Choosing the Correct Hat for your Body Type

[Zombie_61]

The hat that looks best on you is the one you think looks best on you.

Quoted for truth. Well, truth in my opinion. If you see a hat you like, buy it and wear it; it's really that simple. Except for these blowhard self-appointed "experts", 99% of the people you encounter couldn't care less about the hat you're wearing and they certainly aren't wasting any of their time assessing whether or not it's "right" for you. If they notice you at all you're just a man or woman wearing a hat, and then they're off to deal with whatever they want or need to deal with.

And the other 1% are usually family and friends who are either complimenting your hat choice just to appease you, or who are offering their sincere but uninformed opinions. I have a couple of hats that my wife has told me in no uncertain terms she doesn't like on me, so out of respect for her I don't wear them when I'm with her. Otherwise, I wear my hats as I please (within reason, that is; I do have a few self-imposed rules of hat etiquette) and don't give a rat's backside about what anyone else thinks of them.

 

[Michael R.]

I hoped folks would post helpful info for newbies . We understand you have to eat the meat and spit out the bones . There are a lot of guys looking for help . We know what we like and don't . Maybe Vic @carouselvic will repost the haberdasher guide here . Thanks for helping guys .

 

[sebastian czentner]

Its a helpfull thread. But as other pointed most of the people dont care about how fit the hat on you. My neighbour thinks that all my hats suits me. My mather thinks that the derby is my best sits. My literture teacher thinks my homburg. etc.
Myself depends on my mood or what im wearing i wear either Fedoras, Funyis, Homburg, Top hats , derby or trillbys.

 

[carouselvic]

 

[carouselvic]

 

[Michael R.]

Thanks Vic @carouselvic , thats the Best Guide I've ever seen . Much Appreciated !

 

[Zoukatron]

With regards to Western hats not fitting classic style rules... I've been thinking about this one, and I'm not sure I agree. I think it more a case that they potentially follow the same rules, just with the proportions enlarged. After all, whilst many Western hats have huge brims, many of them also have huge crowns. This is not really that complete a theory, as I think a lot of Australian country hats also have huge brims, but not necessarily such huge crowns.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I think it more a case that they potentially follow the same rules, just with the proportions enlarged.

I would totally disagree with your rules & with "The Art..." rules especially when it comes to Western hats. It becomes necessary to take "the measure of the man". Some men no matter their size or build will not look good in a Western hat.

 

[Zombie_61]

With regards to Western hats not fitting classic style rules... I've been thinking about this one, and I'm not sure I agree. I think it more a case that they potentially follow the same rules, just with the proportions enlarged. After all, whilst many Western hats have huge brims, many of them also have huge crowns. This is not really that complete a theory, as I think a lot of Australian country hats also have huge brims, but not necessarily such huge crowns.

One of the things I've noticed while looking at photos taken in the U.S. and Australia during the late-1800s is that the crowns of hats worn by working men often appear to be creased, at least in part, to minimize the amount of space between the the hat and the wearers' heads. Pure speculation on my part, but I think this was done to lessen the amount of air "trapped" under those crowns that could become superheated and make the wearer even less comfortable while working under the relentless sun. I also think this is why companies like Akubra and Stetson designed and produced hats with wider brims and lower tapered crowns--to meet the needs of those working men (and women, in some cases).

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I’m still just not into rules. Not just because I’m a rugged individualists, live free or die sort, but because the rules just don’t work. There are so many exceptions that it just doesn’t make any sense to call them rules. It’s not like math where there is only one right answer.

I get that it’s nice to have a starting point when you’re new to wearing hats but I’d say chose a middle of the road hat (moderate crown and brim etc.) and go from there. Personal tastes plays such a huge role, and what you start out liking probably won’t be what you like in a couple of years. I never thought that I would wear westerns, but now I enjoy throwing one into the mix now and then.

Truth be told, those most into fashion and a “balanced” look will tell you to not wear any of the hats we tend to like the most. Since your western, fedora, bowler, Homburg, etc. is already out of the accepted norms why not just wear what you like and what you think looks good?

Brent




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Michael R.]

@deadlyhandsome they are guidelines , train tracks are for trains , but they will take you to the same place , though you don't have to stay on the tracks , when you come to a road you can get off and go another way . A young guy that likes hats , but doesn't know what will look best often and wants some guidance . Once he gets his feet wet , then he's wadding , after a while he'll learn to swim . A guy may begin one way , and later may feel more confident and change to what he finds he likes better .

 

[deadlyhandsome]

@deadlyhandsome they are guidelines , train tracks are for trains , but they will take you to the same place , though you don't have to stay on the tracks , when you come to a road you can get off and go another way . A young guy that likes hats , but doesn't know what will look best often and wants some guidance . Once he gets his feet wet , then he's wadding , after a while he'll learn to swim . A guy may begin one way , and later may feel more confident and change to what he finds he likes better .

No argument from me on guidance when starting out. We all need that. However, some of the best dressed men with the greatest sartorial verve are the biggest rule breakers. I also think that if you’re wearing a brimmed hat you’ve already jumped the rails for what most consider appropriate men’s wear. Still, I look at photos here all the time to see if there is something new I want to try. I’m still learning and evolving. I constantly look for guidance from a few men here whose style I admire.

I suppose a paint by numbers system is useful when starting out but it’s no way to make a masterpiece...not I’ll ever be a masterpiece

 

[HatLoverGirl]

Wool and fur felt hats will definitely be hotter and generally less comfortable than straw hats during summer months. If you're interested in something that offers actual sun protection rather than just a bit of shade, you might consider a Sunbody hat. They aren't as "fashionable" as the hats on Fashionable Hats and they're at least a little more expensive, but they provide better protection and are more durable than most straw hats. They're also a bit warmer than most straw hats, but that's the trade-off.

I haven't ordered from Fashionable Hats, but I have ordered from their sister site Fashionable Canes and received excellent service each time. If you decide to go that route I don't think you'll be disappointed unless there's a problem with the hat itself.

That is awesome! Thank you for your recommendation, I am so glad I found this forum, so many of you are helpful. I will look in to the Sunbody and see if I like them lol. I do need to have a little bit of a fashion flair lol

 

[HatLoverGirl]

Any information on Choosing the Correct Hat . Please join in to help Newbies .

I just saw this video , I don't totally agree , but it may help others . Enjoy ...

I found his videos pretty helpful like everyone else has said so far, it's all about how you feel in the hat.

 

[HatLoverGirl]

Click here, for a selection of big black floppy hats.

thank you!!!

 

[GHT]

I’m still just not into rules.

Me neither, but I must add that if anyone likes to have guidelines, so be it. Zombie_61 was rather flattering about the newsboy cap that I wore to a Peaky Blinders event. Whilst I accepted his gracious compliment I still don't enjoy wearing a flat cap. No matter what the guide lines say, the cap doesn't look at ease in my mirror reflection, or maybe it's me that doesn't look at ease.
Guidelines can be there for almost any type of garment, from the hat down to the shoes. Despite the well meaning remark from friends that one of my rugged looking leather jackets is crying out to be matched to a decent pair of jeans I have yet to buy my first pair. Denim is just not me, but again, that doesn't mean that I don't like others in it or that I am some sort of clothes snob.
My mantra is, wear what you like, don't be a slave to either fashion or rules, be happy in your own skin.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Me neither, but I must add that if anyone likes to have guidelines, so be it. Zombie_61 was rather flattering about the newsboy cap that I wore to a Peaky Blinders event. Whilst I accepted his gracious compliment I still don't enjoy wearing a flat cap. No matter what the guide lines say, the cap doesn't look at ease in my mirror reflection, or maybe it's me that doesn't look at ease.
Guidelines can be there for almost any type of garment, from the hat down to the shoes. Despite the well meaning remark from friends that one of my rugged looking leather jackets is crying out to be matched to a decent pair of jeans I have yet to buy my first pair. Denim is just not me, but again, that doesn't mean that I don't like others in it or that I am some sort of clothes snob.
My mantra is, wear what you like, don't be a slave to either fashion or rules, be happy in your own skin.

Perfectly said.

 

[GHT]

Guys, thanks for your sentiment. There is one thing that I did forget and that's my lovely lady, Tina. She has made most of her own and most of my clothes for the last 60 years. Not only is she skilled in dressmaking, that being a generic term, she also has a keen eye for the wearer's complexion. It's a skill that she has honed over many years, when she shakes her head at something that I have tried on, far from being disappointed, I simply put it back on the hanger. If there is such a thing as a what to wear guru, I married her.

 

[Lean'n'mean]

be happy in your own skin.

Or in someone else's, if it fits.

 

[Wyldkarma]

youtube has a great video about faces and hat styles put out by Gentlemans Gazette.....