The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Hats: A Style for Every Occasion - City Hatters

The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Hats: A Style for Every Occasion

•

Key Takeaways:  

  • Baseball caps, bucket hats, and beanies for perfect for comfy, everyday wear. 

  • Elevate your look with fedoras, Panama hats, or wide-brim hats for formal events. 

  • Hat types can balance your facial structure. Choose fedoras for round faces and wide-brim hats for square jawlines. 

  • City Hatters is century-old Melbourne icon, with an extensive collection to help you find your perfect hat style. 

Every wardrobe deserves the perfect hat. More than just handy accessories, hats are a classic statement that can define your personal style and complete any look. Whether you're seeking a casual cap for everyday wear, or a distinguished finishing touch for a formal event, you can find a hat style to suit every occasion, mood, and season.  

This comprehensive guide to hats is brought to you by City Hatters, your trusted Australian experts with over a century of heritage. Read on to discover which types of hats are right for you, exploring everything from laid-back caps to elegant formal hats and everything in between.  

Classic Everyday Hats 

For the moments when comfort meets cool, make these everyday hats your go-to choice. Perfect for adding a laid-back touch or a sporty vibe, they’re the staple hat types for daily wear: 

  • Baseball Cap: This quintessential sporty type of cap is ideal for casual wear. A great baseball cap blends athleisure looks with modern streetwear styles. 

  • Bucket Hat: Enjoying a '90s revival, bucket hats create a relaxed, unpretentious look, making them perfect for festivals, beach days, and summer outings.  

  • Beanie: An indispensable winter essential, the beanie provides warmth and a cozy, casual vibe, making it a staple for cooler weather and relaxed outfits. 

  • Dad Hat: Characterised by its soft, unstructured crown and curved brim, the dad hat offers a minimal, laid-back feel, popular for its effortless cool. 

These types of caps and hats lend themselves to relaxed, everyday wear, whether you're running errands, enjoying a weekend outing, or adding a relaxed finish to your look. Choose one crafted from comfortable materials like cotton, or soft wool for beanies, so it feels as good as it looks. Style them for an understated vibe, perhaps pairing a classic baseball cap with a crisp white tee and jeans, or a bucket hat with resort wear for vacation-ready vibes. 

Elegant and Formal Hats 

When the occasion calls for a little more sophistication, these hat styles rise to the moment. They’re perfect for events where you want to make a memorable statement: 

  • Fedora: A versatile and timeless hat style, the fedora seamlessly transitions from smart-casual to formal attire with an air of classic charm. 

  • Panama Hat: Lightweight and breezy, the Panama hat is the quintessential choice for summer weddings, garden parties, and upscale resort wear. 

  • Pillbox Hat: A statement in vintage elegance, the pillbox hat is a chic and refined option, ideal for formal gatherings, lunches, and the races. 

Formal hats are often crafted from finer materials like felt, straw, or sinamay, designed to complement more structured outfits. When styling, match your hat's formality to the event. A fedora can elevate a suit, while a Panama hat suits linen tailoring. For races or formal gatherings, let a pillbox or wide-brim hat be your ensemble's confident focal point. 

Coordinate colours, materials, and structure with your outfit and suit to achieve a polished aesthetic. 

Seasonal & Functional Hats 

Hats aren't always just for style. Many are designed with practicality and protection in mind. These types of hats combine fashion with function, making them essential for summer days out, especially in Australia. 

  • Sun Hat: Your ultimate sun protection companion, this hat style features a broad brim to shade your face, making it perfect for holidays, beach days. Find out more in our Guide to Sun Hats.  

  • Straw Hat: Exceptionally lightweight and breathable, the straw hat is ideal for picnics, beachwear, and leisurely countryside strolls, offering classic summer charm. 

  • Trapper Hat: A cold-weather essential, the trapper hat is defined by its deep crown and prominent ear flaps, often lined with faux fur or shearling. 

  • Rain Hats: Don't let a downpour dampen your style. These hat types, often crafted from waxed cotton or treated nylon, provide practical, waterproof protection. 

Statement & Fashion-Forward Hats 

For those who view headwear as an extension of their personality and want to make a lasting impression, these are the hats designed to turn heads: 

  • Beret: Embodying Parisian chic, the beret is a sophisticated and artistic statement, often worn as a bold accessory to elevate an ensemble. 

  • Boater Hat: With its stiff, flat crown and brim, the boater hat is a vintage-inspired and perfect for adding a touch of nostalgic charm to summer looks. 

  • Top Hat: Usually reserved for the traditional and formal occasions, top hats often appear at white tie events or as a unique costume piece for themed parties. 

  • Cowboy Hat: With its distinctive high crown and wide, curved brim, a classic cowboy hat blends country charm with city chic.  

Choosing the Right Hat Type for the Occasion 

Choosing the right type of hat can feel overwhelming. So, we created this 5-step guide to make the process simple and stress-free. 

  1. Match the Occasion: Choose your hat style based on the event's formality. Think classic fedoras, pillbox hats, or wide-brim hats for formal gatherings. Baseball caps and bucket hats suit casual everyday outings. 

  1. Consider Season & Material: Choose materials appropriate for the weather. Light, breathable straw hats or Panama hats are ideal for summer, while cozy felt or wool (like in a trapper hat or beanie) are perfect for colder months. 

  1. Flatter Your Face: Select hat types that balance your facial structure. For instance, fedoras with sharp lines suit round faces, while wide-brim hats soften square jawlines. 

  1. Coordinate with Your Outfit: Match your hat's colour, material, and structure to your look. Neutrals offer versatility for formal looks, while bold colours can create a statement with simpler outfits. 

  1. Experiment with Confidence: Don't be afraid to try different hat styles that define your personal style. Finding the right hat can elevate your entire look!  

The Perfect Hat is Waiting for you at City Hatters 

Our advice? Don't be afraid to experiment! Embrace the experience of discovering the perfect type of hat that speaks your language and complements your style.  

When you’re ready to find your next signature piece, make City Hatters your first choice. We’re pleased to offer an unparalleled collection of hats for every taste and occasion, crafted from the finest materials for a perfect, long-lasting fit. 

Explore our online collection or visit us in-store at Flinders Street Station (under the clock) to experience our century-old heritage and expert service firsthand. 

 

Newer post
Older post
Back to blog