Choosing Your Signature Hat
It’s impossible to talk headwear without mentioning the famous Fedora—known worldwide thanks to the legendary Borsalino brand. The Fedora stands out with its wide brim, indented crown and signature band. Today, this classic adapts to every occasion: you can sport it with a suit or go casual. Want to take it to the next level of « cool »? Try its little brother, the trilby, which features a slimmer brim and a slightly edgier vibe.
If you prefer curves over edges, the bowler hat is a timeless classic. Instantly evocative of Charlie Chaplin or the British detectives from Tintin, it brings a touch of vintage British charm to formal outfits. Warning: go for good quality or risk ending up with something closer to a beret than a bowler.
Feeling daring? The Pork Pie hat—a bit of an acquired taste—is back on the scene (thank you, Breaking Bad!) Recognizable by its flat top and round, fairly narrow brim, it usually comes in dark or black tones and works dressed up or down, whether it’s crafted from cotton or felt.
And we can’t forget the Panama. This hat is the ultimate symbol of summer, much like the boater. The classic Panama is made from finely woven light straw, making it the summer equivalent of the Fedora. It can be sharper or softer in shape, and you can even pair it with a suit for those sun-soaked days.
Finding The Right Fit
Picking the right size is blessedly simple. All you need is a measuring tape: just measure your head circumference at the middle of your forehead right above the ears. That will give you a spot-on fit.
A quick face shape tip: If you have a long face, avoid hats with tall crowns or straight shapes. Opt for a wide-brimmed style like the Fedora instead. During the winter, a well-fitted beanie or a beret will suit you just fine. Square faces? Steer clear of straight-edged hats. Rounded hats like the bowler work wonders to soften angular features.
Caps & Beanies: Everyday Essentials
Much like hats, there’s a cap for every personality, and wearing it well is all about finding the model that suits your character—and how you wear it on your head!
- The newsboy cap (also called the flat cap) has a rounded, flat shape with a short visor. Think early 20th-century newspaper boys: usually in tweed with checks, and it’s particularly well-matched to sporty styles.
- The beret or classic flat cap is on the dressier side. You’ll find it in tweed but also in a range of other materials and colors. It’s an original pick for everyday wear.
- The short beanie should sit close to the head and stop just above the eyebrows. It works with all styles and all outfits. On the other hand, reserve slouchy or extra-long beanies for streetwear.
What to Avoid (Unless You’re Headed to a Costume Party)
Just a word of caution, gentlemen: forget about the top hat—totally impractical for daily wear—the fisherman’s bucket hat, and the cowboy hat. Unless you’re aiming for intentional irony, you’ve got 9 out of 10 chances of pulling off a major style misfire with one of these!
If you really want to stand out for your flawless style, dreaming of catching more than just glances, all that’s left is to uncover Geoffrey and Benoît’s 1001 secrets in « The Stylish Man’s Guide… Even When Sporting Stubble. »
Jack Mercer is a writer with a passion for American culture and everyday style. After spending years exploring the country’s hidden gems and fashion scenes, he found his voice sharing stories that celebrate the authentic spirit of modern America. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him hunting for vintage denim or enjoying a good bourbon on his front porch.
