The hat has been topping off stylish attires for centuries. Throughout the years, this piece of headgear has lent its usefulness to situations ranging from safety and ceremonial symbolism to military ranking and fashion statements. At one time, the hat was seen as a measure of social status. During the early 1800s in England, the top hat was exclusively worn by members of the upper and middle class. By the time the mid-century mark rolled around, it was a fixture in all social classes. The bowler came along in 1850. Also known as the Coke, this hat, originally made for made for gamekeepers, was widely adopted among the middle and lower class, and became hugely popular after being seen early Charlie Chaplin films.
A nice hat can enhance the presentation of any outfit. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to pull off the look with success. This guide of do’s and don’ts will explain how to properly wear a hat in head turning fashion.
Do Know What’s Available- Anyone who thinks a hat is just a hat is setting themselves up for a disappointing and potentially embarrassing situation. Despite being embedded into the fabric of society for centuries, many people are still getting it all wrong. For the man who is interested in covering up his head for whatever reason, knowing what options are available is a definite do.
There are many different styles of hats to choose from, and with those different styles it’s all about what the wearer feels comfortable with and what suits their personality. When choosing the proper hat, personality is one main factor that should be taken into consideration. By knowing which style of hats are available and their features, it makes the decision more simple to make.
Don’t Get Hat Hair- Some people avoid wearing a hat due to the fear of the dreaded condition known as “hat hair.” After wearing the piece for several hours, they remove it to find that their hair is either smashed flat, static clung towards the ceiling, or a mangled combination of both. Luckily, this condition can be avoided with a little preparation.
Get the Right Size- Wearing a hat that is too small is a common cause of hat head. An ideal fit allows the wearer to slide a finger between the inside band of the hat and their head.
Choose the Right Material- Some materials are notorious for hat head. Wool, cotton and other materials that reduce static electricity are good at fighting against it.
Avoid Hats and Wet Hair- Hats should only be worn with dry hair. If a person’s hair is either wet or damp, it will dry underneath the hat and take on its unappealing shape.
Nurture the Hair- People with hair that is vulnerable to static electricity are prone to hat hair. These individuals can combat this problem by using moisturizing products that hydrate the hair, while reducing frizz and friction.
Match Hats with Outfits- A hat wearer isn’t doing their headgear justice if it doesn’t match their outfit. If a man is sporting a black suit with red pinstripes for the evening, a black fedora fixed with a red feather on the side could top off this distinguished look just right. On the other hand, a man donning a green sweater may want to unify the look with a red pork pie. A guy going for a casual presentation could achieve it by putting a newsboy cap on top of a T-shirt and pair of jeans.
Basing what hat to wear on one’s clothing is an effective method, but caution should be exercised when material is thrown into the mix. A wool flat cap could be overkill on top of the wool sweater that demands enough attention on its own. In this case, a cap made of tweed or cotton would probably make for a more fitting look. When it comes to matching hats and outfits, an individual may find that it is best to play around by mixing and matching several different styles. This will provide an opportunity to visualise the results and get a better feel for what might work
Don’t Forget the Face- Choosing something that accentuates the shape of the face is essential to pulling off a hat of any kind. The goal here is to give the facial proportions as much symmetry and balance as possible. Following is some advice on matching hats and face shapes.
Round- A hat with a broad brim can help bring balance to a full face. The fedora is a classic example.
Square- A person with a square face will want to avoid square crowned or tapered hats that give them a boxy look. A bowler or Homburg can balance the jaw lines typical of square faces.
Long- People with long faces are encouraged to avoid hats with long crowns, and opt for something that shortens and balances it out. This goal can be achieved with a fedora or pork pie.
Large Jaw- An individual with a prominent jaw should avoid hats with brims and crowns that are either too big or too small. A fedora or pork makes a happy medium.
Do Honour Hat Etiquette- The rules of hat wearing are not enforced or upheld to the same degree as past times, but a little honouring of tradition never hurt anyone.
The venue in which you are wearing your hat in is important to remember to remove it out of respect. One doesn’t want to seem rude or not concerned with being respectful, that is why it’s important to remember the etiquette of wearing hats.
