You’ve likely bought a hat that looked great online but didn’t feel right when you tried it on. Maybe the shape didn’t suit your face, or the brim sat awkwardly.
With so many hat styles and mixed advice out there, it’s easy to get confused about what really suits you.
We’ll help you figure out your face shape and show you the types of headwear that look best on you, so choosing the right hat becomes simple and confident.
Why Face Shape Matters When Choosing a Hat
Before we get into which hat looks best on you, let’s understand why your face shape matters in the first place.
Balance Is Key
If you have a round face and wear a round hat, your face can look even rounder. However, when you choose a hat that complements your face shape, everything falls into place. It’s not magic—it’s just about finding the right shape.
The Right Hat Brings Out Your Best Features
A hat is not only for covering your head. It also changes how your face looks. If you have a strong jawline, a soft hat shape can balance it. If your face is long, a wide-brimmed hat can make it look more even. The right hat makes your features stand out naturally.
A Hat That Suits Your Face Builds Confidence
When a hat suits your face, your confidence shows right away. It looks natural, like it was meant for you. You stop worrying about how it looks because it just feels right for you. The right hat works only if it suits your face shape, so let’s figure out what shape you have.
7 Most Common Face Shapes
Different face shapes suit different hat styles. Before you pick your next hat, it helps to know which face shape you have.
1. Round Face
A round face has soft curves and a similar width and length. You might have full cheeks and a rounded chin.
2. Square Face
A square face has a strong jawline and equal width across the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw. It gives a bold, angular look.
3. Oval Face
An oval face is slightly longer than it is wide, with a gently rounded chin. It’s considered very balanced, so most hat styles suit it.
4. Heart-Shaped Face
A heart-shaped face has a wider forehead and a narrow chin, often with prominent cheekbones.
5. Diamond Face
A diamond face has a narrow forehead and chin with wider cheekbones. This shape gives a striking, angular appearance.
6. Rectangular Face
A rectangular face is longer than it is wide, with straight sides and a well-defined jawline. It combines the length of an oblong face with the angular features of a square face.
7. Triangle Face
A triangular face is wider at the jaw and gradually narrows toward the forehead. This distinct shape can be beautifully complemented by the right hat.
Not sure what your face shape is? Let’s figure it out. It’s easier than you think.
How to Measure Your Face Shape
Finding your face shape is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Tools You Will Need:
- A flexible measuring tape or a piece of string, you can measure afterward with a ruler.
- A mirror (to make it easier to see what you’re doing)
- Pen and paper (to jot down your measurements)
Step 1: Measure Your Forehead
Start by measuring the widest part of your forehead. Place the tape or string on one side and stretch it to the other. For example, if it’s 6 inches, that’s your forehead width.
Step 2: Measure Your Cheekbones
Next, measure across your cheekbones at their highest points. For example, if it’s 6.5 inches, that’s your cheekbone width.
Step 3: Measure Your Jawline
Measure from the bottom of your chin to where your jaw meets your ear. For example, if this distance is 4 inches on one side, multiply it by 2 to get a total jawline measurement of 8 inches. This gives you your jawline length.
Step 4: Measure the Length of Your Face
Finally, measure from the center of your hairline straight down to the bottom of your chin. For example, if it’s 8 inches, that’s the length of your face.
The most important thing is to notice which measurement is largest. This is because your face shape depends mostly on the widest or longest part of your face. Looking at it helps you choose hats that fit your face better.
Once you have your measurements, try our face shape calculator to quickly find your face shape and see which hats will suit you best.
Still unsure how to measure your face? Watch this quick video to see it step by step.
Now let’s compare your numbers to the most common face shapes to see which one matches yours.
1. Round Face: Your cheeks and face length are about the same, and both are wider than your forehead and jawline. This gives a soft, rounded look.
2. Oval Face: Your face is longer than it is wide, the forehead is slightly wider than the jawline, and your jaw is gently rounded. This shape is balanced and works well with many hat styles.
3. Square Face: Your jawline and forehead are about the same width, and your face has straight sides. This gives a strong, angular look.
4. Heart-Shaped Face: Your forehead is wider than your cheekbones, and your chin is narrow.
5. Diamond Face: Your face is widest across the cheekbones. The forehead and jawline are narrower.
6. Oblong Face: Your face is longer than it is wide, and your jawline is straight or slightly rounded. This face looks long overall.
7. Triangle Face: Your jawline is wider than your forehead, and your chin is narrow. The face looks wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, like an upside-down triangle.
With these simple steps, you can identify your face shape.
How to Choose the Perfect Hat for Your Face Shape
Now that you know your face shape, you can find hat styles that suit each type. Let’s explore the best hats for each face shape and see which ones complement your features.
1. Best Hats for Round Faces
Pick hats with a taller crown or wider brim to make your face look longer. Fedoras, pork pie hats, newsboy caps, chunky knit beanies, or wide-brim hats work well. Avoid tight or fully rounded hats that add extra width.
2. Best Hats for Oval Faces
You can wear almost any hat style. Baseball caps, bucket hats, sun hats, knit trapper hats, cowboy hats, wide-brim fedoras, chunky knit beanies, newsboy caps, flat caps, cloche hats, or beret hats all look good.
Avoid very small hats that hide your face, and stay away from hats with tall crowns because they can make your face appear longer than it is.
3. Best Hats for Square Faces
Choose hats with gentle curves to soften a strong jawline. Bowler hats, cloche hats, cowboy hats, floppy hats, bucket hats, wide-brimmed Panamas, newsboy caps, or berets all work well. Avoid boxy hats or stiff-brimmed styles that make angles stand out.
4. Best Hats for Heart-Shaped Faces
Pick hats that are wider at the bottom to balance a broader forehead. Floppy hats, medium-brim hats, beanies, cloche hats, berets, boaters, homburgs, or trilbies are good options. Avoid tall hats on top, as they can make the forehead look bigger.
5. Best Hats for Diamond Faces
Choose hats with medium-brim or low-profiles to balance prominent cheekbones. Trilbies, cloche hats, baseball caps, beanies, or pork pie hats are good options. Avoid narrow or tall hats, as they can emphasize the angles of your face.
6. Best Hats for Rectangular (Oblong) Faces
Pick hats with wide brims and lower crowns to balance the length of your face. Wide-brim hats, bucket hats, newsboy caps, flat caps, or dad hats work well. Avoid tall or narrow hats, as they can make your face appear even longer.
7. Best Hats for Triangle Faces
Select hats with a wider crown and narrower brim to balance a strong jawline. Fedoras, baseball caps, cloche hats, floppy hats, or snapbacks work best. Avoid hats that are heavy at the bottom.
How to Look Good in a Hat (Styling Tips)
Looking good in a hat isn’t just about the style. Your face shape, how the hat fits, and the confidence you wear it with all matter. Here are some simple tips to pull off any hat with ease.
Pick a Hat That Suits Your Face
Start with your face shape. If you have a round face, go for hats that add height, like fedoras or structured styles.
If your face is longer, wide-brim hats usually look better. The goal is to balance your features, not hide them.
Make Sure the Hat Fits You Right
A hat that’s too tight looks awkward and feels uncomfortable. One that’s too loose keeps slipping. It should sit comfortably on your head without pressing your forehead.
Choose a Hat That Complements Your Outfit
Your hat should go well with what you’re wearing. For formal outfits, sleek hats like a fedora or trilby work best. For casual looks, you can wear dad caps, baseball caps, bucket hats, or beanies. When your hat suits your outfit, your whole look feels natural and put together.
Select the Right Color and Material
The color and fabric can change your whole look. Light shades are great for summer, while darker tones fit better in winter. Straw or cotton hats work for warm days; wool or felt hats are perfect for cold weather.
Wear It with Confidence
The best accessory to any hat is confidence. If you wear it like it belongs to you, it will look good no matter what.
Quick Tip: If you wear glasses, choose hats that don’t press against the frames and sit comfortably on your head.
Hat Care Tips
To keep your hat in good condition:
- Clean Your Hat Regularly: Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to gently clean it. Always check the care label before cleaning.
- Store Properly: Don’t squish your hat. Keep it in a hat box or hang it on a hook to maintain its shape.
- Keep It Dry: Wool and felt hats can lose shape if they get wet. If that happens, let them dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Hat for Your Face
There aren’t any strict rules to find the right hat; it’s all about balance and comfort. Once you understand your face shape, you’ll start to notice which styles naturally suit you.
Try different hats, see what feels right, and don’t overthink it. In the end, the best hat is the one that feels natural and gives you confidence when you wear it.
FAQs
How do I know if I look good with a hat?
If the hat feels comfortable and looks right when you see yourself in the mirror, it probably suits you. Try a few styles and stick with one that feels natural.
Why do hats not suit me?
It could be the wrong size or style for your face shape. Try adjusting how you wear it or test a few different shapes until one look and feels good.
Can I wear any hat, or does it have to match my face shape?
You can wear any hat you like, but some hats look better with certain face shapes. Knowing your face shape just helps you choose more easily.
What kind of hat should I wear if I have a long, thin face and big ears?
Go for hats with wider brims or lower crowns. Bucket hats, newsboy caps, and wide-brim fedoras are all good options.
Which color hat goes with everything?
Neutral colors like black, beige, gray, or navy match most outfits. If you want one hat that goes with everything, start with one of these.
