Mens Hats
Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 September 2009 11:06 Sunday, 30 August 2009 21:02
Hats are an item of clothing often overlooked by men. We can grow up with one type of hat through school, college and into our working life. If it doesn't match our current attire, its left behind. Unless you're a hat afficionado it never really occurs to men that there are a myriad of hats to suit every outfit and image. For women hats are an accessory to an outfit. For most men, hats are purely functional in keeping the head warm.
The Beanie (Tuque)
Some hats are so versatile its difficult to pidgeon hole them into wardrobes. There are various styles of beanie but he most popular is the Tuque (or snookie). This is knit or crocheted cap made of wool, acrylic or fleece. After a stint in the 1940's, the beanie made a comeback in the 1990's. In colder climates, the beanie is extremely functional, protecting the head and keeping it warm. The end of the cap is normally turned up and can be adorned with brand names. The Beanie is so versatile and comes in so many styles that it can be worn with just about any outfit - except for suits!
Baseball Hat
After the beanie, the baseball hat is one of the most popular hats, particularly in Japan and the United States. It originated from the Brooklyn Excelsiors in 1860. The adjustable strap at the back meant it was easy to manufacture and sell (one size fits all), and the branding or logo of teams and companies could be placed on the front. The bill is normally worn forwards but can be worn to the side or backwards. It can be worn casually or for sport, but should be avoided for semi-formal or formal occasions.
Beret
A hat of French origins its made of soft material with a flat crown. Its soft material allows it to be pushed to any side to form a peak. Whilst it used be the preserve of film directors, the military have used the beret in hundreds of units and styles. It is often associated with elite or paramilitary units. It's dropped out of fashion in recent times.
Fedora
The Indianan Jones Hat! One hat that has made a noticeable comeback into the mainstream in recent years is the fedora. Its easily recognisable by its crease that travels from the front to the back on the crown of the hat. Its front is pinched, and the brim extends out. Its normally accompanied by a hat band. The fedora is particularly suited to suits and 'strong' casual wear (think distressed jeans and leather).
Derby Hats
In the UK the derby is known as the bowler hats. THe crown of the hat is rounded as is the brim that extends out a few inches. One famous image of the derby or bowler hats was the film A Clockwork Orange by Stanley Kubrick. They enjoyed a brief rebound in popularity after the film but have become almost absent from modern wear.
Cowboy Hat
It can be hard to pull off the cowboy hat unless your are 1. A cowboy or 2. In a cowboy area. It comes in a huge variety of sizes, styles and colors. Unless you are in some way doing something 'cowboyish', avoid wearing.
The Flat Cap
The Flat cap originated in Ireland and England in the 14th Century. Its referred to as the bonnet in Scotland. It has become popular in modern times and can be worn with suits and casual wear.
Newsboy cap
This cap too has made something of a comeback in recent times. It is basically the same as the flat cap but comes with a rounder puffed up body and a trademark button on top. The most common varieties are made from tweed, leather and wool. Women have started wearing this type of hat recently whilst men have reverted to wearing the flat cap.
The Panama Hat
THe Panama hat originated in Ecuador and was first brought to American prominence by Teddy Roosevelt. Its made using the Toquilla strawplant. Its lightness makes it suitable for warmer climes and summer days.
Trilby Hat
Just Timerlake has worn the trilby hat quiet a few times. ITs narrow brim and soft felt narrow to a sharp crown. Its very similar to the fedora, except for its narrow brim. It originated in London and its fabrics reflect its origins - wool, tweed and rabid hair.
There are some rules of thumb you can use to choose a hat that suits you. Just like vertical stripes can make you seem taller, a taller crown and a crown that narrows makes you taller. If you want to look taller, choose a narrow band and a crown that it tall and tapers. Bands in a contrasting color to the hat also add height, drawing the eyes of the looker upwards.
