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NO MATTER what your style code is, we guarantee you can always find a way to wear various types of hats for men. Hats are more than just functional accessories—they're sartorial statements that will keep you looking sharp, but only if you wear the right one. Hence, we’ve interviewed style experts as well as done testing on all types of hats for men ourselves to find the 19 most essential hat styles a man should know about—and own.
From the classic appeal of fedoras to the rugged allure of cowboy hats, there are numerous types of hats for men to choose from. If you’re into the West Coast surfer-chill look, you’d do well with a bucket hat or trucker hat. If you’re more interested in streetwear, beanies and baseball caps are the way to go. If you’re into the urban dandy look, try a flat cap or even a pork pie hat.
So if you’re looking for accessories to complete your look while staying protected from the sun, these 19 types of hats for men we’ve curated below have you covered, no matter your style.
Best Summer Hats | Best Running Hats | Best Sun Hats | Best Hat Brands | Best Winter Hats
Baseball caps have evolved from their humble origins as part of baseball team uniforms to become a style statement and a sportswear essential. Dating back to the early days of America's pastime, they have also set the standard for various casual hat styles for men. “A very popular choice, the baseball cap is perfect for a laid-back, sporty look. It can come in a variety of materials and designs, making it highly versatile,” says Peter Martinez, Fashion Stylist at Leather Skin. Originally featuring a five-panel design, most baseball caps now boast six panels and an adjustable back, ensuring a comfortable fit. Whether you're rocking a sporty look or adding a touch of casual flair to your outfit, the never-ending appeal and functionality of baseball caps have you covered.
We love J.Crew's baseball cap the most because it's soft, dons a lived-in look, and fits our heads like a glove. And it's available in so many colors too and can be worn with ease and casually on any occasion.
The trucker hat is a popular and versatile headwear option whose presence has never left any man’s wardrobe since the ‘80s. Worn by, well, truckers, and non-truckers alike, it’s characterized by a peaked cap, close-fit crown, mesh back panels, and foam front that together offer excellent breathability and comfort. The signature curved brim and an adjustable snapback closure for a customizable fit also make it a popular, everyday hat option for men. Style-wise, trucker hats often display logos, graphics, or slogans on the front, making them a statement-making casual hat style as well.
Compared to baseball caps, the profile of trucker hats should be less rounded and more squared. Goorin Bros.'s, for instance, has that classic trucker look that is rugged and edgy.
Dad hats are casual caps that resemble baseball caps or trucker hats, including the five-or-six-panel design and bill. However, dad hats distinguish themselves with a relaxed, crownless shape and are typically made of cotton or canvas. The adjustable strapback closure at the back adds to their sporty, laid-back appeal while ensuring a comfortable and versatile fit for all. They are perfect for adding a touch of easygoing flair to any casual outfit and are ideal for weekends and vacations.
This Carhartt hat is our hands-down favorite dad hat. Having worn this hat since August 2022 to the gym, even to the office, or just to go about the neighborhood, I’m always satisfied by the consistent style and performance it delivers. The rugged cotton construction has held out well, the mesh back keeps me cool, and the Its structured, medium-profile design offers a classic workwear look. Also, thanks to the Carhartt Force sweatband, odors are kept at bay, while the fast-dry technology wicks away sweat. At just $20, it’s a hardworking dad hat for all the hardworking dads—or not dads—out there.
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“Flat caps are a great option for men looking to add some style to their outfits. Typically made of wool or tweed, these hats often have a slightly rounded crown and short brim, and come in a variety of colors and patterns,” Sally Samuels, the Head Designer at fashion brand Savile Row Company. Also known as driving caps, they are great for lending your outfit a dash of classic, gentlemanly refinement while exuding a cool, nostalgic appeal. “Flat caps can also come in a range of materials, including linen and wool, to allow you to choose the perfect hat for any occasion,” Samuels adds.
So if you’re looking to make a statement with headwear, and flat caps add a touch of sophistication to any smart or business casual outfit. We tested and loved these options from Amazon not only because they’re affordable, but also because they have an adjustable belt inside the sweatband for a customizable fit as well as a classic herringbone pattern to make us look very classy.
Anyone who says newsboy caps are the same as flat caps is flat-out lying. “Newsboy caps have a relaxed and round silhouette made with paneled construction completed with a small brim,” says Denise Foley, the E-commerce Director at hats.com. Meaning, compared to flat caps, newsboy hats, AKA ivy caps, have a more structured and form-fit design. “Both designs stem from early 20th century England and were worn by working-class men and newspaper delivery boys. These vintage-inspired styles can easily be dressed up or down,” Foley adds.
Hat-maker and head designer Brandon Franklin of B.M. Franklin & Co calls newsboy caps the “typical turn of the century middle to lower class cap.” It has that enduring classic look that recalls the gritty charm of the early 20th century, and is an ultimate symbol of humble origins making a sophisticated comeback. Take these, for instance. They’re made of linen to be breathable and light. “It’s packable, formal and casual all at once,” says Franklin.
Sun hats are often made with wide brims to shield your face, neck, and shoulders from harmful UV rays, and made with UPF-rated, breathable fabric to keep your head cool, all in all reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Most sun hats also have an adjustable chin strap that helps secure the hat on your head.
The North Face’s sun hat exceeds all our expectations. With its airy full-brim design and UPF 40+ protection, it's perfect for long, sun-soaked days. The FlashDry-Pro™ sweatband works wonders by actively wicking away moisture to keep me dry and comfortable. The nylon fabric feels breathable and lightweight, and the adjustable chin strap actually feels good and easy to maneuver. Plus, the hat has a bona fide endorsem*nt by The Skin Cancer Foundation, earning their Seal of Recommendation for its excellent UV protection.
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The cold-weather-essential beanie is a great option for winter."This type of hat is often made of wool or acrylic and comes in many colours and patterns," says Samuels. "A beanie can provide an extra layer of warmth on those chilly days, while also providing stylish protection from the elements," she adds. Ideally, a beanie should keep my head warm without dropping halfway down my face.
While perhaps the most popular and best-selling beanie in the world is Carhartt's knit cuffed beanie, we do prefer Patagonia's rib-knit wool option because it stands out in a chunky profile and will really perform in the outdoor cold.
A bucket hat is the hat of summer. "A casual bucket hat has a wide and downward-sloping brim that circles around a soft rounded crown. Their practical design is made to protect your face from the sun, and it’s usually made of breathable materials like cotton", says Foley. "This hat gives you that laid-back look and it’s perfect for outdoor activities and easily packable for travels and adventures," Foley adds. In addition, bucket hats today have also evolved from streetwear staples to high-fashion statements.
We love Lululemon's reversible bucket hat because it keeps your head and faces out of the shade when you’re battling that summer sun while remaining lightweight and smooth. The WovenAir™ fabric ensures breathability, while the four-way stretch provides a more personalized fit and freedom of movement. The sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties also make this bucket hat sports-friendly as well.
"A fedora is a classic style with a wide brim, a crease down the center, and a pinched crown," says Foley. "These hats were associated with fashionable men, jazz musicians, Hollywood film stars, and infamous gangsters," Foley adds. Today, the fedora is probably one of the most worn and used words to describe a brimmed hat. It adds a special, gentleman-like touch to your look and can be worn year-round.
We love this fedora option by Stetson because not only is it breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, but its sturdy construction will also bounce back after you pack it, making it a travel-friendly fedora that lasts.
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Trilby is a sibling to the fedora hat style. "Known for its high crown and short brim, the trilby has been a staple to many gentleman's wardrobes over the past two centuries. Nowadays trilby has been grouped or known as a short-brim fedora," says Franklin. Compared to fedoras, trilbies have a narrower brim and an indented crown.
We love this trilby hat by Barbour because it really stays true to the classic image of a trilby hat but uses a striped design to add a hint of fun, striking a perfect balance between casual and formal.
Visors offer a trendy alternative to traditional hats while keeping you cool and protected. With an open-top design, they allow airflow so you’ll never sweat buckets. The long brim at the front shields your eyes and face from the sun's glare. Visors are great for hitting the golf course, vacationing, lounging by the pool, or enjoying outdoor activities.
Todd Snyder and FootJoy worked together to turn seersucker, the breathable king of summer fabric, into the form of a visor with a retro style that screams nostalgia. We love that the back strap is easy to adjust for a snug fit, while the curved bill effortlessly shields our eyes from the sun. Since your hair or scalp is exposed because of the visor style, the breathability there is foolproof.
Fun fact: Panama hats originated in Ecuador, not Panama. These wide-brimmed straw hats are often lightweight and breathable, thus perfect as summer hats. "With its tropical allure, the Panama hat injects a dash of wanderlust into any ensemble. It's the sartorial embodiment of a summer escape—equal parts elegance and escapade," says Guillaume van de Laar, founder of headwear shopping site casquette.fr.
This woven-brimmed hat from Banana Republic is truly worth the splurge. Made from toquilla palm straw by expert artisans in Ecuador, it'll give you a taste of the tropics and make you feel like you're on vacation whenever you put it on.
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"Characterized by a flat top and short, round brim, the porkpie hat got its name from its resemblance to a pork pie," says Martinez. "It's a bold choice, popular in the jazz music scene, and perfect for a unique style statement," he adds. Nowadays, the pork pie hat is associated with Breaking Bad, looking classy and artistic. We love Brixton's pork pie hat because it's accessories with a feather but doesn't feel costume-y.
Get into the spirit of the Wild West with cowboy hats. Featuring a wide brim and a high, creased crown, this style offers protection from the sun, wind, and rain. Made from materials like felt or straw, cowboy hats are also durable and suitable for rugged outdoor activities. Overall, the cowboy hat adds a touch of Western flair and practicality to any outfit with jeans, boots, and button-down shirts.
Tecovas’ cowboy hat is unmistakably Western with a pure-cowboy profile. Made from 100% fur felt, it’s comfy on your head, rugged and sturdy, and will really last.
A trapper hat, also known as an aviator hat, features a warm, fur-lined interior and flaps that cover the ears and secure under the chin, providing excellent insulation during cold weather. Trapper hats are typically made from materials like wool, faux fur, or even real fur. They provide exceptional warmth and wind resistance while making you look tough and a bit fashionable, making them ideal for outdoor activities in winter climates. Eddie Bauer’s trapper hat down has that classic style while boasting down insulation.
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You probably know them as fisherman cap, or see a hint of Greek style in them. Well, fiddler hats are indeed both, featuring a round, low-profile crown and a short brim hat curves a bit upwards, as well as a braid embellishment. They resemble newsboys caps but add a much more stylish touch to your fit, while still providing shade from the sun and a lightweight and comfortable fit. This option, for instance, has that classic Greek/fisherman look and can be worn for outdoor activities.
Like most hat styles with full brim, the bowler hat, also known as the derby hat, came from England. It features a rounded crown and a short brim that curves upward at the edges, and can be seen in both semi-formal and informal outfits in historic dramas. Originally designed as a sturdy and practical hat for gamekeepers, bowler hats today are a fashion statement while providing moderate protection from the sun. We particularly love this option because it’s made from wool, with a breathable sweatband, and can easily completely different fits or occasions.
If you’re interested in exploring beyond standard hat territory, consider a military hat. This particular military hat style is also known as the private cap, resembling a baseball cap but with more pronounced, definitely features throughout, such as a flat top and a cylindrical crown. Basically, it looks much edgier than a baseball cap and fits snugger. This option is quick-drying and looks tough as hell.
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When it comes to men's straw hats, the boater is a classic choice that's synonymous with summer style. Featuring a stiff body, a flat top, a contrasting ribbon around the round crown, and a wider brim, the boater hat exudes a distinctive charm. If you're aiming to make a fashion statement this summer, the boater hat is a foolproof choice for when you vacation. It’s an alternative to a Panama hat which can be expensive, or a fedora hat which can look a bit too formal.
How to Choose Types of Hats for Men
Style and occasion: Your hat choice should match your personal taste, lifestyle, and the type of event you're attending. "If you’re looking for something to wear during a formal event, then a formal hat such as a flat cap or fedora may be a good choice. For more casual occasions, such as going out with friends or running errands, a casual beanie might make more sense," says Samuels who also recommends a classic flat cap as a catch-all option for any occasion. In addition, if you're looking for a hat to wear to the office, a classic bowler can be a good choice. If you’re attending a special occasion, go for something with a bit more flourish like a trilby hat or a pork pie.
Material: "Certain materials, such as wool or linen, may be better suited to certain occasions than others, but will always look smart to ensure that you are ready for any situation," says Samuels. For instance, cotton or denim suits everyday wear, while performance variants like nylon and polyester are great for exercise and outdoor activities. Seasonality also comes into play: linen is obviously a no-brainer for summer, whereas your winter hats like beanies should be made in wool.
Weather: Consider the practicality of the hat for the intended use based on seasons and weather. If you live in a sunny region, prioritizing hats with wide brims can provide much-needed shade for your face, neck, and ears. Look for hats made from materials with built-in UV protection or choose options like wide-brimmed fedoras, Panama hats, or sun hats. These hats not only shield you from harmful sun rays but also add a stylish touch to your outfit. In colder regions, consider hats made from materials like wool or fur, such as beanies or trapper hats, to provide warmth and insulation during winter months. Alternatively, for rainy seasons, waterproof hats like waxed cotton hats or bucket hats with water-resistant coatings will keep you dry and comfortable.
Maverick Li
Former Style and Commerce Editor
Maverick Li is a former Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covered clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
Reviewed byChristian Gollayan
Deputy Editor, Commerce
Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
