Men’s hats are one of the essential accessories that become a part of their wardrobe. It is both a necessity and a style. This is why hats play multiple roles for men throughout time, ranging from simply blocking the sun’s rays and grooming them. However, in the market, a wide array of men’s hats are available, from simple to super-fashionable pieces. These days graphic hats or tattoos-art-inspired hats are trending, considering the best men’s graphic hats that meet your taste and preference and give a sense of style like a fashionista.
In this guide, we’ll talk about different types of men’s hats that serve them in a better way with the right hat. So, if you’re putting your foot in the realm of men’s hats, then you have to know the basics. Let’s delve into this comprehensive guide.
What is a Hat?
Before going into depth, we need a foundation. So, how do we interpret a hat? So, gentlemen, here are two types of definitions for a hat.
- A hat is a crown-shaped accessory that covers your head.
- A unique head covering worn as a symbol of office.
The definitions indicate two aspects – pragmatism and status.
History of Hats
Men’s hats have a long history. The first brimmed hat is widely considered to be the Ancient Greek Petasos. It evolved in Thessaly, a region in Greece famous for its formidable horsemen. The Petasos were often built with felt or straw.
After briefing the history of men’s hats, we’ll explain the different types of hats that include the following:
- Fedora
A few men’s hats look like the fedora. It is an iconic hat and defines classic men. However, the fedora hats were begun with a woman’s hat in 1882. It came to fame as a play by the same name wherein the main character – a woman named Fedora – wore the hat. Though, it has been symbolised as an iconic women’s headgear fashion piece for years. In 1924, that all changed when Prince Edward of Britain liked them and later on, also became the fashion piece for men.
- Trilby
Trilby is another famous headgear for men and is similar to the Fedora hat, generally, people get confused because of the similarity in appearance. But hang on, both are not the same. This hat came to light in 1894 when there was a theatre, based on the novel of George du Maurie titled Trilby, which was eventually involved in a live performance that featured the hat. Over time, this hat was adopted by the British aristocracy and became popular among horse racing circles.
- Panama Hat
Panama hats also replicate a fedora apart from only one feature which is its straw. During the 1500s, and amid the Spanish conquests, conquistadors couldn’t help but admire the finely crafted headwear worn by the natives of Ecuador. These hats were expertly woven from straw, yet their exceptional quality and texture led the Spaniards to believe they were made from something far more exotic—vampire skin.
The name “Panama Hat” is derived by travellers to South America. Their first contact with the straw hat took place in Panama before they reached Ecuador.
Though, this hat is traditionally made with straw from the toquilla plant, found only in the rainforests of Ecuador. The general rule of Panama hats is simple, the finer and more uniform the fibres, especially in colour and texture, the better the quality of the hat.
- Graphic Hats
Graphic hats are modern and trending hats that feature graphic designs or tattoo-inspired designs taken from iconic and real tattoo designers and look very trendy and stylish.