The history of hat fashion for women is long, dating back to the middle ages. So many styles have come and gone in that time. While trends used to stick around for years, even decades, some hat styles seem to be in and out again in just one season.
If you're new to wearing hats, you might be overwhelmed by the different types of hats out there. It can be challenging to find one that will flatter your face and fit your personal style.
Here we'll review the types of hats for women that have stood the test of time, so you can find a classic hat to last through the years.
Types of Hats for Women
When it comes to hats for women, the options seem almost endless. Depending on the look you're going for—formal, casual, practical—you may consider different hat types entirely for each occasion.
We'll start with the more formal, moving into more casual and practical hats for women.
Fascinator Hats
Fascinators have long been the style of choice for weddings and formal occasions in the United Kingdom, especially among the royal family. Today, they still enjoy widespread popularity for particularly dressy occasions.
These hats aren't true hats as they can't stand on the head alone. They must be fastened with pins or clips—hence the name "fascinator" for these unique head ornaments.
Derby Hats
Similar to the fascinator, a Derby hat is very ornate, and usually has a wid-brim to protect the wearer from the sun. It gets its name from the Kentucky Debry, which has a long tradition of attendees coming to show off their finest headwear.
Beret
When people hear "beret," they think "classic french." A beret can be part of a formal outfit or a way to elevate a casual chic look.
For example, a knitted or crocheted beret may lend itself well to an outfit for daily errands, while a sturdier one made from felt wool may be appropriate for an upscale evening event.
Cloche
Of the many types of women's hats, the cloche has a timeless style. Another french classic, meaning "bell" shaped, these fitted hats were first introduced in 1908, and popularity with women in the 1920s.
In combination with short-cut hair, this hat became synonymous with the "new woman" pushing back against the traditional standards for feminine beauty.
Today a cloche is a simple way to dress up a casual outfit and add a little vintage flare to your wardrobe.
Turban
A turban is a bold and stylish choice if you can pull it off. It can be both boho or upscale chic, depending on how you dress it up or down.
It can also be a very practical style as well. Turbans can be used as part of a protective hairstyle, to give your hair a break from damage due to the sun and other elements.
Fedora
Another great type of hats for women and men alike is the fedora. With a wide brim and a slightly "pinched" front, fedora's are usually made of felt but can be made of other materials.
A felt fedora can dress up a nice pair of slacks or pants suit. For a more casual summer look, try a straw fedora with jeans or a sundress.
Trilby Hat
The trilby hat is very similar to the fedora, but it generally has a smaller brim (no wider than 2 inches) that is permanently turned down in the front.
Again like the fedora, these hats can be dressed up or down, and come in a wide variety of fabrics. But in general, the trilby is a more casual hat, so it's often seen in fabrics like straw, making it a great compliment to light summer looks.
Sun Hats
Stylish and practical for sunny weather, sun hats feature a very wide brim to offer maximum protection from the sun.
While some may be elegant enough for a fancy garden party, many are designed for casual days at the beach or light outdoor activities like hiking and gardening.
Bucket Hats
Like many other nostalgia trends, bucket hats have made a massive resurgence in the past couple of years.
From hand-crocheted bucket hats to funky cotton prints, there are many ways to wear this hat and dress it up or down.
Baseball Cap
Baseball caps are a classic casual hat type and are worn widely by men and women. Most baseball caps are casual, featuring logos representing your favorite sports team, national park, brewery—you name it.
But as with most things, there is a niche market for designer baseball caps that you may get away with wearing to a formal occasion.
Beanie
The beanie is a practical and hip hat that's been around for ages and isn't likely to fall out of style soon.
Mostly worn for practical reasons starting in the 1900s, beanies didn't start becoming a fashion statement until the 1990s and have stuck around ever since.
What Hat Is Right For You?
When choosing between types of hats for women, the most important thing to consider is your personal style. The right hat for you is the type of hat you'll wear.
Whether it's for a fancy occasion or a practical hat for every day, ask yourself if you have an outfit to compliment your new hat and if it fits with your unique style. And don't forget to try it on first!
