Hat Shapes Guide

Why is this hat guide needed?

As hats have become more popular again, words like fedora, bowler, gambler, safari and others are becoming better known. The problem is that people are not always sure which style is which, and we often have people thinking they want one style when they’re really talking about another. Consider this your guide into the world of hat styles, crown shapes and hat materials for both men & women so you can become a hat expert!

Before we begin:

It is important to note that in the world of fashion, new and existing styles mix all the time. There are very minor differences between certain styles and terms like trilby and fedora that are nowadays pretty interchangeable where they used to be distinctive brim sizes.

Not everyone has the same opinion on a style. Even our manufacturers mix specific style names like the ones just mentioned. Additionally, there are hundreds of hat styles when you include the specifics like a bellhop cap or Napoleon’s famous bicorn. We are not diving this deep here, as you rarely see these hats nowadays.

With this guide, however, you can distinguish pretty much anything you see when you’re out and about. The styles listed below are the broad, popular categories that have been established over time and are ones that any respectable hat merchant will know.

How to find the perfect hat style and material: the ultimate guide

Every part of a hat has its purpose. Whether it's to offer comfort, provide shade or simply add aesthetic appeal, the different sections of a hat contribute to the wearer's overall experience. Before you determine which type of hat best suits the style and function you're looking for, it's helpful to be familiar with common hat terms and shapes, the most common hat materials and the different styles out there. These details can help you draw a distinction between similar hats, like the fedora and trilby, to determine which one is best for your needs. We've broken down the anatomy of a hat and supplied helpful information on different hat materials and terms you'll encounter when choosing your ideal style.

Anatomy of a Hat

the anatomy of a hat

The different parts of a hat can determine the shape, style and fit of these accessories. While each hat might differ in looks, they typically share the same anatomy to offer you the comfort and chic you desire. You can observe the different hat parts broken up into two sections — the exterior and the interior.

Exterior Anatomy

The outer parts of a hat provide the style and protection you need for your new favorite accessory. The exterior parts of a hat include:

  • The crown: The most important feature of any hat is the crown. This part covers the head and sits comfortably for hours of comfort and style. The crown supports the other parts of the hat, so you can consider this the base of any hat you choose.
  • Crown shape: The shape at the top of the hat can change how the crown fits on your head when wearing it. Cowboy hats, fedoras and gambler hats all have indented crown shapes that sit slightly above the top of your head. Baseball, bowler and cloche hats have a round crown shape to fit snugly on top of the head. Hats with no shape, such as beanies, berets and bucket hats, rest comfortably on the head without internal support to hold the hat's shape in place.
  • Hat band: Some hats come with a ribbon band that rests at the bottom of the crown around the brim. The band offers flair and the chance to add a stylish feature to attach to the exterior of the hat. 
  • Hat decoration: With the help of the hat band, you can add extra features to the hat that give your favorite accessory a new look. Common hat decorations include a feather, bow, buckle and support for chinstraps. 
  • The brim: This outward expansion of the hat that covers the face is excellent for offering shade and protection from the sun. Some hats will have a brim that surrounds the entire crown, like cowboy and bucket hats. Others, like baseball caps, might only have a brim in the front. Brims come in different shapes, sizes and materials to serve the purpose you had in mind.

Interior Anatomy

While the exterior of a hat offers you the styles you love, the interior provides the support to make these features stay intact while you wear the hat. The interior parts of a hat include:

  • Underbrim: The underbrim refers to the underside of the hat's brim. This feature supports holding up the brim to protect your eyes and face from the sunlight. The material underneath the brim can sometimes match or differ from the exterior brim, depending on the type of hat you choose.
  • Inner band: Sometimes referred to as the sweatband, the inner band supports the shape and fit of the crown on your head. With this small band that expands around the interior shape of the crown attached to the underbrim, you can enjoy the same fit of the hat you regularly wear for years to come. The inner band material usually comes in leather or synthetic leather.
  • Inner liner: Some hats come with a comfortable inner liner that offers a soft touch if you plan to wear the hat for several hours at a time. Not every hat comes with this feature. Inner liner materials typically include silk, cotton, satin, velvet or synthetic mesh.