You put on a hat, look in the mirror, and suddenly, doubts creep in. Does this even suit me? Does this hat look weird on me? What if people stare?
These thoughts can make you remove the hat before leaving the house. But the truth is, people don’t care as much as you think.
According to Tatler Asia, a hat expert said: “Sometimes, when people wear a hat, they feel like it doesn’t suit them.. If that’s the case, it’s probably just the wrong hat for them.
So the problem isn’t you; maybe you just haven’t found the right hat yet. The trick is simple: choose a hat that suits your face shape, wear it at the right angle, match it with your outfit, and wear it confidently.
Not sure, how can you do that? Don’t worry, this guide will make it simple!
Choose the Right Hat for Your Face Shape
Your face shape plays a significant role in finding a great and comfortable hat. Let’s break down the most common face shapes and the best hats for each one.
1. Oval Face
This face shape is a little longer than it is wide, with a forehead slightly wider than the jawline. Because your features are balanced, most hats will look good on you.
You can try different styles of hats, like a fedora, bucket hat, beret, beanie, or baseball cap. Just make sure the hat is not wider than your face.
2. Round Face
A round face has soft, curved edges and is almost as wide as it is long. The cheeks are usually the fullest part of your face.
Try hats that add height, like a fedora, Panama, or a wide-brimmed hat. These styles can help elongate your face. If you prefer something casual, a beanie with a little slouch works well, too.
3. Square Face
A square face has a strong jawline, a broad forehead, and equal width at the forehead, cheeks, and jaw.
You can try a floppy hat, a bowler hat, a bucket hat, or a round crown fedora. Avoid hats with straight edges or flat tops, as they can make your face look boxier.
4. Heart-shaped Face
This face is broader at the forehead and tapers down to a smaller chin, often with noticeable cheekbones. Hats with a medium brim and a lower crown usually suit this shape best.
Try a fedora, cloche, baseball cap, or even a simple beanie. These hats help draw attention to your eyes without making your forehead appear larger. It’s better to stay away from wide-brim hats, as they can make the forehead appear too wide.
5. Long Face
A long face is longer than it is wide and usually has a noticeable chin. To balance the length, choose hats that add a bit of width.
Styles like a wide-brim fedora, sun hat, bucket hat, flat cap, floppy hat, or newsboy cap can make your face look more proportioned. Try to avoid hats with tall crowns, as they can make your face appear even longer.
6. Diamond Face
A diamond-shaped face usually has wide cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin. The best hats for this shape are ones with a medium brim and a structured crown.
A fedora, Panama hat, beret, or cloche can all look great. Try to avoid hats with very wide brims, because they can make your cheekbones look even more prominent.
7. Triangle Face
A triangle face is wider at the jaw and narrower at the forehead. To balance this shape, choose hats that add width to the top of your head.
A wide-brim hat, fedora, Panama, cowboy hat, bucket hat, trilby, or baseball cap can work well. These hats shift attention upward and make the jawline look less heavy.
Once you figure out which hat suits your face, also think about the season because wearing the wrong type of hat can make you uncomfortable, whether it’s too hot or too cold.
Pick a Hat That Fits the Season
When you’re choosing a hat, don’t forget to consider the weather. In warmer months like spring and summer, go for lightweight materials such as straw or cotton. These fabrics allow air circulation and protect you from sun exposure.
In colder months like autumn and winter, opt for something warmer, like a wool beanie or a felt hat. These materials trap heat to keep your head warm.
When it’s raining, a water-resistant hat can save you from dealing with wet, messy hair. Just pick something that fits the season, and you’ll stay dry, comfortable, and still look good without trying too hard.
Wear a Hat That Matches Your Outfit
Once you’ve picked a hat that suits your face shape and fits the weather, it’s time to think about how it goes with your clothes. A hat shouldn’t just protect you from the weather; it should also match the style of your outfit.
1. Casual Outfits
If you’re wearing jeans, T-shirts, hoodies, or other casual clothes, go for relaxed hats like baseball caps, beanies, or bucket hats. These styles are relaxed and suit everyday wear.
2. Formal Outfits
If you are wearing formal clothes like a suit, blazer, or long coat, it’s better to choose a more elegant hat, such as a fedora or a structured wool hat. These types of hats add a touch of class and fit nicely with polished outfits.
3. Seasonal Styles
Summer: In warm weather, light materials like straw or cotton hats pair well with summer outfits like shorts, dresses, or linen shirts. They also help keep your head cool.
Winter: In cold weather, thick and warm hats like knitted beanies or wool felt hats go well with coats, sweaters, and scarves. They help maintain your body temperature while still looking stylish.
4. Keep Your Hat Details Simple
If your hat has extra details like ribbons, logos, pins, or patches, try to keep the rest of your outfit simple.
And if your clothes are bold or colorful, stick with a plain hat. But if your outfit is basic, a hat with some detail can be a nice way to add some personality. It’s all about balance.
Here’s How to Wear a Hat the Right Way (Step-by-Step)
Alright, you’ve picked the right style and matched it with your outfit. Great! Now, let’s learn how to put on your hat like a pro!
Step 1: Know Your Reason
Before you put on a hat, think about the purpose. Are you wearing it to protect yourself from the sun, to add some style to your outfit, to cover up a bad hair day, or maybe to hide the bald spot?
Whatever the reason, whether it’s a casual day or a dressy event, make sure your hat matches the mood you’re aiming for. This step helps ensure your hat not only meets your needs but also complements your overall vibe and style.
Step 2: Match Your Hat with Your Outfit
Think of your hat as part of your outfit, not just an extra piece you throw on. When you’re dressed in jeans and a plain T-shirt, a baseball cap is an easy choice that matches the casual vibe.
On the other hand, if you’re dressed up in a button-down, a fedora, or a cleaner style, you will look more polished. The goal is simple: your hat should feel like it belongs with what you’re wearing.
Step 3: Make Sure the Hat Fits You
A lot of people get the style right but forget about the fit. When a hat fits too tightly, it presses against your head and feels uncomfortable. If it’s too loose, you’ll spend the whole day fixing it instead of enjoying it.
It shouldn’t pinch or slide off. When the size is right, you hardly notice it’s there, but it looks great.
Step 4: Keep Your Hair in Mind
When choosing a hat, think about your hair too. If you’ve got short hair, most hats will fit easily. But if you have long hair, you might want to tie it back, especially if you’re wearing a baseball cap.
For other hats, like a fedora, you can leave your hair loose or tuck it in, depending on the look you’re going for. If you’ve curly hair, just keep in mind that some hats could flatten your curls, so make sure the hat works with your hair texture.
Step 5: Place the Hat Properly on Your Head
Now that your hair is all set, don’t just throw the hat on and walk out. Take a moment to place it properly, so it doesn’t sit too far forward or slide back too much.
Adjust it a little until you feel like, “Yep, this looks right.”
If you’re wearing a baseball cap, it should sit just above your eyebrows, and the brim should be straight—not too high or too low. For hats like a fedora, you can tilt it slightly for a stylish touch, but only if it still looks and feels natural.
Sometimes, a small tilt can make a big difference, but it has to feel right. “Look in the mirror and adjust the angle of your hat until it looks balanced.” If it feels balanced and looks good, you’ve nailed it!
Step 6: Wear It with Confidence
A hat only looks right if you wear it with confidence. If you feel good in it, others will notice too. It doesn’t matter what kind of hat you’re wearing; if you carry it with confidence, it shows. Just own it, and the hat will look like it was made just for you.
As mentioned on Wikipedia, “Fake it till you make it.” This means even if you don’t feel confident at first, acting confident can eventually help you feel genuinely confident over time.
With time, wearing a hat feels natural. Keep your posture straight, stay relaxed, and wear it with confidence.
How to Wear a Hat with Different Hairstyles
Many people often ask on forums and social media, ‘How do I wear a hat with short hair?‘ or ‘How can I style a hat with long hair?‘ If you’re wondering the same, we’ve got some simple and effective tips to help you wear a hat with both short and long hair!
Wearing a Hat with Short Hair
Short hair and hats make a great combo and are easy to manage together. Here’s how you can rock it:
1. Choose a Hat That Complements Your Haircut
Pick a hat that suits your haircut. For example, if you have a pixie cut, a small, stylish hat like a beret might look great. If you have bob or longer hair, a wider-brimmed hat can balance out your face shape.
2. Make Sure the Hat Fits Snugly
Got a hat that suits your haircut? Now, a well-fitting hat is key!
It should sit comfortably on your head, not too tight or too loose, so you can wear it all day without any discomfort.
3. Let Your Hair Show Under the Hat
One of the best things about wearing a hat with short hair is the chance to show off some of your natural style.
Don’t hide all your hair under the hat; let your bangs peek out or let a few strands frame your face. It makes the look feel more relaxed and natural.
4. Try a Hat Band or Scarf
You can wrap a band or scarf around your hat to change its look. It’s an easy way to add a little color or variety without overdoing it.
5. Add Earrings or Extra Style
Earrings can add a fun touch to your look when wearing a hat. Try some bold, dangly earrings with a cute fedora or a pair of studs with a beanie. It’s a simple way to add some extra flair.
Wearing a Hat with Long Hair
Long hair gives you even more room to get creative with hats. Let’s take a look at some simple ways to rock a hat with long hair:
1. Wear a Hat with Straight, Middle-Parted Hair
One of our friends told us she usually keeps her hair straight with a middle part whenever she puts on a beanie or a fedora.
She says it’s the simplest way to keep your look neat without much effort. The hat fits well, the hair shows just enough, and the whole look works perfectly for a casual day out.
2. Style a Hat with Wavy or Textured Hair
A wide-brim or floppy hat goes really well with wavy or textured hair. The natural texture balances the hat and creates a relaxed look. It’s an easy way to look stylish without putting in too much effort.
3. Wear a Hat with Side-Parted Hair Tucked Behind One Ear
Side part your hair and tuck one side behind your ear; it creates a naturally stylish look. Pair it with a cap or beanie, and you’re good to go. It’s one of those looks that feels like you barely tried but still looks great.
How to Prevent Hat Hair
It’s a common issue many hat wearers face. We’ve seen it discussed multiple times on forums, especially on Reddit, where people admit they don’t take their hats off because their hair gets all messed up underneath. But don’t worry, we’ve got some great tips to prevent hat hair.
1. Choose the Correct Hat Size
A hat that is too snug can press your hair and leave impressions. A properly fitting hat sits comfortably without squashing your hair.
2. Minimize Hair Product Usage
Too much gel, cream, mousse, or hairspray can make your hair stiff. When you wear a hat, it pushes the product into your hair and makes it look greasy or stuck. Go light on the hair products!
3. Dry Hair Completely Before Wearing a Hat
Damp hair under a hat can dry in a weird shape and make your scalp itchy. Check that your hair is dry before wearing a hat. This will ensure your hair stays smooth and neat after you remove the hat.
4. Opt for Looser Hairstyles
Tight hairstyles like buns or ponytails can leave dents or lines on your hair after wearing a hat. Go for looser styles like a soft braid, low ponytail, or simply leave your hair down.
5. Refresh Your Hair After Removing the Hat
When you take your hat off, gently shake your hair or use your fingers to fluff it up. If needed, use a little dry shampoo to add volume and freshness.
Tips for Wearing a Hat at a Wedding
A wedding is a special event, and the hat you wear should fit both your outfit and the occasion. A simple way to choose is by considering the time of day.
1. Consider the Time of Day
For daytime weddings, lighter colors and simple styles work best. Women can choose fascinators or straw hats, while men can go for a Panama or a light trilby.
For evening weddings, darker colors and more formal styles are better. Women might wear a pillbox or structured hat, while men can choose a felt fedora or a darker classic style.
2. Choose a Hat That Complements Your Outfit
If your clothes are colorful or have a lot of patterns, go for a simple hat. But if your outfit is plain, you can try something with more style, like a bold color or a fascinator with some nice details.
3. Respect the Couple
It’s their big day, so your hat should not draw too much attention away from them. If the wedding is formal, go for a small, elegant hat like a fascinator or one with netting.
For a more relaxed or garden wedding, a flower headband or a simple, stylish hat that still feels sophisticated.
4. Remove Your Hat Indoors
At weddings, little things matter. It’s important to take off your hat indoors, whether during the ceremony, at the reception, or while sitting for a meal. It’s a simple gesture, but it shows good manners and respect for the couple.
5 Hat-Wearing Etiquette and Rules
- When you walk into someone’s home, a restaurant, or an indoor space, it’s polite to take your hat off. It shows respect and good manners.
- If you’re in a crowded place like a concert, movie theater, or public transport, try not to wear a big hat. It might block someone’s view and feel annoying.
- Take your hat off while eating. It keeps things polite and looks better at the table.
- Always make sure your hat looks clean because a dirty or sweaty hat leaves a bad impression.
- Don’t play with your hat or toss it around when you remove it. Just hold it nicely or place it somewhere safe.
Ready to Rock Your Hat with Confidence?
Now that you know how to wear a hat the right way, it’s time to put these tips into action.
Whether you’re growing out your hair, enjoying a sunny day, hiding a bad hair day, heading to a formal event, or getting a fresh haircut, you’ve got all the tips to wear your hat with style.
As one Reddit user wisely said,
“You’ve only got one life with limited time, so wear your hat, your way, unapologetically.”
Just grab your favorite hat, choose a hairstyle that fits the vibe, and keep those simple hat etiquette tips in mind to look your best.
Hats on, confidence up!
FAQs
Which side should a lady’s hat tilt or sit on?
Many women tilt their hats a little to the right, but there’s no rule you have to follow. Pick the tilt that feels right for you.
Why doesn’t my hat or cap suit me?
Maybe the shape or size just doesn’t match your face or hairstyle. Try a few different ways to wear it. Sometimes, just tilting it a little or changing your hairstyle can make a big difference.
Is it rude for a woman to wear a hat indoors?
It depends on where you are and the kind of hat. If it’s a dressy hat like a fascinator or part of your outfit at a wedding or event, then it’s usually fine to keep it on indoors.
But if it’s a casual hat like a baseball cap or something big that blocks another’s view, it’s better to take it off out of respect.
Should a woman take her hat off at the table?
Usually, women can keep their hats on while seated at the table. However, if your hat is large or obstructing others’ view, it’s polite to take it off.
But small hats or fascinators are fine to keep on, especially if you’re at a wedding or a fancy event.
Is it okay for a woman to wear a hat at night?
Yes, it’s totally fine to wear a hat at night, but choose the right kind of hat. For the evening, small, elegant hats or fascinators with subtle details are a better choice than wide-brimmed or casual hats.
