Best Hats for Oval Faces

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Almost any hat can look good on an oval face, but fedoras, Panama hats, wide-brim sun hats, bucket hats, and baseball caps are some of the best options to try.

Oval faces suit many hat styles because they have balanced proportions. A medium-height crown and a medium or wide brim are good places to start. Very tall crowns can make your face look longer, but you can still wear one if you like the look.

Below, you’ll find the best hats for men and women with oval faces, how to tell if you have an oval face, and how to find the right fit.

Best Hat Styles for Oval Faces at a Glance

Here are our top hat picks for oval faces.

How to Tell If You Have an Oval Face

You have an oval face if your face is slightly longer than it is wide and your cheekbones are the widest part. Pull your hair back, look straight into a mirror, and check four things:

• Length: Your face is longer than it is wide, but not by much.
• Forehead: Your forehead is a little narrower than your cheekbones.
• Cheekbones: Your cheekbones are often the widest part of your face.
• Jawline: Your jawline narrows toward the chin and curves softly, without sharp corners.

Not sure? Our Face Shape Calculator can help you check.

7 Best Hats for Oval Faces

Each one works on an oval face, so pick the one that fits how you dress.

1. Brixton Messer Packable Fedora: Best fedora for oval faces

The Brixton Messer Packable Fedora is a good wool hat for oval faces if you want something for everyday wear, dressier outfits, and travel, but its soft shape may not suit you if you prefer a more structured fedora.

Its crown and brim suit an oval face. The Messer has a 3.75-inch (9.5 cm) crown with a teardrop crease and soft pinch, plus a 2.5-inch (6.5 cm) brim. An oval face is already balanced, so medium proportions like these keep that balance. These are just guidelines, though. Wear what you like.

You can adjust the fit. There is a Velcro strap hidden under the sweatband, so you can tighten the hat if it feels a little loose. That helps if you fall between sizes. The Messer comes in XS through XL, and if you are between sizes, Brixton advises sizing up.

You can pack it without worrying too much about its shape. Brixton uses 100% Australian-sourced wool felt that is designed to spring back into shape after being packed. That makes the Messer a useful option for trips when you don’t want to carry a separate hat box.

It’s easy to dress up or down. The black wool felt, faux leather band, and small metal pin give it a simple, classic look. You can wear it with jeans and a jacket or pair it with a coat for a smarter look. Black also goes with almost anything. The Messer comes in Caramel/Walnut Brown if you prefer brown.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s not a rain hat. Wool felt can handle a little moisture, but Brixton recommends keeping the Messer dry. Getting soaked can leave water spots or change its shape, so wear it in dry weather.

The brim is medium, not wide. At 2.5 inches, the brim gives less shade than a wide-brim fedora. If you want shade from the sun, pick a hat with a wider brim.

It is soft, not rigid. Brixton lists it as light stiffness, so expect a relaxed shape, not the hard structure of a traditional dress hat.

Specs

2. Carhartt Canvas Cap: Best for Casual Everyday Wear

The Carhartt Canvas Cap is a good everyday cap for casual outfits and outdoor wear. Its curved brim and medium-height crown suit oval faces, and the Velcro strap lets you adjust the fit.

Its medium-profile crown suits an oval face. Carhartt lists this cap as medium profile, so it doesn't have an especially low or tall crown. Its shape works well for everyday outfits, from T-shirts and jeans to casual outdoor wear. If you prefer a softer, lower crown, a dad hat is another option.

It has a rugged, casual look. The washed canvas and small Carhartt logo give it a simple workwear style. It goes well with jeans, shorts, T-shirts, and hoodies.

The cotton fabric is sturdy but not too heavy. The cap is made from 100% cotton canvas, so it works well for everyday wear. The Coolmax sweatband also helps wick away moisture when you're outside for a while.

You can adjust the fit. The hook-and-loop strap at the back lets you loosen or tighten the cap. However, the crown is on the shallow side, so the cap may sit too high if you prefer a deeper fit.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The crown is fairly shallow. If you prefer a cap with more room over the top of your head, this may not be the best choice for you.

Some colors may look different from the photos. Keep this in mind if you're looking for a particular shade.

Specs

3. CHOK.LIDS Hot Summer Bucket Hat: Best for Casual Summer Wear

The CHOK.LIDS Hot Summer Bucket Hat is a good pick for oval faces if you want a simple, lightweight hat for beach trips and everyday summer wear. Just make sure your head measures 23.6 inches or less, as it may not fit if your head is larger.

It has a relaxed, casual look. The brim slopes down all the way around, giving it the classic bucket hat shape. You can wear it with T-shirts, shorts, and other casual summer clothes

You can adjust the fit. A hook-and-loop strap under the sweatband lets you tighten or loosen the hat without a visible buckle. The size chart lists a standard fit for a 22.8-inch head circumference, a looser fit for 21.6 inches, and a tighter fit for 23.6 inches.

The fabric has no stretch, so the strap can only adjust the fit within its range. Measure your head before ordering to make sure it will fit.

It's light and easy to pack. The hat is made from 100% cotton and has a soft, lightweight feel. You can fold it and put it in your bag when you're not wearing it. It also has small ventilation eyelets to let some air through, although cotton can still feel warm on very hot days.

It offers sun protection. CHOK.LIDS advertises UPF 50+ protection, and the brim helps shade your face and ears. You can wear it for walks, beach trips, and other outdoor activities. However, the brim provides less coverage than hats with better sun protection, especially around your neck.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Check the size before ordering. Measure around your head about an inch above your ears, then compare your measurement with the size chart. The hidden strap lets you tighten or loosen the hat a little, but it can't make the crown deeper or shallower. If your head measurement falls outside the listed range, look for another hat.

It may feel warm in hot weather. The ventilation eyelets allow some airflow, but the cotton fabric may still feel warm if you wear the hat for long periods outdoors.

Specs

4. Brixton Messer Straw Fedora: Best for Summer and Smart-Casual Outfits

The Brixton Messer Straw Fedora is a good summer hat for oval faces if you want a structured look for outings, vacations, and smart-casual outfits. 

It holds its shape well. Brixton makes this hat from 100% palm straw. It has a 4.75-inch crown with a pinched crease and a flat 2.5-inch brim. The brim helps shade your face and ears from the sun.

You can keep it flat for a modern look or curve the front down for a more classic fedora style. The straw helps the Messer hold its shape, but it may feel too stiff if you prefer a softer hat.

It offers UPF 50+ sun protection. The 2.5-inch brim helps shade your face, but it provides less coverage for your neck and shoulders than a wide-brim sun hat.

It has a classic look. The genuine leather band and metal pin give the hat a simple, neat finish. You can wear it with a linen shirt and chinos or keep it casual with a T-shirt and shorts. 

You can adjust the fit. A strap under the sweatband lets you make the hat tighter if it's too loose. Brixton offers sizes XS to XL for head sizes from 54 to 62 cm. The fit may vary, so measure your head and check Brixton's size chart before ordering.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The straw feels stiff. If you prefer a softer hat, this one may feel a little too firm.

Sizing can vary. Measure your head and check Brixton's size chart before ordering.

Specs

5. Brixton Joanna Hat: Best for Wide-Brim Sun Protection

The Brixton Joanna is a good choice for oval faces if you want a wide-brim straw hat for sunny days. Its 4-inch brim gives you plenty of shade, but it may feel too wide if you prefer smaller hats.

The 4-inch brim does most of the work. Brixton lists the brim at 10 cm (4 inches) and says it helps protect you from the sun on all sides.

As you can see in the photo above, the brim sits nearly flat and dips slightly at the edge. It may shade your forehead, cheeks, and the back of your neck. Its wide shape also adds width around an oval face and balances the taller crown.

The crown is tall, with a teardrop shape. It stands 12.3 cm (5 inches) high and has a pinched center crease. The wide brim balances the tall crown, so neither part looks too large.

It has a classic straw look. The Joanna is made from 100% straw and comes in a natural honey color. A black ribbon band and small metal plaque keep the design simple. You can wear it with a summer dress, a linen shirt, or your favorite warm-weather outfit.

You can adjust the fit. There's an adjustable sweatband inside, so you can tighten the hat if it feels a little loose. Brixton offers sizes XS to XL for head circumferences of 54 to 62 cm. Measure your head and check Brixton's size chart before ordering.

It keeps its shape. The straw is firm, so the brim doesn't flop or bend easily. This helps the hat keep its shape, but it won't feel soft or flexible.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Brixton does not list a UPF rating. The listing says the wide brim adds extra sun protection but gives no number. If you need a listed rating, the Brixton Messer Straw Fedora has UPF 50+, and our guide to the best UPF hats for women covers more options.

The brim may feel too wide. The Joanna has a 4-inch brim, which may feel too wide if you prefer a smaller, simpler hat.

The straw feels stiff. The brim doesn't bend easily, so don't expect a soft, floppy hat that you can shape as you like.

Specs

6. Brixton Brood Newsboy Cap: Best for Classic Style

The Brixton Brood Newsboy Cap has a rounded crown and short brim that can balance an oval face without adding much height. Its herringbone pattern gives it a classic look that pairs well with jeans, sweaters, and jackets.

It's light enough for everyday wear. The cap is made from 95% polyester and 5% wool, so it doesn't feel too heavy on your head. The custom lining adds comfort and helps stop the seams from rubbing against your head.

You can wear it on cooler days without the bulk of a winter hat. You can wear it on cooler days without feeling like you're wearing a bulky winter hat.

The small details give it character. The herringbone fabric and metal pin add interest without making the cap look too flashy. Together, they give it a traditional newsboy style that works well with casual outfits.

You can dress it up or down. Wear it with jeans and a sweater for a casual look, or pair it with a jacket when you want to look a little smarter. It works for everyday wear, dinners, and casual social events.

There are five sizes to choose from. The Brood comes in XS (54 cm) through XL (62 cm), with standard hat sizes ranging from 6¾ to 7¾. Measure your head and check Brixton's size chart to find the closest match.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It contains very little wool. The cap is made from 95% polyester and 5% wool, so it's not a good choice if you prefer hats made mostly from wool.

The fit can vary. Brixton says its size chart is a general guide and that measurements vary by style. The Brood comes in XS (54 cm) through XL (62 cm), so measure your head and compare it with the chart. Check the return policy of the store you buy from in case you need another size.

Specs

7. Brixton Cohen Cowboy Hat: Best western-style hat

The Brixton Cohen Cowboy Hat has a firm, straight brim that holds its shape and gives it a clean Western look. Its structured shape can also work well for oval faces.

It has a wide brim and a moderate-height crown. Brixton describes the Cohen as an approachable cowboy hat. It has a teardrop crown that measures 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) high and a straight brim that measures 8 cm (3.25 inches) wide. The flat brim and tapered crown give it a clean, structured Western shape.

It's made from 100% Australian-sourced wool felt. The felt is stiff, so the brim feels firm rather than soft and floppy. If you prefer a brim that bends easily, this hat may not be for you.

The design is simple, with just a few details. A thin grosgrain band goes around the crown, along with a small knot and a metal Brixton pin. The brim has a raw edge rather than a stitched or covered one. Brixton lists it as unisex.

The fit is adjustable. The hat comes in sizes XS to XL for head measurements of 54 to 62 cm. A Velcro strap under the sweatband lets you tighten it if it feels a little loose. Measure your head and check Brixton's size chart before ordering.

You can wear it with casual outfits, too. The black color and simple band go well with jeans, jackets, and everyday clothes. It still has a clear Western look, so it works best if you like that style.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The felt and brim are quite stiff. The hat holds its shape, but you may find it hard to bend it the way you want.

Specs

Fedora vs Baseball Cap for an Oval Face

Both a fedora and a baseball cap can suit an oval face. Choose a fedora for a dressier look and more shade, or a baseball cap for casual, everyday wear. Your choice mostly depends on your style and where you plan to wear the hat.

A fedora gives you more coverage. Its brim goes all the way around the crown, so it shades your face and ears. A wider brim also shades more of your neck. A medium brim is a good place to start. See our best fedora.

A baseball cap suits casual outfits. A baseball cap has a bill at the front that shades your face while leaving the sides more exposed. A low or medium crown can complement an oval face without adding too much height. It pairs easily with jeans, T-shirts, and hoodies.

Pick based on where you will wear it:

• Weddings and dinners: fedora
• Errands and everyday outings: baseball cap
• Long days in the sun: a fedora with a wide brim, or a wide-brim sun hat

How to Choose the Right Hat for an Oval Face

Look at three things when you choose a hat: how tall the crown is, how wide the brim is, and how well it fits your head.

Check the Crown Height

The crown is the top part of the hat, the part that sits on your head. Crown height is how far it rises above your forehead.

A low or medium crown is a good place to start. An oval face is usually a little longer than it is wide, so a very tall crown may make your face look even longer. 

A tall crown is fine if you like the look. Pair it with a wider brim, and check it in a mirror first. If the crown makes your face look taller than you want, try a lower one.

Pick a Brim That Matches Your Face Size.

The brim is the part of the hat that sticks out around the bottom of the crown. A wider brim gives you more shade and can make the hat look bigger on your face.

A medium-width brim is a good place to start. If you want more shade, try a wider brim. If a wide brim looks too big on your face, try a narrower one.

If you have a smaller face, a very wide brim may look too large. If you have a larger face, you may prefer a wider brim. These aren't strict rules, so try different widths and see what looks balanced with your face and the crown.

Get the Right Hat Size and Fit

Measure around your head with a flexible measuring tape, just above your ears and across your forehead. Then check the size chart for the hat you want to buy.

Your hat should not feel too tight or too loose. It should stay on your head when you move. If it's a little loose, use the strap inside the hat to tighten it. If it’s much too big or too small, try another size.

Check the return policy before you buy, in case you need a different size.

Not sure what size you need? Try our Hat Size Calculator to find your hat size from your head measurement.