19 Types Of Hats For Men You Could Try

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Hats are a timeless accessory that can elevate any outfit while serving practical purposes like protection from the elements. From the classic elegance of fedoras to the laid-back charm of baseball caps, men’s hats come in a variety of styles that suit different occasions and personal tastes.

Understanding the unique characteristics of each hat type can help you choose the perfect hat for any look. So let’s explore the most popular types of hats for men.

Types Of Hats For Men

The different types of hats for men include the baseball cap, trucker cap, beanie, fedora, trilby, homburg hat, Panama hat, flat cap, ascot hat, beret hat, bucket hat, boater hat, newsboy cap, bowler hat, pork pie hat, cowboy hat, top hat, trapper hat, and visors.

I decided not to include additional hats in this list because some are nearly identical to the ones mentioned, some are specific to certain countries and festive occasions, and others are not particularly relevant to men’s fashion and style nowadays.

Baseball Cap

The baseball cap is a staple in casual headwear, characterized by its rounded crown and a stiff bill that protrudes from the front. Originally designed for baseball players to shield their eyes from the sun, this cap has transcended its athletic roots to become a global fashion icon.

Baseball caps are quintessentially casual and fall firmly within the casual dress code. They’re perfect for outdoor activities, sporting events, and relaxed social gatherings. However, they are generally inappropriate for formal or business settings.

When styling a baseball cap, think laid-back and effortless. Pair it with jeans or chinos, a casual t-shirt or polo, and sneakers for an easygoing look. For colder days, throw on a hoodie or a casual jacket. To add a bit of edge, consider pairing a baseball cap with a bomber jacket and distressed jeans.

Trucker Cap

Trucker caps are easily recognized by their mesh back panels and foam front, often featuring a snapback closure. Originally designed for truck drivers to keep cool while on the road, these caps have become a trendy accessory in casual fashion. The mesh back allows for better ventilation, making them ideal for warmer weather. They often come with bold logos or designs on the front, adding a touch of personality to any outfit.

Trucker caps are best suited for casual dress codes. They are perfect for outdoor activities, casual hangouts, and streetwear looks. Like baseball caps, they are not appropriate for formal or business settings.

Pair your trucker cap with casual, relaxed clothing. Think jeans, shorts, graphic tees, and sneakers. For a streetwear-inspired look, combine a trucker cap with joggers, a hoodie, and high-top sneakers. During summer, they work well with tank tops and flip-flops for a beach-ready vibe.

Beanie

Beanies are a winter essential, designed to keep your head warm during cold weather. These snug-fitting, knitted caps come in various styles, from simple and plain to those with pom-poms and patterns. The versatility of beanies extends beyond functionality; they add a cozy, relaxed vibe to any winter outfit.

Beanies are best suited for casual and smart casual dress codes. They are perfect for outdoor activities in cold weather, such as hiking or casual city strolls. While beanies are generally too casual for formal or business professional settings, they can sometimes fit into business casual attire in more relaxed or creative workplaces, especially if kept simple and in neutral colors.

Style a beanie with a leather jacket, jeans, and boots for a classic winter look. For a smart casual outfit, pair a neutral-colored beanie with a pea coat, tailored trousers, and brogues. Avoid overly embellished or brightly colored beanies for more polished appearances.

Fedora

The fedora is a classic and sophisticated hat known for its wide brim, indented crown, and pinched front. Made from materials like wool, felt, or straw, the fedora exudes timeless elegance and is often associated with vintage and formal wear. This versatile hat can add a touch of class to both casual and formal outfits, making it a favorite among style enthusiasts.

Fedoras are appropriate for formal, business professional, and smart casual dress codes. They are ideal for events such as weddings, formal dinners, and upscale gatherings. In business settings, a wool or felt fedora can complement a suit and overcoat during colder months. While it can also be worn casually, it should be paired with well-put-together outfits to maintain its sophisticated appeal.

Pair a fedora with a tailored suit, dress shirt, and polished shoes for a formal look. For a business professional outfit, match it with a blazer, dress trousers, and an overcoat. In smart casual settings, combine a fedora with a fitted sweater, chinos, and loafers. Avoid wearing it with overly casual attire, such as t-shirts and sneakers, to preserve its refined nature.

Trilby

The trilby hat, often confused with the fedora, features a narrower brim and a shorter crown, giving it a more modern and edgy look. Typically made from materials like felt or straw, the trilby is lightweight and easy to wear, making it a popular choice for both casual and semi-formal occasions.

Trilby hats are suitable for any dress code from formal to casual. They can be worn to outdoor events, parties, and stylish daytime gatherings or more formal occasions like dinner parties or a gallery opening.

Style a trilby with a blazer, slim-fit jeans, and loafers for a smart casual look. In more casual settings, a trilby can be worn with a button-down shirt, tailored shorts, and boat shoes. If you decide on a slightly more formal look, opt for a dress shirt, a pair of dress pants, and a nice blazer.

Homburg Hat

The Homburg hat is a distinguished and elegant piece, characterized by its stiff felt construction, curved brim, and a pronounced crease running down the center of the crown. Often associated with formal wear and high society, the Homburg exudes a sense of authority and sophistication. It is typically adorned with a grosgrain ribbon and a matching bow, adding to its refined appearance.

The Homburg hat is traditionally associated with formal attire due to its structured design and historical roots. It is a perfect choice for formal events such as weddings, state functions, and prestigious gatherings. Fashion enthusiasts have also begun to incorporate the Homburg hat into smart casual and even some business casual ensembles, demonstrating its versatility and timeless appeal.

Pair a Homburg hat with a three-piece suit, dress shirt, and polished Oxford shoes for a classic formal look. In business professional settings, it can be worn with a dark suit, tie, and an overcoat. If you desire a smart casual look you can wear this hat with an overcoat, a simple knit sweater, dark jeans, and Chelsea boots.

Panama Hat

The Panama hat is a stylish and lightweight accessory, perfect for warm weather. Made from the plaited leaves of the toquilla palm, this hat is known for its fine weave and breathable construction. Its wide brim provides excellent sun protection, making it a popular choice for summer events and tropical vacations. The natural straw color and often contrasting band give it a distinctive and timeless look.

Panama hats are best suited for smart casual, business casual, and occasionally, formal dress codes, especially in summer. They are ideal for garden parties, beach weddings, and outdoor events. While not typically worn in strict business professional settings, a well-crafted Panama hat can complement a lightweight suit in a relaxed business casual environment.

For a smart casual look, pair a Panama hat with a linen shirt, tailored shorts, and loafers. In business casual settings, it can be worn with a light-colored suit, dress shirt, and brogues. For more formal summer events, match it with a lightweight blazer, dress trousers, and oxford shoes. The key to styling a Panama hat is to keep the overall look light and breezy, reflecting its tropical origins.

Flat Cap

The flat cap, also known as a driving cap or ivy cap, is a classic piece of headwear with a rounded top and a small, stiff brim at the front. Typically made from wool, tweed, or cotton, the flat cap has a casual yet refined appeal. Its versatile design makes it a popular choice for both urban and countryside settings, providing a touch of vintage charm to any outfit.

Flat caps are suitable for business casual, smart casual, and casual dress codes. They are perfect for autumn and winter, adding a stylish layer of warmth to your ensemble. While too informal for strict business professional or formal settings, a flat cap can be a great addition to a more relaxed office environment or weekend outings.

Style a flat cap with a tweed blazer, dress shirt, and chinos for a smart casual look. For a more laid-back vibe, pair it with a wool sweater, jeans, and boots. During colder months, a flat cap can complement a peacoat or a trench coat.

Ascot Hat

The Ascot cap, also known as the Cuffley cap, is a hard, round hat usually made of felt or wool. Unlike other caps, the Ascot features a completely rounded shape without a peak, giving it a sleek and formal appearance. This cap is often worn by those seeking a more polished and refined look, and its structured form makes it a standout piece in any hat collection.

Ascot hats are best suited for formal, cocktail, and business professional dress codes. They are ideal for formal events, such as horse races, upscale gatherings, and certain professional settings. While not as common in everyday wear, the Ascot cap can be a unique and stylish choice for those looking to make a statement in a formal or semi-formal setting.

Pair an Ascot hat with a well-tailored suit, dress shirt, and polished dress shoes for a formal look. In a business professional environment, it can be worn with a crisp dress shirt, tie, and a blazer. The Ascot cap’s sleek and polished design demands a refined and well-coordinated outfit, so it’s best to avoid pairing it with overly casual attire.

Beret Hat

The beret is a soft, round, flat-crowned hat, traditionally made from wool, felt, or acrylic. It is often associated with artists and intellectuals, giving it a bohemian and sophisticated air. Berets come in various colors and styles, allowing for creative expression and versatile wear. Its pliable structure makes it easy to style in different ways, from slouched to tilted.

Berets are suitable for smart casual and casual dress codes. They are perfect for adding a touch of European flair to your outfit and ideal for outdoor events, art exhibitions, and casual city strolls. While they can be too informal for strict business or formal settings, berets can occasionally be incorporated into business casual attire, particularly in creative industries.

For a smart casual look, pair a beret with a tailored blazer, slim-fit jeans, and loafers. In casual settings, combine it with a turtleneck sweater, chinos, a scarf, and a pair of Chukka boots for a chic, artsy vibe.

Bucket Hat

The bucket hat is a casual and practical piece of headwear, characterized by its wide, downward-sloping brim. Originally designed for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, the bucket hat has found its way into urban fashion. Made from materials like cotton, denim, or canvas, it offers sun protection and a laid-back aesthetic.

Bucket hats are best suited for casual and smart casual dress codes. They are perfect for outdoor activities, music festivals, and relaxed weekend outings. While generally too casual for business or formal settings, a plain, well-constructed bucket hat can occasionally be paired with smart casual outfits for a trendy, contemporary look.

Style a bucket hat with a casual t-shirt, cargo pants, and sneakers for a relaxed summer outfit. For a smart casual approach, pair it with a button-down shirt, chinos, and loafers. The bucket hat’s versatility allows it to be a playful addition to your wardrobe, adding a touch of casual cool to your overall look.

Boater Hat

The boater hat is a classic summer hat known for its stiff straw construction, flat top, and wide brim. Traditionally adorned with a ribbon around the crown, it exudes a vintage charm and a touch of formality. The boater hat has a rich history, often associated with boating events and summer garden parties, making it a stylish choice for warm-weather occasions.

Boater hats are suitable for formal, smart casual, and occasionally business casual dress codes, especially in summer. They are perfect for garden parties, outdoor weddings, and social events. In a business casual setting, a well-made boater hat can add a touch of elegance to a summer suit or a lightweight blazer.

For a formal summer look, pair a boater hat with a light-colored suit, dress shirt, and loafers. In smart casual settings, combine it with a linen blazer, tailored shorts, and boat shoes. The key to styling a boater hat is to keep the overall look light and breezy, reflecting its traditional association with summer elegance.

Newsboy Cap

The newsboy cap, also known as a baker boy cap, features a round, puffy crown and a short brim. Made from materials like tweed, wool, or cotton, it has a vintage-inspired look reminiscent of early 20th-century newsboys. Its relaxed and stylish design makes it a versatile accessory for both urban and countryside settings.

Newsboy caps are suitable for business casual, smart casual, and casual dress codes. They are perfect for autumn and winter, adding a touch of old-world charm to your outfit. While too informal for strict business professional or formal settings, a newsboy cap can be a great addition to more relaxed office environments or weekend outings.

Style a newsboy cap with a tweed blazer, dress shirt, and chinos for a smart casual look. For a more laid-back vibe, pair it with a wool sweater, jeans, and boots. During colder months, a newsboy cap can complement a peacoat or a trench coat.

Bowler Hat

The bowler hat, also known as a derby hat, is a hard-felt hat with a rounded crown and a narrow brim. Originally designed in the mid-19th century, it became a symbol of British style and sophistication. The bowler hat is both practical and stylish, offering a unique blend of formality and charm. Its structured design makes it a standout piece in any wardrobe.

Bowler hats are suitable for formal, cocktail, and business professional dress codes. They are perfect for formal events, such as weddings, upscale gatherings, and historical reenactments. In business settings, a bowler hat can complement a well-tailored suit and overcoat, especially in conservative industries such as law or finance.

Pair a bowler hat with a three-piece suit, dress shirt, and polished Oxford shoes for a classic formal look. In business professional settings, it can be worn with a dark suit, tie, and an overcoat.

Pork Pie Hat

The pork pie hat is stylish and distinctive, characterized by its short, flat crown and narrow brim. Named for its resemblance to a pork pie, this hat has a vintage-inspired look that has been popularized by jazz musicians and fashion icons. Typically made from felt, straw, or wool, the pork pie hat adds a touch of flair and personality to any outfit.

Pork pie hats are suitable for most events, especially smart casual, business casual, and occasionally formal dress codes. They are perfect for stylish daytime events, music festivals, and casual gatherings. In more relaxed business environments, a pork pie hat can add a unique touch to your outfit without compromising professionalism.

For a smart casual look, pair a pork pie hat with a blazer, slim-fit jeans, and loafers. In business casual settings, combine it with a dress shirt, chinos, and a lightweight jacket. For more formal events, a well-crafted pork pie hat can be worn with a tailored suit and polished shoes.

Cowboy Hat

The cowboy hat is an iconic piece of Western wear, known for its wide brim, high crown, and sturdy construction. Originally designed for ranch workers and cowboys, this hat offers excellent sun protection and durability. Made from materials like felt, straw, or leather, cowboy hats come in various styles and colors, reflecting the wearer’s personality and taste.

Cowboy hats are best suited for casual and themed dress codes. They are perfect for Western-themed events, rodeos, and outdoor activities. While generally too casual for business or formal settings, cowboy hats can be worn to casual gatherings, music festivals, and country-style parties.

Style a cowboy hat with jeans, a denim shirt, a belt with a buckle, and cowboy boots for a classic Western look. For a modern twist, pair it with a graphic tee, denim jacket, and sneakers. The key to wearing a cowboy hat is confidence, as its bold design makes a strong statement.

Top Hat

The top hat is a tall, cylindrical hat with a flat crown and wide brim, exuding elegance and formality. Traditionally made from silk or felt, the top hat is a symbol of high society and sophistication. It is often associated with historical figures, formal events, and ceremonial occasions, making it a standout piece in any formal wardrobe.

Top hats are strictly formal and belong to the formal dress code. They are perfect for white-tie events, state occasions, and formal weddings. In business professional settings, top hats are rarely worn, but they can be a part of historical reenactments or themed events that require a high level of dress sophistication.

Pair a top hat with a tailcoat, dress trousers, and polished dress shoes for a classic formal look. In formal weddings, it can be worn with a morning suit, waistcoat, and cravat. The top hat’s elegant and structured design demands the highest level of dress formality, making it best suited for the most prestigious occasions.

Trapper Hat

The trapper hat, also known as an aviator hat, is designed for extreme cold weather, featuring ear flaps, a warm lining, and often a fur trim. Originally worn by hunters and aviators, this hat provides excellent insulation and protection against harsh winter conditions. Its practical design and rugged look make it a popular choice for winter sports and outdoor activities.

Trapper hats are best suited for casual dress codes, particularly in cold weather. They are perfect for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking.

Style a trapper hat with a parka, thermal layers, and snow boots for a functional winter outfit. For a more casual look, pair it with a chunky knit sweater, jeans, and winter boots.

Visors

Visors are a type of hat characterized by their open-top design and wide brim that shields the eyes from the sun. Popular in sports and outdoor activities, visors provide excellent ventilation and sun protection without trapping heat. Made from lightweight materials like cotton, polyester, or nylon, visors are a practical and stylish choice for warm weather.

Visors are perfect for activities like tennis, golf, running, and beach outings. While too casual for business or formal settings, visors can be worn to casual gatherings, outdoor events, and sports activities.

Pair a visor with athletic wear like a moisture-wicking shirt, shorts, and running shoes for a sporty look. For a beach-ready outfit, combine it with a tank top, swim trunks, and flip-flops.