Crown Your Style: The Definitive Guide to Hats and Caps
Gone are the days when a man’s headwear was just about keeping the sun off or staying warm, a hat or a cap is a statement, it’s the finishing touch that can pull an entire outfit together. Shout out your personality or simply add a bit of effortless cool to your everyday look. Whether you’re heading to a match, strolling through the city or just grabbing a pint with mates, there’s a hat or cap for you here at XPOSED London.
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But with so many styles, how do you pick the right one? And how do you wear it without looking like you’re trying too hard or worse, like you’ve raided your grandad’s wardrobe? Don’t sweat it, lad. We’re going to break down the world of men’s hats and caps, keeping it simple, stylish and perfect for the everyday man.
Why Wear a Hat or Cap? It’s More Than Just Practical!
Let’s quickly cover the reasons why you might want to consider adding some headwear to your style arsenal:
Style Statement: The most obvious reason, a hat or cap can instantly elevate a plain outfit or add a dash of individuality.
Practicality: Protection from sun, rain or keeping your head warm when the weather decides to kick in.
Bad Hair Day Fix: Let’s be honest, we all have them, a cap is a quick and easy solution.
Confidence Boost: Like a good suit or a sharp pair of shoes, the right hat can make you feel more put-together and confident.
The Main Contenders – A Simple Guide to Popular Styles
Forget the fancy names for a second, let’s look at the hats and caps you’ll actually see and wear, whether that is for a special occasion or just for a simple everyday look to finish off your outfit of the day.
The Flat Cap: The Heritage Hero
What is it: A rounded cap with a small stiff brim in front, often made of tweed, wool or cotton. Think peaky blinders, but less threatening!.
Why it’s great: It oozes traditional British style and adds a touch of rugged sophistication, perfect for adding character to an outfit.
How to wear it: Works brilliants with casual heritage wear, think denim jackets, workwear jackets, chunky knit sweaters, smart jeans and chinos and even a casual blazer. A tweed flat cap is perfect for a stroll in the countryside or a visit to a local pub. It can instantly make you look more put-together than just a baseball cap.
From Derby Days to Daily Drives – The Gentleman’s Guide to Headwear Beyond the Ball Cap.
Let’s tip our caps to a topic often overlooked but never out of style, the mighty hat beyond the trusty baseball cap or the essential winter beanie. There’s a whole world of headwear that can truly transform an outfit, tell a story and gibe you an air of effortless class. Forget what you think you know “hat people”, with the right choice, you too can become a connoisseur of crowns.
This isn’t about being a fancy dan, it’s about understanding that a well-chosen hat is more than just fabric on your head. It’s a statement, a nod to tradition and a way to stand out from the crowd. So, let’s dive into some iconic men’s hats, where they fit in and who wears them best.
The Dapper & The Distinguished-Formal & Semi-Formal Hats
The Wedding Top Hat: The Pinnacle of Formalwear
What is it: A tall, cylindrical hat with a flat top and a narrow, often curled, brim. Traditionally made of black silk plush, though modern versions are often wool felt.
Where it’s worn: This is the ultimate formal hat, you’ll see it at the most prestigious events, Royal Ascot, high society weddings, state occasions and sometimes very traditional formal balls. Think white tie or morning dress.
Who wears it: The most discerning gentleman, often the groom, best man or key family members at a very formal wedding. It speaks of tradition, elegance and a touch of old-world charm. If you’re heading to a high-class event in London or a traditional Yorkshire stately home wedding, this is your statement piece. It’s not something you’d pop on for a casual pub lunch.
Engaging thought: Pulling on a top hat is like stepping into history, it instantly transports you to an era of unadulterated class, making you feel every inch the gentleman. It’s a rare outing for this one, but when the occasion calls, nothing else comes close.
The Bowler Hat (or Derby Hat) – The City Gent’s Icon
What is it: A hard felt hat with a rounded crown and a narrow, curled brim often in black, made famous by Charlie Chaplin and later, city businessmen.
Where it’s worn: Historically, it was the preferred hat for British civil servants and city workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it’s a niche item for formal events, often seen at traditional gatherings or as a quirky statement piece in fashion. Think very formal, almost theatrical settings or for those who appreciate a strong vintage aesthetic.
Who wears it: Someone with a distinctive, sometimes eccentric style, perhaps a collector, a vintage enthusiast or someone attending a themed event, it’s certainly not your everyday wear, but when pulled off, it’s undeniably unique.
Engaging thought: The bowler hat carries an air of playful formality, it’s less stuffy than a top hat, but still demands respect, wearing one in modern times is a confident nod to history, showing you’ve got both style and a sense of humour.
The Rugged & The Ramblin – Hats for Adventure & Authenticity
The Cowboy Hat-Spirit of the Wild West
What is it: A high-crowned, wide-brimmed hat, traditionally made of felt or straw, with a distinctive crease down the crown and a rolled-up brim.
Where it’s worn: Primarily associated with ranching rodeo and country music culture in North America
Who wears it: Actual Cowboys, country musicians and enthusiasts of western culture, while you might see them at a themed party or a county music concert in the UK, it’s a very specific look. Unless you’re off to a line-dancing club or a fancy dress party. It’s probably not your go-to.
Engaging thought: There’s an undeniable spirit of freedom and resilience woven into the brim of a cowboy hat. It’s a hat that tells tales of open skies and hard work and while it might feel out of place on a London street, it commands respect for the heritage it represents.
The Wide-Brim Hat- Fedoras, Adventurer Hats – The Versatile Explorer
What is it: This is a broad category, but generally refers to hats with a brim wider than a standard fedora, offering more sun protection. Often made of felt, wool or straw. Think Indiana Jones or a stylish adventurer.
Where it’s worn: Excellent for outdoor events, festivals, hiking or any occasion where you need significant sun protection. They’re also popular as a stylish casual accessory, they can work well with smart casual outfits, think a linen shirt, chinos and smart boots or with more rugged outdoor gear.
Engaging thought: A wide-brim hat whispers tales of adventure and faraway places, it’s practical for shielding you from the elements, but it also adds an instant air of mystery and effortless cool. It’s the hat for the man who’s ready for anything, whether it’s exploring the streets of London or just conquering his weekend errands.
The Casual & The Cultured- Everyday Charms
The Baker Boy Hat & The Newsboy Cap-The Working-Class Chic
What are they: Very similar styles, often confused, both are soft, rounded caps with as tiff peak. The newsboy cap typically has 8 panels on the crown, often with a button at the very top. Usually fuller and baggier that a flat cap and the baker boy hat often has a slightly larger, floppier crown than a newsboy and can sometimes feature a button or buckle details at the front.
Where they’re worn: These hats rose to popularity with working-class men in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (think factory workers, newsboys hence the name). Today, they’re fantastic casual and smart-casual accessories.
Who wears them: Someone who appreciates a vintage, rugged yet stylish look, perfect for pairing with jeans, chinos corduroy jackets, tweed blazers and chunky knitwear. They’re a common sight, given the strong heritage of such styles. They offer a bit more character than a baseball cap for a pub visit or a casual wander.
Engaging thought: These caps carry the spirit of honest graft and timeless style, they’re comfortable, effortlessly cool and connect you to a rich history, slip one on and you’re instantly tapping into that classic, understated British charm.
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The Fedora (Stiff Hat)- The Smooth Operator
What is it: A felt hat with an indented crown (typically a “teardrop” or “creased” crown), pinched at the front and a soft, pliable brim that can be snapped up or down. “stiff hat” might refer to a more rigid felt version.
Where it’s worn: Once ubiquitous, the fedora because synonymous with detectives, jazz musicians and stylish urbanites, today it’s a sharp accessory for smart casual to semi-formal outfits.
Who wears it: A man who values classic style and isn’t afraid to stand out, it pairs beautifully with smart coats (like a trench coat), blazers, collared shirts and tailored trousers. It’s a hat that demands attention and can elevate even a simple shirt and jeans. Avoid wearing it with super casual attire, it’s too much of a statement for tracksuits.
Engaging thought: The fedora is the ultimate symbol of cool sophistication, it has a mysterious allure, hinting at smoky jazz clubs and sharp-witted conversations. Put one on, and you’re not just wearing a hat, you’re embodying a certain classic confidence.
The Diamond Shape Crown Hat (Pork Pie Hat Variation)
What is it: Often a type of Pork Pie hat, but specifically referring to a crown that, instead of being uniformly flat or rounded, has four distinct indents (like a diamond shape when viewed from above). The brim is typically short and upturned.
Where it’s worn: This hat gained fame with jazz musicians and later saw a resurgence in mod and alternative subcultures, it’s a stylish choice for smart-casual outings, artsy events or adding a unique touch to an urban look.
Who wears it: Someone with an appreciation for vintage cool, jazz culture or a sharp, unique style, it works well with tailored separates, smart shirts, knitwear and even a well-fitting casual suit. It’s for the man who wants something a bit different from a fedora or a flat cap, but still refined.
Engaging thought: The diamond crown hat is for the man who appreciates subtle details and a touch of quirky cool, it’s got that vintage vibe without feeling old-fashioned, perfect for adding an unexpected edge to your smart-casual game.
The Golden Rule
Confidence is your best accessory, no matter which hat or cap you choose, the most important thing is to wear it with confidence. Pick a style that genuinely resonates with you and your personal style. Don’t be afraid to try a few on (even the ones you think aren’t you) at Xposed London, the right hat wont just cover your head, it’ll complete your look and give you that extra bit of swagger. So, go on, crown your style and your headwear do the talking.
