27 Popular Types of Hats to Try This Year

Hats are more than just head coverings. They’re a fun way to add flair to your outfit and express your style. But with so many types out there, it can be tricky to know which ones to try.

I’ve got you covered! As a hat lover, I’ve worn and researched countless styles. In this post, I’ll show you 27 popular hat types that are worth trying this year.

From classic fedoras to trendy bucket hats, you’ll find options for every occasion. I’ll explain what makes each hat unique and give tips on how to wear them.

Let’s dive into the world of hats and find your perfect match!

List of Different Types of Hats

1. Baseball Cap

A casual and comfortable hat with a rounded crown and a stiff, curved brim. They are primarily used for everyday wear and outdoor activities.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Perfect with jeans and a t-shirt for a relaxed vibe.
Formal Looks: Rarely used for formal occasions, but can add a sporty touch to business-casual attire.
Seasonal Adaptation: Works year-round; lightweight materials for summer and wool options for winter.
Color and Material Options: Available in various colors, from classic black to vibrant hues, and materials like cotton, wool, and synthetic blends.

2. Fedora

A stylish medium-brimmed hat with a pinched front, offering a timeless look. Its primary purpose is to add sophistication to both casual and formal attire.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Wear with jeans and a leather jacket for a chic, laid-back style.
Formal Looks: Ideal with a blazer or suit for an elegant, dressy appearance.
Seasonal Adaptation: Opt for straw or linen in summer wool or felt in winter.
Color and Material Options: Classic colors like black, brown, and grey are available in wool, felt, and straw.

3. Bucket Hat

A soft, round hat with a wide, downward-sloping brim. Primarily worn for sun protection and casual, trendy looks.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Pair with streetwear or beachwear for a relaxed vibe.
Formal Looks: Not commonly used for formal wear.
Seasonal Adaptation: Choose breathable materials for summer and thicker fabrics for cooler weather.
Color and Material Options: Often made in canvas, cotton, or nylon, available in solid colors and bold patterns.

4. Beanie

A snug, knitted cap that provides warmth and comfort. It is mostly used to keep warm in cold weather.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Perfect with winter layers like hoodies, coats, and scarves.
Formal Looks: Not typically worn for formal occasions.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suited for winter but can be worn in fall with lighter knit options.
Color and Material Options: Usually made in wool, cotton, or synthetic blends, available in neutral and bright colors.

5. Panama Hat

A lightweight, wide-brimmed straw hat is ideal for hot, sunny days. It is primarily used for sun protection and a polished summer look.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Pair with linen pants and a casual button-up shirt.
Formal Looks: Complements a summer suit for a sophisticated touch.
Seasonal Adaptation: Best suited for warm weather.
Color and Material Options: Traditionally, straw, often in natural shades, can feature colored bands.

6. Bowler Hat (Derby Hat)

A hard, rounded hat with a narrow brim, popular in vintage styles. Adds a distinctive retro touch to both casual and formal wear.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Wear with suspenders and rolled-up pants for a vintage-inspired look.
Formal Looks: Pairs well with a suit, especially for themed events or period attire.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suited for mild to cool weather.
Color and Material Options: Typically wool or felt, in black or brown.

7. Beret

A soft, round, flat-crowned hat associated with French fashion and primarily worn for its chic and artistic appeal.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Pair with a cozy sweater and jeans for a casual, artsy look.
Formal Looks: Works well with a trench coat or blazer for a sophisticated touch.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suitable for fall and winter.
Color and Material Options: Often wool or cotton, available in classic colors like black, red, and beige.

8. Trilby

A narrow-brimmed hat similar to a fedora but with a shorter brim. They are primarily used for a trendy, semi-formal style.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Pair with chinos and a button-up shirt for a laid-back, stylish look.
Formal Looks: Ideal with a tailored blazer or suit for an elegant appearance.
Seasonal Adaptation: Wool or felt for cooler weather; straw for summer.
Color and Material Options: Often in earth tones and neutral shades; available in felt, wool, and straw.

9. Cowboy Hat

A high-crowned, wide-brimmed hat associated with Western culture, primarily worn for sun protection and style in rural and outdoor settings.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: This goes well with jeans, boots, and a plaid shirt.
Formal Looks: Paired with dressy Western attire, like a tailored denim suit.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suitable year-round; straw in summer, felt in winter.
Color and Material Options: Leather, straw, or felt in classic brown, tan, and black.

10. Newsboy Cap

A rounded cap with a small, stiff brim, popular in early 20th-century styles. Primarily worn for a vintage, laid-back look.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Perfect with a wool coat and scarf in cooler weather.
Formal Looks: Works well with a tailored coat or blazer for a classic, refined style.
Seasonal Adaptation: Wool for winter, cotton for summer.
Color and Material Options: Typically in tweed, houndstooth, or cotton; neutral colors like grey, brown, and navy.

11. Visor Hat

An open-top hat with a brim to shield the face from the sun is primarily used for sports and outdoor activities.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Great with athletic wear, like shorts and a t-shirt.
Formal Looks: Not typically worn in formal settings.
Seasonal Adaptation: Best for warm weather and outdoor sports.
Color and Material Options: Often made of lightweight materials, available in bright colors and sporty designs.

12. Boater Hat

A stiff straw hat with a flat top and brim is commonly associated with summer events. It is primarily used for sunny days and formal occasions.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Pairs with light, breezy summer attire.
Formal Looks: Ideal with a summer suit or dressy outfits for outdoor events.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suited for spring and summer.
Color and Material Options: Straw with a traditional black or navy ribbon band.

13. Sun Hat

A wide-brimmed hat is typically made of straw or fabric and provides excellent sun protection. It was primarily used for beach and garden wear.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Wear with a swimsuit or sundress for a beach-ready look.
Formal Looks: Complements a maxi dress or summer suit for outdoor events.
Seasonal Adaptation: Best for spring and summer.
Color and Material Options: Often made in straw or lightweight fabric, natural colors with occasional decorative details.

14. Snapback Hat

A structured cap similar to a baseball cap but with an adjustable snap closure at the back. Primarily worn for a trendy, casual look.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Pair with streetwear, like joggers and a hoodie.
Formal Looks: These are rarely used for formal occasions but can add an edgy touch to business casual.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suited for all seasons.
Color and Material Options: Available in various materials like cotton, wool, and synthetics; wide range of colors and logos.

15. Pork Pie Hat

A small, flat-crowned hat with a slightly upturned brim, known for its distinctive style and primarily used to add a touch of jazz and vintage flair.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Ideal with retro-inspired outfits, like skinny jeans and a leather jacket.
Formal Looks: Pairs well with a suit or tailored coat for a dapper appearance.
Seasonal Adaptation: Wool for winter, straw for summer.
Color and Material Options: Often in felt or wool, typically in black, grey, and brown.

16. Cloche Hat

A bell-shaped hat that was popular in the 1920s. Primarily worn for a feminine, vintage style.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Wear with vintage-inspired dresses or coats.
Formal Looks: Ideal for dressy occasions, like a wedding or garden party.
Seasonal Adaptation: Felt for cooler weather, straw for warmer months.
Color and Material Options: Available in a range of pastel and neutral colors, typically made of wool or straw.

17. Top Hat

A tall, flat-crowned hat commonly associated with formal wear and primarily used for formal events and occasions.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Rarely worn casually, but can be styled with a tuxedo-inspired costume.
Formal Looks: Essential for formal events, such as weddings and gala events.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suited for all seasons.
Color and Material Options: Typically black or grey, made from silk or wool.

18. Bucket Visor Hat

It is a hybrid of a bucket hat and a visor featuring a soft, round brim. It is primarily used for casual wear with a sporty twist.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Great with athleisure outfits or beachwear.
Formal Looks: Not commonly used for formal wear.
Seasonal Adaptation: Ideal for summer.
Color and Material Options: Made of cotton or nylon, available in neutral and bright colors.

19. Sailor Hat

A flat-topped hat is often associated with nautical themes, primarily worn for themed events or as a costume accessory.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Fun for costume parties or nautical-themed gatherings.
Formal Looks: Rarely used for formal occasions.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suited for warm weather events.
Color and Material Options: Traditionally white, often made of cotton or felt.

20. Gambler Hat

A hat with a wide brim and a flat top is commonly seen in Southwestern styles. It is primarily worn for outdoor events and sun protection.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Pairs well with flowy tops and boots.
Formal Looks: Great with Western-style dress attire.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suitable for spring, summer, and fall.
Color and Material Options: Made in straw or felt, typically in neutral shades.

21. Wide-Brim Hat

A broad-brimmed hat is offering ample sun protection. They were primarily used for outdoor activities and stylish summer wear.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Perfect with flowy dresses or summer outfits.
Formal Looks: Complements a dressy ensemble for outdoor events.
Seasonal Adaptation: Best for spring and summer.
Color and Material Options: Available in straw, felt, and wool, neutral and pastel colors are popular.

22. Safari Hat

A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap was ideal for outdoor activities. It was primarily used for sun protection and outdoor exploration.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Works well with outdoor wear, like khakis and cargo pants.
Formal Looks: Not typically worn for formal occasions.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suitable for spring and summer.
Color and Material Options: Typically in khaki or green, made from cotton or canvas.

23. Bucket Beanie

It combines a beanie and bucket hat with a slightly flared brim. They are primarily used for warmth and casual, streetwear-inspired looks.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Ideal with oversized sweaters and jeans.
Formal Looks: Rarely worn for formal occasions.
Seasonal Adaptation: Best suited for fall and winter.
Color and Material Options: Wool or knit fabrics, available in muted tones.

24. Sombrero

A large, wide-brimmed traditional Mexican hat. Primarily worn for cultural celebrations and sun protection.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Fun for festivals or Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Formal Looks: Paired with traditional Mexican attire for formal events.
Seasonal Adaptation: Suitable for warm climates and sunny days.
Color and Material Options: Usually straw or felt, in natural or bright colors with decorative bands.

25. Knit Cap

A close-fitting cap, often made from wool, is ideal for keeping warm in colder weather. It is primarily used for winter warmth and casual wear.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Perfect with winter coats and scarves.
Formal Looks: Not typically worn for formal occasions.
Seasonal Adaptation: Best for fall and winter.
Color and Material Options: Available in various colors and knits, often made of wool or acrylic.

26. Boonie Hat

A wide-brimmed hat is often used by the military for outdoor activities and primarily worn for sun protection and hiking.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Great with outdoor gear for camping or hiking.
Formal Looks: Not suitable for formal occasions.
Seasonal Adaptation: Best for spring, summer, and fall.
Color and Material Options: Cotton or nylon in neutral tones like khaki, green, and camouflage.

27. Cabbie Hat (Flat Cap)

A flat-crowned hat with a small, stiff brim, similar to a newsboy cap. They are primarily used for a stylish, vintage look.

How to Style It:

Casual Looks: Works well with a cozy sweater and jeans.
Formal Looks: Complements a blazer or trench coat for a refined appearance.
Seasonal Adaptation: Wool for winter, cotton for summer.
Color and Material Options: Tweed, herringbone, or cotton, often in earthy tones like grey, brown, and navy.

Conclusion

And there you have it – 27 hat styles to spice up your wardrobe!

I hope this guide has shown you just how much fun hats can be. From the classic fedora to the laid-back bucket hat, there’s a style for every mood and outfit.

Remember, the best hat is one that makes you feel good. So why not try on a few different types? You might be surprised by what suits you!

Have you found a favorite hat from this list? Or do you have a go-to style I didn’t mention? I’d love to hear about it!

Leave a comment below and share your hat experiences. If you’re feeling brave, post a picture of yourself rocking your favorite hat.

Let’s celebrate our hat love together!

27 Popular Types of Hats to Try This Year