Get a head start on the trickiest item in a man’s wardrobe
President John F Kennedy is said to have been responsible for the decline in the popularity of hats. For years, they were habitually worn in the same way that a coat or shoes are thrown on, but now they are deemed as too hard to pull off. However, with the help of our guide finding the right hat need not be difficult.
Panama
Confusingly, Panama hats originated from Ecuador, they were shipped to Panama to be sold to sailors and workers on the Panama Canal in the early 20th century, and the name stuck. They are made from woven palm leaves or straw, and this flexible weave can be crumpled or rolled up and will still retain its shape.
Flat Cap
The flat cap may not have the best reputation in the fashion world, after being misused many times by celebrities in the 90s. However, these hats have their merits, they walk the line between a baseball cap and a fedora, together with being very flattering on a lot of different face shapes.
Fedora
The fedora is a remarkably versatile hat. For a long time, it was only associated with a certain kind of dandyish Englishman, but it has now been liberated as a casual accessory. Felt hats are robust, and their history has more to do with pioneers in the outdoors than with the fashion elite.
Baseball Cap
First worn in 1860 by Brooklyn baseball team the Excelsiors, the snap-back baseball cap, so named because of the adjustable strap on the back, is an indispensable part of every man’s wardrobe. Lacking the pomp and seriousness of a felt or wool hat, the modern baseball cap comes in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
by Eliza Scarborough
