A hat is a statement piece that once was the symbol of only the bold and eccentric. The popularity of hats has slowly increased over the years, as men have begun to recognise a hat’s usefulness. It is the perfect accessory to deal with the elements- whether it’s scorching hot or freezing cold- and it also helps to divert the occasional catastrophe that is a bad hair day- because with a hat, no one needs to know. A stylish accessory that can be worn for most occasions, hats should be embraced.
As with all things trendy and stylish, a breakdown is necessary of the different types of hats that are equal parts timeless, cool and original. Because what is Sherlock Holmes without his deerskin cap or Indiana Jones without his fedora? How else is the audience supposed to know that Holmes has his thinking cap on for each case and Indiana is no longer in professor mode? The clue is in the hats.
Bowlers were favoured by Charlie Chaplin, and have made a comeback as all things do. A bowler is all about bright colours, felt material and a stylish bond (the ribbon part that wraps around the hat). For the more daring at heart, try a bright blue. Bowlers can be worn with formal attire- like suits with ties- as long as they complement the colours of the suit or the accessories of choice.
When thinking of a mountie hat, images of Canadian police or Pharrell’s iconic Grammy outfit may spring to mind, yet mounties have become a style symbol. Paired with just about any informal or casual outfit, mounties are perfect for laid back events like beers with the boys. Keep the tones earthy or dark for a refined look.
Fedoras have been subjected to a fair share of criticism, yet in the majority of cases the hat in question is actually the trilby. A trilby is much shorter in width than a fedora, and personally conjures up images of cheesy Italian men or badly styled gangsters a la Al Capone style. A fedora on the other hand is a hat that, if worn correctly, can really make an outfit. Fedoras can be worn with both casual and formal attire- complementing both sneakers and smart shoes. They are are recognisable by the pinched sides and felt tip. These hats are advantageous because of the wide, flat brim around the hat that allows the wearer to flexibly style it as he chooses. Black, brown, red or earthy tones are best for this style.
The main thing to remember when wearing choosing a hat for your outfit is to commit. Don't wear the hat half-heartedly. Go all in and make the outfit really shine with the hat added to it. Hats look silly when the wearer is unsure of the choice to wear it. Embrace it!
