8 Types of hats every fashion lover must have: Berets, fedora and more

Bucket Hat 

Originally Irish fishermen’s hats, bucket hats are waterproof, crushable, and perfect for casual, effortless style. (source: instagram/alia bhatt)

Bucket hats have a fascinating history. These stylish pieces were originally worn as rain gear by Irish fishermen in the early 1990s. While today you see them in all kinds of colours and fabrics, they were originally made from felted wool or tweed. Being perfectly waterproof, they were an ideal monsoon o sea side pick.. Today, bucket hats enjoy a fashionable revival and are cherished as casual streetwear. The best part? You can squash them into your bag, and they’ll pop right back into shape. 

Fedora Hat

With its indented crown and soft brim, the fedora adds elegance to any outfit, from minimalist to embellished looks. (source: pxels)

The classy fedora hats made their first public appearance in a French play in 1882, post which they became a symbol of women’s liberation. Their modern counterparts today are a stylish fashion accessory with versatile appeal. They can be minimalist or loaded with pearls, embellishments, ribbons – offering headwears of a variety of outfits. These hats sit firmly on the head, without flopping around. The credit goes to their careful design – an indented crown, a soft brim, and a pinch on the front.

Panama Hat

Woven in Ecuador with breathable straw, Panama hats are summer staples for sun-smart style (source: unsplash)

Don’t let the name fool you. Panama hats are not even remotely related to the South American country. These wide-brimmed hats were actually born in Ecuador. Due to the hot and humid weather, people began crafting them with breathable straw to provide some sun protection. The process involved a super intricate jipijapa weaving technique, which is now UNESCO-recognized.  In modern times, they’re the perfect accessory for summer, giving off that total vacation vibe.

Sun Hat 

Extra-wide brims of sun hats protect from UV rays while adding a floppy, breezy look to your sunny-day ensembles. (source: pexels)

Also known as floppy hats, this super stylish headwear is an absolute beach staple. These hats are quite wide and have a wobbly feel. They sometimes come with strings to keep them from falling off or flying away in the wind! Their extra-wide brim helps protect both your face and shoulders from the sun’s UV radiation. Traditionally made from straw or plant fiber, they’ve always been popular with lifeguards and beachgoers alike.

Cowboy Hat

Tall crown, wide brim, and rugged texture make cowboy hats perfect for rustic, Americana-inspired outfits (source: pexels)

If you want to add a rustic touch to your outfit, cowboy hats are the perfect choice. Their crown is tall and sturdy, and comes with a wide brim and creased or pinched texture – typical of the West. They were originally designed as a shield against the wind, sun, and snow, during ranch work. Traditional versions were made from either felt or straw, with the latter being low maintenance. So, whenever you want to stand out and channel the old-school Americana, just pick one of these and hee haw!

Visor Hat

Crownless with a simple strap, visor hats block the sun and add a stylish, weekend-ready edge to streetwear (source: Instagram/Margot Robbie)

Do you remember Margot Robbie’s pink-dominated headwear in Barbie, when her character entered the real world? Yup, that’s a visor hat –  a crownless version with a simple brim attached to a strap encircling the head. They were originally introduced as a sports fashion accessory, popularly worn by golfers and tennis players, to block the sun. Over the years, these have been incorporated into the streetwear ensembles, with a dash of glamour. Perfect for weekend adventures in style!

Trilby Hat 

Narrow forward-angled brim and taller crown make trilbys a classic choice for high-society-inspired looks (source: pexels)

The trilby hat first entered the fashion world in the 1890s as a “rich man’s hat,” a go-to for horse races and high-society events. Today, these have become retro chic favourites with the classic old-school sophistication. They have a narrow brim that angles forward.  Though these resemble the Panama hats, trilby hats are much taller, sturdier, and have a smaller brim. These are mostly made from wool or straw, and are super comfortable.