7 Best Hats for Round Faces

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The most flattering hats for round faces include fedoras, Panama hats, structured baseball caps, cowboy hats, bucket hats, newsboy caps, and wide-brim sun hats.

A little height on top and a wider, well-shaped brim usually work well on a round face. They give the hat more structure and can make your face look more balanced. 

Best Hats for Round Faces at a Glance

Here are our top hat picks for round faces.

7 Best Hat Styles for Round Faces

A round face usually looks better with a hat that has some height, a good shape, or a wider brim. Here are seven hat styles that can work well for a round face.

1. Brixton Messer Packable Fedora

The Brixton Messer Packable Fedora has a taller crown and a medium brim, which can work well with a round face. The extra height on top can help balance the look of a round face, while the brim gives the hat a clear shape.

The crown gives the hat a good amount of height. The Messer has a 3.75-inch crown with a soft pinch and teardrop crease. For a round face, that extra height can be helpful because the hat doesn't sit flat on top of your head.

The brim is 2.5 inches wide. That's a medium brim, so it gives the hat a clear shape without making it look like a large sun hat. It also keeps the Messer easy to wear with everyday clothes.

It packs away easily. You can pack the wool felt hat for a trip, and it should spring back into shape when you take it out.

The adjustable sweatband is a useful feature. There is a Velcro strap under the sweatband that lets you make the hat a little tighter. Measure your head before ordering. The strap can make a loose hat tighter, but it won't fix the wrong size.

The wool felt has some stiffness. The hat uses 100% wool felt, so it keeps its shape without feeling too stiff. The hat also has a grosgrain band and metal crest pin, which give it a classic fedora look.

It is easy to wear every day. You can wear this fedora with jeans, a jacket, or a casual shirt. It fits easily into a simple everyday outfit.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The hat can run a little large. Your usual hat size may not give you the right fit, so don't rely only on the size you normally wear. Measure your head before ordering and compare it with Brixton's size chart. If you're between sizes, Brixton recommends choosing the larger size. 

The brim can get a little bent after packing. When you take the hat out of your bag, you may need to straighten it out. It's easy to fix, but it's something to expect after a trip.

It is not the best hat for hot weather. Since it’s a wool felt fedora, it makes more sense for fall, winter, and cooler days. For hot summer weather, our straw Panama hat is a better choice.

Specs

2. FURTALK Wide-Brim Straw Panama Fedora

The FURTALK Wide-Brim Straw Panama Fedora gives a round face a little more width around the top without adding extra bulk around the sides.

The crown gives you a little more height. That extra height can help balance a round face and make the overall look feel less wide. It doesn't make the hat look overly tall. 

The wider brim works well with a round face. At 3.15 inches, it gives the hat enough width around the face without going into oversized sun-hat territory. It also gives you a good amount of shade around your face and neck.

The straw makes it a good summer hat. It uses 90% paper straw and 10% polyester, so it stays light on your head. The sweatband also helps with sweat when you're out in the heat. 

The chin strap is useful when it gets windy. You can tighten it when you need it and tuck it away when you don't. It can be especially helpful when you're boating, at the beach, or anywhere that gets a lot of wind.

It is easy to pack for a trip. Just fold it up and put it in your suitcase or carry-on. The plastic insert helps keep the crown in shape while it's packed. 

Flaws but not dealbreakers

There are only two sizes to choose from. M/L is listed for 22 to 23 inches, while L/XL is 23 to 23.5 inches. If your head measurement falls outside this range, there isn't another size option. If you're between sizes, the brand recommends M/L and says you can tighten the elastic band by 1 to 2 cm.

It is not water resistant. The hat is made for sunny, dry weather, so it's not a good choice for rain or wet weather. If rain is in the forecast, you'll need a different hat.

Specs

3. Hurley Men's H2O Dri Baseball Cap

The Hurley H2O Dri adds height and a little length to a round face. Its structured crown and curved bill create a more balanced look without making the cap feel bulky.

The structured crown gives the cap some height. The front panels hold their shape instead of sitting flat, while the curved brim adds a little more length to the overall look.

The curved brim also gives you some shade. It helps keep the sun out of your eyes when you're outside, which makes the cap useful for walks, workouts, and other outdoor activities.

It is light and has some stretch. The cap is made from 92% polyester and 8% spandex, so it has some give instead of feeling stiff. That makes it easier to get a comfortable fit. 

It is good for active days. The H2O Dri material is made to dry quickly, and the lightweight construction makes it easy to wear when you're moving around. You can wear it for a workout or just throw it on for errands.

It does not have an adjustable back. You choose the size you need, and the stretch in the fabric gives it some room to fit. It is still a good idea to measure your head before ordering.

It is easy to look after. The cap is machine washable, so you can wash it when it gets dirty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

There aren't many size options. It comes in Small-Medium (21.6 to 23.1 inches) and Large-X-Large (22.4 to 23.9 inches). Measure your head before ordering and check the size chart to choose the right one.

Specs

4. Brixton Cohen Cowboy Hat

The Brixton Cohen works well for a round face. The taller crown adds some height, and the wide brim makes the face look a little longer. The hat also holds its shape well, so it doesn't look soft or floppy.

The crown is 4.5 inches tall. The teardrop shape gives it a more rounded look than a straight-sided crown. It also helps the hat keep that classic fedora shape.

The brim gives a round face more definition. The Cohen has a 3.25-inch straight brim that is stiff enough to hold its shape. It also gives the hat a wider, cleaner look around the face.

It has a clean look without too much decoration. The thin grosgrain band and small Brixton pin keep the design simple. You still get that western look, but it doesn't feel overly decorated.

The wool felt gives the hat a firm shape. It is made from 100% Australian-sourced wool felt, and Brixton describes the hat as having hard stiffness. So the hat keeps its shape and isn't easy to fold down.

The inside band lets you make a small adjustment. The Cohen comes in five sizes, from XS to XL, for heads from 21¼ to 24⅖ inches. There is also a Velcro strap under the sweatband, so you can tighten the fit if needed. Brixton recommends going up a size if you're between sizes.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The hat is quite stiff. The Cohen is made to hold its shape, so it doesn't bend easily. If you prefer a hat that is soft and easy to reshape, you may find this one too stiff.

The straight brim gives the hat a western look. The brim is wide and straight, so the western style is more noticeable. If you prefer a simple, everyday hat, this may look a little too western for you. 

Specs

5. CHOK.LIDS Hot Summer Bucket Hat

The CHOK.LIDS has a taller crown and a fairly wide brim, which work well for a round face. The crown adds some height, while the brim sits away from the sides of the face. It is also lightweight cotton with UPF 50+ protection, so it works well as an everyday summer hat.

The crown is tall enough to give the hat a proper shape. It does not sit flat on your head, and it works well with the wide brim. So even though the brim is fairly large, the hat does not look flat or out of proportion.

The brim gives you good coverage. The hat has a brim all the way around instead of just in the front like a baseball cap. That gives you more shade around your face and neck when you're outside.

It is light and works well in warm weather. The hat is made from 100% cotton and is listed as lightweight. It also has eyelets around the crown, which allow some airflow when you're wearing it on a hot day.

You can adjust the fit. There is a hidden hook-and-loop strap under the sweatband, so you can make the hat a little tighter or looser. The listed head measurements range from 21.6 to 23.6 inches.

It works well as an everyday sun hat. The simple design is easy to wear with casual clothes, and you can use it for beach trips, pool, golf, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The UPF 50+ rating is also useful when you're spending time in the sun.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The crown may feel a little tall. This hat has more height than a low-profile bucket hat. That works well for a round face, but if you prefer a hat that sits closer to your head, you may find the crown a little too tall.

It isn't water resistant. The cotton is fine for sunny days, but the hat is not made for rain. If you need a hat for wet weather, you'll want a different material.

Specs

6. Brixton Brood Newsboy Cap

The Brixton Brood is a good choice for a round face because it adds some height without making the hat look too tall. The crown gives you that extra height, while the short front brim adds a little definition around the face. It also has the fuller shape you expect from a newsboy cap without looking flat or too soft.

The fuller crown is one of the main reasons we like it for round faces. The Brood has a structured crown, so it sits higher on the head instead of lying flat. That extra height can help a round face look a little longer. 

The short brim gives you a nice shape around the face. It sits over the forehead and gives the cap its usual newsboy look. Because it is short, it doesn't cover too much of the face.

It has enough structure to keep its shape. This isn't a soft, floppy cap. Brixton describes it as a structured snap cap, so the crown keeps its shape instead of falling flat.

The design is easy to dress up or down. The herringbone fabric, inside liner, and small metal pin give it a little more style than a basic cap. You can wear it with a jacket or sweater, but it also looks fine with jeans and a T-shirt.

This newsboy cap comes in five sizes, from XS to XL. The sizes fit heads from 21¼ to 24⅖ inches. Measure your head before ordering. If your measurement falls between two sizes, Brixton recommends choosing the larger size.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The brim is fairly short. It does not cover much of the face, so you get less shade than you would with a baseball cap. If you want a hat with a bigger brim, this may not be the right choice.

The hat is mostly polyester. It is 95% polyester and 5% wool. So if you were looking for a wool or cotton newsboy cap, this isn't the one. You will want to look at a different hat instead.

It's comfortable. People wore it all day and said it didn't give them headaches or feel tight.

Specs

7. Brixton Mitch Packable Wide-Brim Sun Hat

The Brixton Mitch adds height and width to a round face. Its tall crown and wide brim are the two main reasons we picked it for round faces. 

The crown is 4.25 inches tall, so you get some good height without the hat looking too tall. It has enough room at the top to keep its shape instead of sitting flat on your head.

The 4.5-inch brim gives a round face more room on the sides. That wider brim keeps the hat from looking too small on a fuller face.

You can take it with you when you travel. The Mitch folds down, so you can put it in your suitcase or carry-on. It is made from paper straw, so the hat feels light and works well in hot weather.

The fit is easy to adjust. The elastic sweatband and neck rope let you adjust how the hat sits. You can also tighten the rope when it's windy or use it to carry the hat when you take it off.

The look is simple and easy to wear. The straw and small metal plaque give it a classic look without making it look too fancy. You can wear it with jeans, shorts, a T-shirt, or a casual shirt.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

There are only two sizes to choose from. The S/M fits 22 to 22.8 inches, while the L/XL fits 23.6 to 24.4 inches. So if your head measures between 22.8 and 23.6 inches, there is no exact size listed for you.

Measure your head before you order. If your measurement falls in that gap, check with the seller before you buy. 

Specs

How to Choose the Right Hat for a Round Face

You know which hat styles work for round faces. Now here’s what to check before you buy, so you don’t end up returning it.

Look for Height in the Crown

A taller crown adds vertical height above the face, which helps balance the width of a round face. Medium or slightly taller crowns usually work well. Avoid very low crowns that sit flat on the head.

Choose the Right Brim Width

A medium or wider brim usually works better on a round face. It adds some width to the hat and can help make the face look a little longer. Very narrow brims can make the face look wider.

Choose a Hat That Holds Its Shape

A hat that keeps its shape can look better on a round face. A crown that stays up adds a little height. Fedoras and structured baseball caps are good choices. 

Check the Size and Fit

The hat should feel comfortable when you wear it. It shouldn't squeeze your head or feel loose enough to move around.

Measure your head before buying and check that measurement against the size chart. You can also use our Hat Size Calculator to find your hat size. If you're between sizes, go with the size the brand recommends.

How to Wear a Hat With a Round Face

Start with your hair before putting the hat on. Give it a little lift, put the hat on without pulling it too low, then adjust the brim until it sits right.

Style Your Hair Before Putting on the Hat

If your hair gets flat easily, fluff it up a little before putting on the hat. With longer hair, let some of it fall around your face instead of tucking it all underneath.

If you have a lot of hair around your cheeks, tuck one side behind your ear or move it to one side. Try not to squash all your hair flat under the hat.

Wear the Hat at the Right Angle

Don't pull the hat too low over your forehead. Keep the brim around your eyebrows, then tilt it slightly forward or to one side. A small tilt is enough.

Try a few angles in the mirror and go with the one that feels comfortable and doesn't make your face look wider.

If you want more tips on wearing hats, see our How to Wear a Hat guide.

Hat Styles That Can Be Less Flattering on a Round Face

Some hats can make a round face look a little wider, especially when the crown is very low or the brim is very narrow.

Very Low Crowns

Very low crowns sit close to your head, so they don't add much height. On a round face, this can make the face look wider. A crown with a little more height may work better.

Very Narrow Brims

Very narrow brims don't add much width around the face. On a round face, they can make the face look wider. A medium or wider brim may work better.

Overly Rounded Hat Shapes

A very round crown can repeat the same round shape as your face. A hat with a little more structure can make the look less round.

Very Tight-Fitting Hats

A hat that's too tight can make your hair sit flat around your head. That can make a round face look a little fuller. Make sure the hat feels comfortable and doesn't squeeze your head.