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Hats are multifunctional fashion accessories that give a stylish look and protect the head in various scenarios. They can be constructed from a range of materials, such as polyester, cotton, wool felt, soft felt, straw, leather, or Toyo.
If you’re thinking of starting your hat business, it is important to know the ins and outs of this apparel category and understand the different types of hats available.
In this article, we’ll explore important hat terminologies and different hat styles that are trendy and ideal for customization. Continue reading to learn more about the unique features of hats.
Important Hat Terms You Must Know
To understand various hat styles and their distinctions, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the different components of a hat:
● Crown: The upper section of a hat that encircles the crown of the wearer’s head.
● Brim: This refers to the flat part of the hat that surrounds the crown.
● Underbrim: The underside of the brim or bill, which can be structured, like in snapback hats.
● Eyelets: These are tiny openings in the hat for ventilation purposes.
● Sweatband: Found inside the hat, this element absorbs sweat. It's particularly common in hats designed for sports or fitness, although some summer hats might also include a sweatband.
● Inner lining: The material located on the hat's interior. Oftentimes, this part is referred to as the buckram.
● Button: Comparable to the fasteners found in shirts and pants, hat buttons are usually located on top of the crown to join various panels together.
● Visor or bill: Instead of a brim, certain hats feature a bill protruding from the front. The visor may be flat or slightly curved to offer shade.
9 Popular Hat Types
Various types of hats have been worn throughout history and across the globe. Here are 9 popular styles of hats that are still worn and loved by people today:
1. Beach Hats
Commonly referred to as a sun hat, a beach hat is intended for use on sunny outdoor days. Made from light materials such as straw or raffia, this popular type of hat provides relief during hot weather. The wide brims of the beach hat help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Designed to be both stylish and functional, beach hats use quick-drying and light materials that can endure being tossed in the sand or placed easily in a beach bag.
2. Bowler Hats
Bowler hats originated in Britain during the 1800s as a solution to the problem of top hats easily falling off while riding horses. These hats quickly gained popularity in the United States, where they were recognized by a new name as derby hats.
In the American Southwest, where horseback riding made top hats impractical, derby hats were preferred for the same reasons that contributed to the popularity of bowler hats in Britain. This distinctive style of hat has a shorter brim, offering better stability. Today, bowler hats remain a classic style of hat with brim at the front. These are particularly recognized for their association with Charlie Chaplin.
3. Boater’s Hat
Known also as a skimmer hat, the boater hat is a style of headwear that gained peak popularity during the 1800s and 1900s. Typically made of straw, a classic skimmer hat features a flat crown, a small to medium brim, and a ribbon encircling the crown. Boater hats have a timeless appeal, making them an excellent choice for warm-weather occasions, whether at the lake or on more formal occasions.
Boater’s hat looks very modern and perfectly meets both practical needs and contemporary trends. Typically, boater or skimmer hats are made with eco-friendly sustainable materials that dry quickly and resist water (some models even float!).
4. Field Cap
Often referred to as a military cap due to its common use in the uniforms of various armed forces, this style of hat shares some characteristics with baseball caps. It is usually made from a thick, rigid fabric to withstand harsh conditions.
However, field caps have a flat top rather than the rounded shape of baseball hats and feature a stiff, slightly curved visor. Maintaining strong design elements, field caps distinguish themselves from traditional baseball hat styles.
5. Berets
The beret originated in the Basque region, located between Northern Spain and Southern France, in the 17th century. Due to the nearby Pyrenees mountains, berets are still commonly worn in this area.
Often called painter caps or artist hats, berets can be made from wool, cotton, or synthetic materials. This round, soft, and slightly puffy hat shape provides insulation against both heat and cold while offering a classic French aesthetic.
6. Safari Hat
When looking for a hat that offers exceptional sun protection, safari hats are a favored option because they are designed to be worn in extremely hot weather. Available in various materials, safari hats feature brims that can be modest or large, gently sloping downwards. If your priority is staying cool and light, opt for a mesh safari hat.
7. Western Hats
This classic hat style from the American Southwest boasts an extra-wide brim, designed specifically to protect your face. It is also known by another name — cowboy hat. Traditional cowboy and cowgirl hats typically have brims that are turned up on the sides and are mainly made for practical use. Western hats come in a variety of materials for different uses.
Waterproof western hats are some of the best headwear for rainy days on the ranch, while lightweight straw hats are ideal for hot, dusty summer afternoons.
8. Panama Hats
Panama hats are quite popular among all other hat styles. Both genders wear them, and their design became fashionable in the 19th century. These hats are made from a thick weave and have a medium-sized brim, making them excellent for sun protection. Panama hats also look very stylish when paired when various types of coats and formal suits.
They are perfect for enhancing your summer wardrobe. Typically worn in tropical regions, their unique color combinations and high-quality materials make Panama hats highly sought after.
9. Fedora Hats
These hats exude both style and elegance. Fedora hats have become a trendy choice since the 1920s, attracting a substantial following. They are versatile and have evolved into various forms, including pork pie, snap brim, trilby hats, and others.
Fedora hats provide a timeless aesthetic, featuring a small brim that extends from the front to the sides and back. You can pair fedora hats with both casual and formal outfits for a distinct look.
Final Words
So these are the top hat types that are quite trendy in the apparel industry. A well-chosen hat can be the finishing touch that takes your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary, showcasing your unique style and fashion aesthetics.
For your fashion hat brand, feel free to top-pick and customize any hat styles for your target fashion lovers. Some hats like Fedora hats, Boaters hats, or Berets are the ever-loved styles in the hats industry.
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