Source: American Hat Makers

If you want to add a wow factor to your next collection, you need head accessories. And what better head accessory is there than different types of hats? They can match your outfits, protect you from the sun, and make you look extra stylish.

There’s more to hats than you might think. There are ones that you can use daily. Meanwhile, there are also types of caps you can use for different activities. Whatever event you’re going to, there’s always a perfect hat for you.

Although tops and bottoms are fashion staples, head accessories are what make a look stand out. Most brands forget this, so use it to your advantage. You can play around with their shape, brim, fabric, and more. This article will tell you just that and more, so read more.

What are the different types of hats?

The shape and brim of a hat dictate its vibes and style. In turn, these styles define which occasions and outfits the hat is for. So, you need to learn all about them to become a master of hat-making.

Lucky you, we’ve compiled a list of the different types of hats you can use here. To help you further, we also included what fabric you must use for them and their background. 

Baseball Caps

You are probably most familiar with this cap. Baseball caps continue to be at the peak of its popularity today. We can’t blame people for loving them because their simple design goes with everything. 

These caps fit snugly to the head and have a brim on the front. Other than these features, you have the power to decide how to design them. Additionally, baseball caps are soft because of their cotton and polyester materials. 

Baseball caps date back to the 1940s. As you may have observed from their name, baseball players wore these type of hats. Back then, they were part of athletes’ baseball uniforms, helping them rise to popularity. As the sport became more loved, so did the baseball cap. 

You can wear them for baseball or golf. But these are also great for casual wear. For casual looks, go with a simple shirt and jeans with this cap.

Sun Hats

Is the sun hurting your eyes? Don’t worry. Sun hats come to your rescue. These hats have a wide brim, shading your eyes and face. You can then design them with ribbons, logos, and more around the crown. 

To make these hats, you can use straw, cotton, or canvas. These materials make them lightweight, making them comfortable to wear.

The heat and rays of the sun have long been a problem. So, it’s only understandable that designers have devised ways since ancient Greece and Rome. Then, in the 1900s, farmers began using straw sun hats to protect themselves. You can use sun hats for outdoor activities. But, they look most excellent as beach or picnic wear. Wear them with a dress or polo shirt.

3. Beanies

A beanie or a skullcap is easy to spot among a sea of different types of hats. This type of cap is snug to the crown of the head. But, unlike the baseball hat, these do not contain any brim. So, if you don’t want any brim to obstruct your field of view, beanies are for you.

Use wool if you want your beanie to absorb your environment’s moisture. Because of this, it can keep you cold or warm.

The beanie is a hat as old as time. The first beanie ever found was in the Bronze Age. Experts found the body of a man frozen in a mountain. They presumed that he lived in the 3250 BC. What’s more, he had a bearskin hat that resembles the beanie we have today.

Beanies always stayed in style. People wear them most during the winter season. But you can also wear them for casual hangouts because of their simple look. Wear them with a leather jacket to elevate the look.

4. Visors

If there are types of hats without a brim, there are also ones without a crown. Visors only come with a brim on the front part. Instead of the crown, these have straps you can use to attach the cap to your head.

You can use a variety of materials for visors. This includes cotton, polyester, wool, nylon, and more.

Visors emerged after Willliam Bower produced them for horseback riding and golf. Because they lacked the crown of the hat, these are more breathable than other caps. Additionally, their front brim protects the wearer from sun glares. Because of these features, visors are perfect for outdoor activities, including baseball and more. Style them with a lightweight long-sleeved polo shirt for such activities.

5. Trucker Caps

This type of cap is a close relative of the baseball cap. But what makes it different is their front brim that has foam. This design makes the brim look taller and straighter than other types of hats. Additionally, this cap’s side and back parts use mesh instead of regular hat fabrics, making it breathable.

In the 1960s, trucker caps first started as a hoft companies gave to farmers and truckers. The mesh fabric of the cap helped workers against sweating. Today, they are more than company gifts. You can use them for hiking or other activities. Pair them with a regular tee and field pants for more comfort.

6. Boho Hats

Boho hats take inspiration from the free-spirited style of the boho fashion. Their wide brims characterize them. Moreover, you can design them with feathers or beads. There are different materials you can use to make them, such as straw, wool, and cotton. These fabrics make the hat lightweight and soft.

In the 1900s, people began exploring artistic designs. With the emphasis on unconventional style during this time, boho hats emerged and began to rise in popularity. Today, creative individuals continue to make them a fashion staple.

You can wear them for beach getaways or picnics. For women, you can style them with a flowy dress. Meanwhile, for men, you can go with polo shirts and denim shorts.

7. Bucket Hats

Bucket hats dominate the trends today. With their distinct design, it’s no wonder why. Their bucket-like shape makes them more unique than other hats. It has a brim like other hats. But, unlike the others, the wide brim slopes down, almost covering the eyes. This brim acts as a protection against sun rays, rain, or snow.

For these types of hats, you can use cotton, twill, linen, denim, and more. 

This unique hat originated in the 1900s. Back then, people wore them for fishing, hunting, and other activities. The same is true until today. But men and women also love to wear them as a stylistic choice. You can wear a bucket hat for any casual occasion, and it’d certainly add a statement to your look. 

You can wear these types of hats with a graphic shirt and baggy jeans for a streetwear style

8. Snapbacks

Snapbacks emerged as a modern version of the baseball cap. That’s why it’s only understandable for them to have similarities. Like baseball caps, they also have snuggly fit crowns and a front brim.

But, unlike baseball caps, these hats have a stiffer, flatter brim. Furthermore, these have an adjustable strap you can “snap” to fit your head. You can make this type of cap using fabrics like cotton, nylon, polyester, and more.

Snapbacks debuted in 1958. During this time, a baseball team called Brooklyn Excelsiors used them. This then kickstarted the popularity of snapbacks. 

You can wear this cap to make an edgy look to your style. For this style, wear an oversized shirt. In addition, you can wear them to outdoor activities like baseball, tennis, and more. Here, you can wear them with your jersey shirt and shorts.

9. Dad Hats

Among other types of caps mentioned, this looks the closest to baseball hats. They have the same fit of the crown and curved front brim.

To differentiate them from baseball hats, you need to see whether they have front linings or not. If they don’t have the linings, they’re dad hats. Because of this characteristic, they’re much softer and more relaxed-looking than baseball caps. To make these laid-back-looking hats, use canvas, corduroy, or soft cotton. 

Dad hats, like trucker caps and snapbacks, are an innovation of the baseball cap. People began using these in the 1970s, and they were especially popular among middle-aged men. 

But, today, both the young and old generations wear them for their relaxed look. You can wear it on a lazy day or even during your daily jogs. Just put some shirts and sweatpants on, and you’re ready to go.

10. Gambler Hats

If you love watching action movies, you’d probably see gambler characters wearing these type of hats. Hence, the name. Gambler hats have a unique oval-shaped crown and a wide brim. They also typically come in white, black, or brown colors. You can make high-quality gambler hats using straw or fine leather. 

It’s unclear where gambler hats originated. But, what’s for sure is that it became famous when gamblers wore them to casinos. Because of this, people began associating these hats with gamblers. 

But today, you can also see people walking down the streets wearing them. In addition, you can also wear them while horseback riding for a swagger look. Pair them with a leather jacket to increase edginess.

11. Fedora Hats

You can easily identify a fedora or snap-brim hat by its indented crowns. These crowns look pinched in the middle. Moreover, these have a wide brim. This type of hat uses distinct fabrics, including felt, wool, and leather.

Victorien Sardou, a French hat maker, is the one to thank for fedora hats in 1890. The hat got its name from a character in Sardou’s play, “Fedora.” Soon after, the hat became a fashion accessory both men and women wore. Today, the hat’s popularity hasn’t decreased. 

You can wear this on a cruise for its classic design. You can also wear these for your vacation. Wear these with a maxi dress or a plain white shirt. You don’t need to go all-out in styling with this one. The fedora hat will become your outfit’s highlight.

12. Boater Hat

This type of hat has a stiff and flat brim and crown. Its stiff design makes the hat look classic. Moreover, its brim is wide and ovular-shaped. Boater hats or skimmer hats typically use straw, wool, or fringe.

The origin of boater hats took place in the late 1800s. As the hat’s name suggests, boaters first wore this type of hat. Back then, gondoliers mostly wore them in cities like Venice. In the past, only men wore them. But today, women wear them too.

You can wear these hats for fishing or towing events. Believe it or not, other people also wear these for weddings. Their classic look makes them especially excellent for such occasions. Wear them with a cardigan for casual events. For weddings, wear them with your dress or suit.

13. Western Hats

Western hats or cowboy hats have wide brims that shield your eyes from the sun. Additionally, these have high crowns. But, what makes them unique among other wide-brimmed hats are their chin straps. You can use their chin straps to secure the hat in place. These comprise materials like straw, plastic, or leather.

John B. Stetson created this type of hat back in 1865. He dubbed the hat as the “Boss of Plains.” It then instantly became famous because the hat’s durability was ideal for Western workers. From then on, the hat Stetson produced went through several changes until it became the cowboy hat we know today.

You can wear Western hats while horseback riding. Their chin straps help ensure that the hat doesn’t fly away from the wind as the horse runs. But you can also wear them for casual beach or picnic hangouts. Then, style them with some jeans and boots.

14. Army Hats

Army hats are those types of caps you see the military wearing. There are different designs for these caps. Some have short brims and crowns. Meanwhile, some have foldable crowns. But you can easily identify army hats with their camo prints. 

These type of hats also use fabrics like vinyl, polyester, acrylics, and more. These materials make the hat withstand different weather conditions.

This type of hat has different designs, as each military uses a variation of them. That’s why it’s difficult to find their origins. What’s for sure is that the military has long used army hats for different missions. Additionally, some stores make replicas of them for normal civilians. 

You can wear replicas of army hats for different occasions. You can wear it to brunch, to go grocery shopping, or to a daily jog. Style it with a plain white shirt and camo-printed pants to complete the look.

15. Berets

Beret hats offer a retro look. This type of hat doesn’t have visors to shield the eyes, making them look unconventional. But, even without visors, berets have a small, narrow brim. Also, these have a circular shape and flat crown. To achieve a soft texture, use wool or leather for them.

This hat takes its roots in a Bearnaise town when Laulhere produced them. The company has been making berets since 1840. From then, berets began to make appearancces in famous paintings. It has then transcended its popularity throughout time, as people continue to wear them today.

Berets are most known for their elegance. Most artists wear this while painting. You can also wear them while drinking coffee in a cafe or shopping. Pair them with a plaid cardigan or an all-black outfit for a classic look.

16. Beach Hats

These hats have wide brims to shade against the sun. But what’s special about their brims is their flexibility. You can shape these brims according to how you want them. You can have it flat, curved, or ovular. For beach hats, it’s best to use straw, wool, or cotton.

Back in the Victorian era, women began wearing wide-brimmed hats similar to beach hats. They mostly wore hats during summer to protect themselves against the heat. Hats like these continued to evolve from then on, birthing the beach hats. 

You can wear these type of hats for a summer getaway. Aside from shielding your face and neck from the sun, these are lightweight. Style them with a flowy dress or a shirt and shorts.

17. Bowler Hats

Bowler hats or derby hats have short brims that curl up. In addition, these have a round shape and oval crown. This type of hat commonly uses fur felt. Its history links to Sit Thomas William Coke back in 1849. Back then, the usual tall hats easily fell because of tree branches. As a solution, Coke made this moderately tall hat.

This type of hat has a sophisticated look because of its shape. That’s why it’s perfect for formal occasions. You can then wear your bowler hat with your suit.

18. Cloche Hats

This hat has a unique bell shape. Cloche hats have tightly fitted low crowns. These have a flared brim. But the brim’s size depends on your preference. For this type of hat, you can use wool, straw, cotton kinits, bamboo viscose, and more.

Caroline Reboux created the cloche hat in 1908. Reboux had an atelier that noblewomen visited. Additionally, she had close contacts with famous actresses. That’s why the cloche hat easily became a women’s fashion staple after she made them. But, today, men can wear them too.

These hats have an elegant look, so they’re excellent for semi-formal events. Wear them with a dress or long-sleeved polo. You can also amp up your style with a matching mini-neck scarf.

19. Panama Hats

Panama hats don’t have distinct brim or crown shapes. Instead, people know them for their woven design and light cream color. In addition, you can only use thin straws made from Toquilla palm for them.

These hats have a long history in Ecuador. It has been around for 500 years, and you can find several statues wearing them. Ecuador is popular for its weaving tradition, so they make the best Panama hats.

You can wear these for different occasions. May it be brunch with friends or a boating ride. You can even wear them for formal events like weddings. Wear a long-sleeved polo shirt and jeans or some chinos to style them.

How To Pick The Right Hat

Choosing the right hat is a challenging feat. Some types of hats make you look too casual, while others look too formal. Furthermore, you need to know what hat flatters your face and body. By doing so, you can ensure that you have a seamless, excellent look. Various types of hats can define your look for the day, so you need to pick wisely. Good thing we have just the guide for you.

Here’s what you should do:

1.  Know Where You Want To Wear Your Hat

Do you want a hat you could wear daily? Or do you want one you could wear for more formal events? There are also hats for picnics and beach getaways. You need to know which specific occasions you would wear your hat before you buy anything.

For casual hangouts, choose hats that have front beams. These can range from baseball caps to snapbacks. Meanwhile, for more formal ones, choose hats with classic designs like berets and bowler hats. Lastly, for beach attire, go with wide-brimmed hats like sun hats.

2. Learn Which Hats Flatter Your Face Shape

Your face shape dictates what shape of a hat you should choose. Picking the wrong hat would ruin your look. 

So, if you have a long face shape, pick a hat with a wide brim and low crown. A high crown would make your face longer, so avoid these. On the other hand, short face shapes look great with hats with taller crowns without a brim.

If you have a rounder face shape, choose angular hats. Meanwhile, for more angular faces, choose circular, more rounded hats.

3. Measure Your Head

Having a hat that fits you excellently is crucial. If the crown of the hat is too loose on you, it could easily fall. Meanwhile, if it’s too snug, it can be uncomfortable. So, ensure that you measure the diameter of your head with a tape measure before shopping.

In Closing

In an outfit, hats could be your cherry on top. Just imagine a plain shirt with jeans. It would look too boring, right? But include a hat with it, and it would look excellent. Accessorizing an outfit is the key. And there’s almost no better way of accessorizing than doing it with hats. Aside from this, they also protect you from the sun, rain, or snow. 

What’s even more important for brands is that hats are unisex. So, when you design a hat collection, you can market them for both men and women. In fact, experts expect their revenue to amount to $26.32 billion by 2026. So, don’t let this opportunity out of your grasp and design a hat collection now.

Do you need more types of hats for your brand? Look no further. Bryden Apparel is one click away. Contact us today.