smart-casual clothes. They work well with jeans, trousers, shirts, sweaters, and jackets, so you can wear one for a walk, a casual outing, travel, or a day out.
They are commonly made from wool, tweed, cotton, linen, or other fabrics. Wool and tweed are popular in cooler weather, while cotton and linen work better in warmer weather.
15. Newsboy Cap
A newsboy cap is a soft, rounded cap with a small brim. It is made from several stitched panels and usually has a button on top, giving it a fuller, slightly puffy shape. Some people also call it a baker boy or paperboy cap.
Newsboy caps have a classic, old-fashioned look, but they still work well with everyday clothes. You can wear one with jeans, trousers, a shirt, sweater, or jacket for a casual outing, travel, or a cooler-weather day.
Wool and tweed are common choices for colder weather, while cotton and linen versions are better for warmer days. A newsboy cap is fuller and rounder than a flat cap.
16. Pork Pie Hat
A pork pie hat is a small, round hat with a flat crown and a short brim. It gets its name from the shape of a British pork pie.
It has a more compact shape than a fedora, so it gives you a different look even though both have a brim. You can wear a pork pie hat with jeans and a shirt for a casual outfit, or with a jacket and trousers when you’re dressing up a little.
Pork pie hats come in felt, straw, cotton, and other materials. A felt one works well in cooler weather, while straw is a better choice for warm days.
17. Beret Hat
A beret is a soft, round, flat hat with no brim. It sits close to the head and can be worn straight or tilted to one side.
Berets have been worn in different parts of Europe for a long time and are also closely linked with French fashion and military uniforms. Today, you can wear one with coats, sweaters, dresses, jeans, or other casual and dressier clothes.
Wool is common for berets, especially for cooler weather, while cotton and other lighter fabrics are also used.
18. Sombrero Hat
A sombrero, or sombrero de charro in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican hat with a wide brim and a tall crown. The wide brim gives your face and shoulders plenty of shade, while the crown can be shaped in different ways.
You’ll usually see sombreros as part of Mexican traditional dress, especially at celebrations, festivals, and cultural events. Some styles are also worn outdoors because the wide brim gives good protection from the sun.
Sombreros can be made from straw, felt, and other materials. Many have a band around the crown, and traditional designs may have colorful details or decorations. The wide brim is the easiest feature to spot, especially when you compare it with smaller-brimmed hats.
19. Cowboy Hat
A cowboy hat is a wide-brimmed hat with a tall, shaped crown. The sides of the brim are often turned up, and the crown can have different shapes and creases. Most have a band around the crown too. See our Parts of a Cowboy Hat guide for a closer look at these parts.
Cowboy hats are still common on ranches, farms, and around horses. You’ll also see them at rodeos, country music events, fairs, and festivals.
If you like Western-style clothing, you can wear one with jeans, boots, a shirt, or a jacket. The wide brim is also useful when you’re outside for long periods because it gives your face and neck some shade.
Cowboy hats are commonly made from straw, felt, or leather. Straw is a good choice for hot weather, while felt is more common when it’s cooler. There are many different cowboy hat shapes, so the crown and brim can look quite different from one hat to another.
20. Panama Hat
A Panama hat is a lightweight straw hat with a brim all the way around. Traditional Panama hats are made from toquilla straw in Ecuador, even though the name comes from Panama.
It’s a good choice for warm, sunny weather. You can wear one on vacation, at the beach, while traveling, or with a light shirt and trousers for a summer event. The brim gives your face some shade, while the woven straw keeps the hat light and breathable.
Traditional Panama hats are handwoven from toquilla straw, and finer weaving usually means a more expensive hat.
See our History of Panama Hats guide to learn how the hat got its name.
21. Safari Hat
A safari hat is a lightweight, wide-brimmed hat made for outdoor use. It usually has a medium or wide brim that shades your face and neck, and many styles have a chin cord to keep the hat in place when it’s windy.
Safari hats are useful for hiking, camping, fishing, travel, gardening, and other activities where you’ll be outside for a while. They’re especially handy in hot, sunny weather because the brim gives you more coverage than a baseball cap.
They’re commonly made from cotton, canvas, nylon, or other lightweight materials. Some have ventilation holes or mesh panels to help with airflow. You can also find safari hats that can be rolled or packed for travel.
22. Tilley Hat
A Tilley hat is a sturdy outdoor hat with a wide brim and a chin cord. It is made for spending time outside, so you’ll often see it on hikers, travelers, campers, anglers, and gardeners.
The wide brim gives your face and neck some shade, while the chin cord helps keep the hat on when it’s windy. Many Tilley hats also have ventilation around the crown to let some air through.
You can wear a Tilley hat with shorts and a T-shirt, hiking clothes, cargo pants, jeans, or light outdoor clothing. It fits best with casual and practical outfits rather than dressy clothes.
A Tilley hat and a safari hat can look quite similar. The main difference is that Tilley hats are known for their sturdy construction and secure fit, while a safari hat is a broader style of outdoor hat.
So if you just want a simple sun hat, a safari hat can do the job. If you’re hiking, traveling, or spending long days outside, a Tilley hat is made with that kind of use in mind.
23. Sun Hat
A sun hat is a hat made to give your face and neck shade from the sun. Most have a wide brim, although the size and shape can vary.
Sun hats are great for the beach, gardening, walking, travel, outdoor events, and other sunny days. You can wear one with shorts and a T-shirt, a summer dress, jeans, or other light casual clothes.
They come in straw, cotton, canvas, and synthetic fabrics. Some are soft and easy to pack, while others hold their shape. Unlike a specific style such as a Panama hat, “sun hat” is a general term for hats designed mainly for sun protection.
For women looking for more sun protection, see our best UPF hats for women guide.
24. Boonie Hat
A boonie hat is a soft, wide-brimmed hat made for outdoor use. It usually has a chin cord to keep it from blowing off, and the brim gives your face and neck good coverage from the sun.
You’ll see boonie hats used for hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, and other outdoor work. They’re easy to wear with shorts and a T-shirt, cargo pants, jeans, or other casual outdoor clothes.
Most are made from cotton, canvas, or nylon.
25. Outback Hat
An outback hat is a wide-brimmed outdoor hat with a tall crown. The brim is usually turned up at the sides, and many have a chin cord to keep the hat in place.
Outback hats are a good fit for hiking, camping, ranch work, travel, and other outdoor activities. You can wear one with jeans, boots, a shirt, or other casual outdoor clothes. The wide brim also gives your face and neck some shade when you’re out in the sun.
They are commonly made from leather, felt, or waxed cotton. An outback hat is similar to a cowboy hat, but its shape is usually less tied to the traditional Western look and more suited to general outdoor wear.
26. Trapper Hat
A trapper hat is a warm winter hat with ear flaps that cover your ears. Many styles also have a flap at the back for extra coverage around your neck, and you can tie the ear flaps under your chin when it gets really cold.
It’s the kind of hat you want when a regular beanie just isn’t warm enough. You can wear it for winter walks, snow days, hiking, skiing, or outdoor work. It goes well with a winter coat, insulated jacket, jeans, snow pants, and boots.
Trapper hats can be made from leather, canvas, wool, nylon, and other warm materials, with fleece or faux-fur linings being common. The large ear flaps are what make a trapper hat easy to spot.
What Is the Difference Between a Hat and a Cap?
A hat usually has a brim that goes around the crown, while a cap typically has a visor or peak at the front.
In simple terms, a baseball cap has a front visor, while a fedora or cowboy hat has a brim that goes around the head.
The terms can overlap, and some styles don’t fit neatly into one group. Our What Is a Hat guide explains the topic in more detail.
Hat Types That Are Easy to Confuse
Some hat styles look very similar at first, but a closer look at the crown, brim, or overall shape can help you tell them apart.
Let’s have a look at the ones people often confuse.
Fedora vs. Trilby
A fedora usually has a wider brim and a fuller crown, while a trilby has a shorter, narrower brim and a smaller crown.
Both have a crease in the crown and a pinched front, which is why they can look quite similar.
The brim is the easiest way to tell them apart. A fedora usually has a wider brim, while a trilby has a shorter, narrower brim that often turns up at the back.
Both can be made from felt or straw, so the material alone won’t tell you which style it is.
Baseball Cap vs. Dad Hat
A baseball cap can have a structured or unstructured crown. A dad hat is a soft, unstructured type of baseball cap with a curved brim.
Both can have an adjustable closure at the back, so the closure alone doesn’t tell you which style you’re looking at.
The crown is the easiest clue. A structured baseball cap has a firmer crown that holds its shape, while a dad hat has a softer crown that sits loosely on the head.
Bucket Hat vs. Boonie Hat
A bucket hat has a soft, downward-sloping brim, while a boonie hat is designed more for outdoor use and usually has a chin cord and a more structured brim.
Both are soft hats with brims that go around the head, but a boonie hat often has practical features such as chin cords and ventilation holes.
See our Boonie Hat vs. Bucket Hat guide for a closer comparison.
Flat Cap vs. Newsboy Cap
A flat cap has a low, close-fitting crown, while a newsboy cap has a fuller, rounder crown. Both have a short brim at the front, so they can look similar.
A flat cap sits close to the head and has a fairly flat shape. A newsboy cap has more fabric on top, with several panels that usually meet at a button.
If the cap looks fuller and rounder on top, it’s usually a newsboy cap.
Cowboy Hat vs. Outback Hat
A cowboy hat usually has a shaped crown and a brim that turns up at the sides, giving it a clear Western look. An outback hat usually has a simpler outdoor style and a brim that gives good coverage from the sun.
The main difference is the overall shape. A strong Western look usually means a cowboy hat, while a simpler outdoor shape is more likely to be an outback hat.
How to Choose the Right Hat for You
When choosing a hat, think about where you’ll wear it, what suits you, and how it fits.
Choose a Hat for Your Face Shape
Your face shape can help you decide what to look for in a hat. Start with the crown and brim.
- Oval: You can wear most hat shapes. Try different crown heights and brim widths to see what you like.
- Round: Try a taller crown to add some height. A medium or wider brim can also work well.
- Square: A rounded crown and softer brim can look good with a strong jaw. You may want to avoid very sharp, straight shapes.
- Heart-shaped: A medium brim is a good place to start. A softer, slightly wider brim can also work well.
- Oblong: Try a lower crown with a wider brim. A very tall crown can make your face look longer.
- Triangle: A little height in the crown can help balance a wider jaw. A medium or wider brim is also worth trying.
- Diamond: Try a medium brim and some height in the crown. You can also try different brim widths to see what looks best with your cheekbones.
Not sure about your face shape? Use our Face Shape Calculator first. Then you’ll know what to look for when choosing a hat.
Match Your Hat to the Occasion
A casual day out is easy. A baseball cap or dad hat works well. At a wedding or formal event, pick a dressier hat that goes with your clothes, such as a fedora or Homburg.
If you’re hiking, fishing, or doing outdoor work, choose something comfortable that keeps the sun off your face and neck. A boonie or outback hat works well.
Heading to the beach or going on a summer trip? A wider brim gives you more shade, so a sun hat or Panama hat can be a good choice.
Pick a Hat for the Weather
Think about sun, cold, rain, and wind before choosing a hat.
On a hot, sunny day, a light hat with a wide brim is a good choice. A sun hat or Panama hat works well. When it’s cold, a beanie or wool hat can keep you warm.
Rainy or windy weather needs a little more thought. Pick a hat that won’t let water through easily, and make sure it fits well. A chin cord can help on windy days.
Get the Right Hat Size
Your hat shouldn’t feel tight, but it shouldn’t move around on your head either. Measure around your head just above your eyebrows and ears, then compare the measurement with the hat’s size chart.
For step-by-step instructions, see our How to Measure Your Head for a Hat Size guide.
Common Hat Materials
| Hat Material | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| Wool | Cold weather and winter hats |
| Felt | Fedoras, dress hats, and other structured styles |
| Straw | Hot, sunny weather |
| Cotton | Casual, everyday wear |
| Polyester | Sports, outdoor use, and easy-care hats |
| Leather | Durable hats and Western or outdoor styles |
You can learn more about each material in our Hat Materials guide.
How to Take Care of Your Hats
A little care can help your hats keep their shape and last longer. Check the care label first, then keep these simple tips in mind.
- Keep them clean: Remove dust and sweat regularly using a method that’s safe for the material.
- Keep them dry: If a hat gets wet, let it air-dry naturally. Keep it away from heaters and strong heat.
- Store them properly: Keep hats somewhere they won’t get crushed or lose their shape.
- Handle them carefully: Don’t squeeze or crush the crown, especially on structured hats.
See our Hat Care Guide for more detailed cleaning, storage, and care tips.
Not sure which hat will suit you?
See our How to Choose the Right Hat for Your Face Shape guide to learn which styles work well with different face shapes.
