10 Noteworthy Hat Brands

Hats have emerged as a prominent trend, capable of utterly transforming your appearance and conveying a powerful statement. Beyond their fashion-forward aspect, hats also offer practicality, rendering them an excellent option for summer wear. Selecting the appropriate hat brand ensures the discovery of a timeless piece that endures through changing seasons.

The surge in the popularity of hats doesn't come as a surprise, given their blend of functionality and style. Yet, the classic dilemma persists: "I'm just not a hat person."

For years, I gazed longingly at those effortlessly sporting hats. The promise of shade during sweltering summers held undeniable allure, and the way they elevated an outfit was positively captivating.

During winter's chill, I'd reluctantly don a beanie purely for warmth, devoid of any sense of style.

Being a non-hat person, I believed I'd forever be consigned to admiring hat-wearers from the sidelines.

Then I cracked the code of hat-wearing. The revelation hit me: every individual, and yes, I mean everyone, is a hat person. It's all about finding the right hat.

One facet of this discovery is identifying the hat style that resonates with you. Perhaps a baseball cap suits your taste, while another person shines in a cowboy hat. The second key to that success is investing in quality. And the simplest route to achieving that? Opt for hats from reputable brands.

Choosing the Right Hat

A hat tailored to your preferences is undoubtedly waiting to be discovered; it's simply a matter of pinpointing the style that resonates with you. While your personality plays a pivotal role in this choice, kickstarting the process involves clarifying your reason for donning a hat. Seeking sun protection? A bucket hat or straw hat with a wide brim will effectively shield you from the sun's rays. To shade your eyes, a trusty baseball cap fits the bill.

If your hat pursuit leans toward style rather than function, you'll need to factor in the desired aesthetic. A flat cap impeccably complements a preppy ensemble. Fedoras makes a fashion-forward statement and universally flatters various visages. For formal occasions, a sophisticated formal hat is a must.

Once you've settled on the hat type or purpose, consider your physique and facial structure. Tall hats and upturned brims can create a shorter appearance, while shorter hats and down-turned brims can confer an impression of added height. In the context of facial shapes, a structured hat harmonizes well with oval or round faces, whereas faces with square or triangular features benefit from softer-lined hat styles.

The Best Hat Brands

Superior hat brands transcend mere material and craftsmanship; they possess a distinctive essence that sets them apart. While hats might frequently be overlooked, an impeccably styled one can metamorphose from a nondescript accessory into a pivotal outfit element.

The crème de la crème of hat brands we are about to explore are as follows:

• Borsalino

• Bailey Hats 

• Stetson Hats 

• Akubra

• Tilley Hats 

• Brixton

Best Luxury: Borsalino

If you're in pursuit of an upscale Italian hat brand, your search concludes with none other than Borsalino. This esteemed company boasts an extensive array of hat offerings, segmented into men's and women's categories as well as distinctive styles.

Embracing the arts and crafts aesthetic, you'll encounter the Art Nouveau Medium Brim hat—a felicitous fusion of elegance and customizability in shape. For those inclined toward glamour, the Marianna takes center stage among women's selections. This flat-top hat exudes allure, accentuated by a brass and rhinestone tiara adorning the frontal band and peak.

In the realm of classic design, both men's and women's collections shine. The brushed felt hat and the Panama straw hat epitomize this category, seamlessly encapsulating timeless appeal. 

Best Fedora: Bailey Hats

If you find yourself pursuing a men's hat, directing your attention towards would be a prudent choice. Their repertoire encompasses a diverse spectrum of hat styles, catering to various preferences. Noteworthy among these is the Criss Fedora—a masterful embodiment of elegance, characterized by its elongated teardrop crown and snap brim.

For those inclined towards a more rugged aesthetic, the Western Morgan Hat emerges as a premier outdoor accessory. Embodying a semblance of the iconic cowboy hat, it exudes an understated allure perfectly suited to outdoor ventures.

Best Cowboy Hat: Stetson Hat

The Stetson hat stands as the ultimate embodiment of the cowboy hat archetype. This iconic headwear was famously brought to commercial success by Stetson himself, drawing inspiration from the hats worn by Vaqueros, or Mexican cowboys.

Before the advent of the Stetson hat, cowboys sported an eclectic array of head coverings, ranging from top hats to sailor hats. However, with the introduction of the Stetson, it swiftly emerged as the definitive cowboy hat.

In recent times, Stetson has ventured into diverse territories, extending beyond its signature cowboy hats. Amidst their offerings, you'll discover an expansive selection of alternative styles.

Among them, trucker hats, flat caps, and outdoor hats are available, each meticulously crafted with the same devotion to style and quality that characterizes the traditional Stetson aesthetic.

Best Outdoor Hat: Akubra

Hailing from Australia, Akubra has made a name for itself through the crafting of distinctive bush hats—characteristic outdoor headwear. A remarkable fusion of various styles, hues, and brim dimensions results in Akubra boasting an impressive collection comprising more than 100 distinct hat variations.

These hats have found a dedicated following among rural Australians and have even graced the entertainment world, notably in productions like Crocodile Dundee. The iconic Croc hat continues to be available for purchase, but solely to the Australian populace.

In tandem with their outback offerings, Akubra extends its influence into urban territories. This expansion encompasses a range of styles, encompassing the likes of top hats and felt hats.

Best Bucket Hat: Tilley Hat

Encompassing an extensive array of outdoor-inspired headwear, Tilley's offerings cater to a diverse range of preferences. While bucket hats constitute a significant portion of their repertoire, you'll also come across options like straw hats, trilby hats, fedoras, and sun hats.

Tilley hats emerge as an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts, seamlessly blending fashion and utility. Notably versatile, most Tilley hats come with a lifetime guarantee, offering reassurance against both regular wear and any potential craftsmanship flaws.

Best Ivy Cap: Brixton

The journey of the company commenced in Oceanside, California, fueled by the aspirations of a close-knit group of friends who set out to craft a remarkable hat. Their inaugural creation, the "hooligan," took the form of a newsboy or ivy cap.

At its core, the company aspired to foster unity. The brand's offerings encompass a diverse spectrum of hat styles, each tailored to resonate with individuals from various walks of life.

Embracing a blend of vintage inspiration and contemporary design, their hats encapsulate both the charm of the past and the vibrancy of the present. Marrying style and functionality, these headpieces prove an excellent choice for anyone in search of a harmonious fusion of fashion, comfort, and utility.

Best Baseball Cap: New Era

Craving a chic cap without breaking the bank? New Era stands out as a premier choice among budget-conscious hat enthusiasts. The brand boasts an extensive lineup, catering to diverse preferences. The 9forty model, characterized by its streamlined curved visor and adjustable strap, epitomizes both style and practicality. Additional offerings encompass fitted and snapback styles, each presenting distinct variations—ranging from the classic baseball cap visor to the modern flat visor aesthetic.

In addition to these selections, New Era also caters to aficionados of dad and trucker hats—innovative twists on the conventional ball cap that have garnered substantial popularity.

Best Women’s Hat: Raffaello Bettini

Raffaello Bettini emerges as a distinguished Italian label specializing in women's hats. Their heritage traces back to 1938, boasting decades of craftsmanship. Every hat is meticulously crafted in Italy, adhering to the most stringent standards of quality.

Within the Summer 2021 collection, the Cory stands out—a straw hat adorned with delicately printed roses, elegantly accompanied by a subtle leather hatband.

For those seeking winter warmth, the Winter 2021 collection offers an expansive assortment of cashmere knitted caps, embodying both coziness and style.

Best Panama Hat: Ultrafino

Renowned for its artistry in crafting hand-woven straw hats, stands out as a masterful creator. Among its prized offerings is the Venicia—a gracefully wide-brimmed Panama hat, celebrated in the enchanting realm of Venice. This hat not only bestows a touch of European refinement but also offers sun-shielding prowess, be it during a serene Gondola ride or while relaxing on one's front porch.

Beyond this, the brand's repertoire encompasses an extensive array of women's hats, fedoras, and flat caps, each exemplifying a distinct blend of style and craftsmanship.

Best Value: American Hat Makers

While more affordable hat brands exist, if you're in pursuit of superb quality without straining your budget, American Hat Makers stands as the optimal choice.

Their extensive selection caters to diverse preferences. The Breeze Sun Hat, a perfect companion for a beach day, melds both style and sun protection seamlessly. On the other hand, the Leather Bushman boasts an outdoor-friendly design inspired by the Outback aesthetic. This range is not limited; it extends to include women's dress hats, cowboy hats, and straw hats.

Each hat is a labor of handcraftsmanship and arrives accompanied by a lifetime warranty, a testament to their enduring quality. These remarkable headpieces are designed to withstand the test of time, without compromising your financial considerations.

Best Hat Brand FAQs

What is the most popular hat?

As we embrace 2023, the bucket hat has solidified its position as one of the most sought-after headwear choices. While the timeless and understated classic bucket hat continues to maintain its allure, this year ushers in a new trend: the era of the overstated.

Following a year characterized by quarantine, this season's hats have taken on a larger-than-life persona, exuding boldness and playfulness in abundance. Opt for a bucket hat that embodies uniqueness through its pattern or material choice. Embracing distinctiveness will undoubtedly position you at the forefront of the latest trends, capturing the spirit of the times.

What is the best quality cowboy hat?

Stetson stands as the epitome of the iconic cowboy hat, earning my top recommendation for unparalleled quality. Among luxury hat artisans, such as Borsalino, you'll also find exceptional options to consider. For those entrenched in the cowboy lifestyle, Resistol earns resounding accolades for its remarkable durability—a consensus affirmed by cowboys themselves.

Remarkably, Resistol distinguishes itself as the sole hat brand that embarks on crafting every fur-felt hat from inception to completion. Their unique approach commences with raw fur, thereby ensuring an exquisite result. Moreover, their range extends to encompass a splendid array of straw cowboy hats, catering to diverse preferences within this iconic style.

What are the most common materials used for brimmed hats?

Brimmed hats find their foundation in a variety of materials, each with distinct characteristics. Among the most prevalent choices are felt, straw, polyester, and cotton. Straw hats, for instance, take shape from either authentic natural straw or synthetic fibers engineered to mimic the straw's appearance. The elegance of felt hats emerges from materials like animal fur or wool, while cloth hats commonly originate from cotton, polyester, or a blend of both fibers. This eclectic range of materials ensures a diverse spectrum of options to cater to individual preferences and styles.

What color hat is best?

The ideal hat color hinges on a confluence of factors: your ensemble, personal preferences, the occasion, and the specific hat type you're considering. Opting for white holds a pragmatic advantage, especially in terms of sun protection, given its reflective nature. When aiming to meld seamlessly with your surroundings, sage green proves an excellent choice, its subtle hue rendering it nearly inconspicuous against various backdrops.

Light gray, versatile, and universally flattering, effortlessly complements any attire and skin tone. Brown, serving as a neutral canvas, harmonizes effortlessly with an array of outfits. Meanwhile, black boasts a captivating presence, making a bold statement without veering into ostentation.

For those with pale complexions, warm tones such as pink or rust present a splendid choice. When your hat features a vibrant or intricately adorned band or embellishments, opting for a neutral shade or white allows these embellishments to gleam with undivided attention. In the realm of hat color selection, the interplay of these considerations guides you toward a choice that is both harmonious and impactful.

What is the best custom hat style to add your logo to?

At the forefront of Richardson's offerings, the Richardson 112 Trucker Hat takes center stage as their flagship product. With its mesh back and generously sized front panel, it offers an ideal canvas for showcasing your logo. Another noteworthy contender is the Under Armour Blitzing Cap. Exhibiting sleek contours and contemporary flair, these hats epitomize modern trends. Moreover, fashioned from Under Armour's renowned performance fabric, they guarantee enduring coolness for your head during scorching summer days.

Where can you buy good hats?

While exploring a company's official website can yield a robust array of choices and pertinent hat details, don't overlook alternative platforms like Amazon, Lids, Hats Unlimited, and Village Hat Shop. These esteemed retailers offer a diverse assortment of hat brands, facilitating convenient comparisons across an array of styles and price ranges. This multi-pronged approach ensures you have access to a comprehensive spectrum of options to suit your preferences.

What does wearing a hat symbolize?

Broadly speaking, hats embody notions of authority and self-assuredness. Across epochs, they have served as badges of status and dominance, conveying both social stature and professional prominence. Once emblematic of one's societal rank and occupation, hats have evolved into a fashion statement rather than an overt marker of social standing. In the contemporary landscape, hats tend to be donned as stylish accessories, eclipsing their historical role as overt social signifiers. They now have the power to encapsulate personal affinities, reflecting one's interests and chosen way of life.

What are good beanie brands?

When it comes to top-tier beanie brands, Carhart, The North Face, and Patagonia take the lead. Their reputation for crafting superior winter apparel naturally extends to their headwear offerings. Carhart's utilitarian beanie excels in providing essential warmth for your head. The North Face's Slinsky beanie embodies a timeless knit design, notable for its textured surface and reversible features. Meanwhile, the Patagonia Vintage Town Beanie marries snug comfort with a distinctive hipster flair, completing a trio of exceptional options for your winter headgear needs.

How to choose among the hat brands?

To begin your hat-hunting journey, start by setting a clear budget. Defining your spending limit will serve as a useful filter, streamlining your options. Once your budget is in place, determine the specific type of hat you're seeking. While some hat makers offer a diverse range of styles, others focus on a more specific selection. With these factors in mind, embark on a browsing adventure through various hat brands. Allow your preferences to guide you as you peruse their offerings, ultimately identifying the hat that resonates most with your personal style.