Bowlers, beavers, balmorals… There are hundreds of different types of hats for men out there. Some look understated, some make a statement, and others are downright ridiculous.
There are many practical benefits of wearing hats. They keep your head warm and can hide many sins if you’ve had an unsuccessful trip to the barbers. Or, if you’re feeling self-conscious about losing your hair (which you shouldn’t, it happens to almost all men!) they can help you feel more confident.
But it’s difficult to know which hats for men are in fashion or how to style hats. Don’t worry! This guide will break down all the modern hat styles for men, what clothes to wear with them, and for what occasions.
1. Beanie Hats
Beanie hats are one of the most popular and timeless types of hats for men. They are brimless, crown-hugging, unisex hats most often made from warm materials like wool. Though they are a winter essential, you can wear them in fall and spring whenever you feel a chill in the air.
Beanies are a casual style of hat, so feel free to wear them on weekends with sneakers and hoodies. Or, you can dress them up with a stylish wool trench coat and straight-leg jeans.
They are available in a wide variety of colors. So, you can choose a minimalist monochrome beanie or a bright yellow, orange, or green one for a pop of color.
Opt for a cuffed beanie when you need a little extra warmth around your ears. You can choose a fisherman-style ribbed beanie or a thin, merino wool hat. Unless you rocked up to a black-tie event or the beach wearing one, it’s difficult to go wrong with a beanie hat!
2. Trucker Hats and Baseball Caps
If beanie hats are the quintessential hat for cold weather, then baseball hats are timeless warm-weather casual hats.
Baseball caps are, of course, hats first worn by baseball players with a stiff peak to shield their faces from the sun. They come in a variety of straps so you can adjust the size of the hat, including:
- Snapback fastening
- Strap back with hook and loop
- Strap back with a buckle
Some of the peaks can be flat like a classic snapback hat and some are softer and made of canvas (i.e. dad hats). Trucker hats for men have a cotton material peak and front panel but mesh around the rest of the cap.
Trucker hats for men are a fantastic choice in summer, in particular. They keep your face safe from the sun’s harmful rays but the mesh will stop your head from getting too sweaty. YNOTlifestyle.com and BackCountry.com both sell a fantastic selection of trucker hats.
3. Fedoras and Trilby Hats
Do you think beanie hats and baseball caps are a little too basic for your style? Why not invest in a fedora or trilby hat instead?
Fedoras are hats with a creased crown, ribboned belt, wide brim, and most often consist of felt. Trilbys are similar but they have a narrower brim and a taller crown. Popularized by gangsters and movie stars in the first half of the 1900s, they’ve made a comeback in the last couple of decades.
You would wear them both for formal or classier events or days where you want to look your best. They’re more of a fashion statement than a practical men’s hat.
4. Newsboy and Flat Caps
These hats are the traditional hat of the working man earning an honest buck down the mines, on a farm, or in a factory. They both have a narrow front brim and a soft, flat top. Most consist of soft, durable fabrics like tweed, cotton, and/or wool.
Dating back to the 19th century, the popular British TV show Peaky Blinders helped the resurgence of this semi-casual men’s hat. You can wear them with a tweed blazer and a button-down for family parties and corporate events.
5. Bucket Hats
Bucket hats are the baseball cap’s quirky, hip younger cousin. The ideal summer hat, bucket hats have a wide, 360-degree brim shielding your face and neck from the sun. They have a relaxed fit and are available in heaps of colors and designs.
Canvas is the most popular bucket hat material but cotton, wool, and denim are also common.
They were popular in the early 1990s amongst ravers and skaters but in the last five years, they’ve made a huge comeback as a comfy, casual sunhat.
5. Trapper Hats
Beanies not cutting it for you in a cold climate? Upgrade to a trapper hat for the ultimate cozy head experience. They are also known as Russian hats and have flaps to cover your ears and most have a fur lining.
The outer material of this hat varies. You can choose a trapper hat with water-resistant materials like nylon. Or, opt for a hat made with fashionable materials like corduroy.
You could even opt for a tartan-patterned trapper hat to look like a classic outdoorsman. Team one with a plaid shirt, heavy boots, and a pair of jeans for a classic casual winter look.
6. Boaters and Panama Hats
If you’ve ever looked at a barbershop quartet and thought, “dang, I love their style”, then boater hats might be the hat for you.
Granted, it’s a strong look. Boater hats are often straw hats with a stiff, 360-degree rim and are most often seen on pictures of people in the Victorian era. But, if you are attending a formal summer event then you could not choose a better, more memorable accessory.
Or if you want a man’s hat with a little more swagger, opt for a Panama hat instead. Wear either with light-colored khakis and a floral button-down shirt to sell the whole Mediterranean summer vibe.
Which Types of Hats for Men Suit Your Style?
Whether you are looking for a practical way to stay warm, cool, or a way to revamp your look, there are tons of types of hats for men to choose from. Be timeless in a beanie or fashion-forward in a boater, the choice is up to you.
Switching up your look and need more help finding your new style? Our website has tons more fashion tips to help people of all genders with their appearance!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
