I vote both. Take a look at this picture of Humphrey Bogart in The Big Sleep (I think):
But either way, a hat or sunglasses worn separately can look cool too. Also, they are both functional as well. I frequently wear one of my hats or sunglasses, but I haven't tried wearing them both yet...
S'called a disguise...Bogie needs to keep the brim DOWN.
Bogie needs to keep the brim DOWN.
Hats (any brimmed type) will keep the sun out of my eyes but do little for road glare. Also my eyes are pretty sensitive to bright light so I wear shades as a comfort item.
Also, it really does matter what type/style of shades you wear with a fedora. Please eschew wrap-around sport shades in favor of something more classic.
Sunglasses protect your eyes against UV radiation. Hats don't. Unless you wear one covering your face Too much exposure to UV over time can contribute to cataracts.
Same with pilots. Less atmosphere to shield against UV at flight altitudes.
A hat will help protect your skin from UV and potentially skin cancer. Sunglasses will help prevent cataracts caused by UV damage. There are other factors than UV damage that can contribute cataracts, but everything you can do to help prevent the damage helps.
Hollywood actors originally started wearing sunglasses because their eyes were getting damaged by the lighting in use - high UV levels in arc lights. Think welder's flash. Of course, once the public associated sunglasses with film actors then it became "cool" and the practical reasons for actors wearing them have become lost in time.
For me, it's hats AND sunglasses. I need the protection. Already have had some skin cancers and cataracts are forming. Too late for prevention, but not too late to prevent further damage. Even if I didn't think the look works, which it does to me. Maybe if I'd started wearing both when I was younger I wouldn't have those problems now.
Also, it really does matter what type/style of shades you wear with a fedora. Please eschew wrap-around sport shades in favor of something more classic.
These flip-ups look pretty sharp:
Oh, like these guys:the "I've got something to hide, that's why I'm wearing a fedora and wrap-around, dark sunglasses" look...
Oh, like these guys: