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Finding the Perfect Hat: The Main Styles Every Guy Should Know

Finding the Perfect Hat: The Main Styles Every Guy Should Know

Compared to most other accessories, hats a lot of variety when it comes to design, style, and function. A bracelet or pair of sunglasses, for example, seem to follow a pretty basic outline. But a hat can be anything you put on your head.

And this is the beauty of headwear. It seems to be so uncategorized that it can be included in a variety of settings. Need to keep the sun out of your eyes? Throw on a visor. Need to dress down a suit? Add a beanie. Don’t feel like fixing your hair? A ball cap is best.

No matter the way you style your head, you want to make sure you’re not only getting a good fit, but a quality product. Depending on your style, here are the top picks in everything from bucket hat to baseball cap.

Baseball Caps

As ubiquitous as they come, a baseball cap is as standard as it comes when one talks about headwear. Whether you’re opting for a dad cap, a trucker hat, or any of the multitude of variations, a baseball cap pairs with gym shorts to a casual suit look and everything in between.


Ebbets-Field-Flannels-MLB-Vintage-Ball-Cap

Ebbets Field Flannels MLB Vintage Ball Cap

Ebbets Field Flannels has made a name for itself for its variety of vintage-inspired apparel and headwear. The hats are all handmade and constructed from high-quality broadcloth material. Each hat, like this Boston Red Sox hat, is a replica of a design from the past, setting you apart from other MLB fans out there.

Buy Now $65


Yankees-Classic-47-Hat

Yankees Classic ‘47 Hat

If you’re looking for a hat that can seamlessly pair with your wardrobe and one you can throw on for just about any occasion, ‘47 is your choice. It’s the top name in the ballcap industry for a reason. Simply designed and made to be worn, it’s a hat that only gets better with each wear. I have a Yankees cap that I think I probably wear 300 days out of the year, and it never gets old.

Buy Now $40

Bucket Hats

Once a hat relegated to jokes about Gilligan’s Island and ska music fans, the bucket hat has come back into fashion with a vengeance. It’s informal without being too casual, making it an option for those who want to wear something a bit fashionable without calling too much attention to themselves.


Patagonia-Surf-Brimmer

Patagonia Surf Brimmer

While style, of course, plays a part in what you put on your head, let’s not forget that a good hat can provide much-needed sun protection in the summer. Patagonia’s Surf Brimmer is a stylish alternative to other sun hats out there with its faded red colorway, while still giving you all-day UV protection.

Buy Now $55


Battenwear-Bucket-Hat

Battenwear Bucket Hat

Battenwear is a brand inspired by 1960s and 1980s sports and outdoor wear. And its bucket hat exemplifies this source of inspiration. Simply constructed and minimally designed, it’s a hat that marries form and function into one easy-to-throw-on garment.

Buy Now $65

Beanies

Whether you call it a beanie, a toboggan, a togue, or a skullcap, they largely all refer to a similar design: brimless hats that keep your head warm and your hair out of the way. Even in the warmer months, I still reach for a beanie when I want to keep it casual and if I’m in a hurry, meaning it goes with just about anything without ever putting a second of thought behind it.


Carhartt-Knit-Cuffed-Beanie

Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie

If you’ve been outside in the last 10 years, you’ve definitely seen this Carhartt beanie pop up at a microbrewery or two. With a workwear origin, Carhartt’s simple beanie is meant to last through the years and with minimal design, it’s something that can be worn in a variety of situations.

Buy Now $20


Huckberry-Beanie

Huckberry Beanie

If you’re looking for a simple, no frills beanie, Huckberry’s option is a great alternative. It’s a looser fit with a blend of acrylic, wool, nylon, and Spandex, giving you some much-needed breathing room so you don’t overheat in the warmer months.

Buy Now $30

Wide-Brimmed Hats

I’m leaving this category as a catch-all, because wide-brimmed hats can encompass a variety of styles that all seem to follow a basic blueprint. For those who want to look like a Mediterranean leading man or perhaps you have an Indiana Jones cosplay fantasy, a brimmed hat keeps the sun out of your eyes while making for a stylish option for the confident gent.


Stetson-Jackson-Outdoor-Hat

Stetson Jackson Outdoor Hat

Stetson is a renowned brand for a reason: the brand makes damn good hats. The Jackson is up there with the best of the best. Handmade in Texas, this hat is made of merino wool and felt, giving it construction and dimension while being a stylish alternative to a regular ol’ hat.

Buy Now $155


Filson-Tin-Cloth-Packer-Hat

Filson Tin Cloth Packer Hat

Filson’s tin cloth is a waxed canvas hat that’s packable, durable, and ruggedly handsome. Throw it on with a sportscoat for a rugged New England look or tuck it into your bag to have handy on your next hike. Either way, the beauty of this hat is its versatility.

Buy Now $85