Men's and women's hats: how to choose the style and size
First decide the type of hat
The word “hat” covers many styles. A fedora has a soft brim and a pinched crown, a trilby has a narrower brim turned up at the back, and cowboy and bucket hats each have their own traits. For summer people choose straw and woven paper models, for autumn and winter, felt. The style also decides what it goes with: a coat, a shirt or beachwear.
Brim width is not only fashion. A brim of 8–10 cm shields the face and neck from the sun well, but wind catches wide ones and they are awkward on public transport. For everyday wear, a medium width is the usual choice.
Size and fit
Hat size is head circumference in centimetres, for example 57 cm. Makers' size charts differ a bit, so before buying online ask for the chart and go by a tape measure rather than the letters S, M, L. Some models have an adjustable band inside that adjusts the fit by 1–2 cm. A stiff felt or woven straw hat is harder to stretch than a soft one, so when in doubt take the exact size, not “a bit extra”.
What to put in your request
- type — fedora, trilby, sombrero, bucket, classic, beach;
- material — felt, straw, paper, wool, leather;
- for whom — men's, women's, children's;
- size — head circumference in cm;
- brim width — narrow, medium, wide;
- colour and the band on the crown;
- brand, if you want a specific one;
- condition — new or vintage;
- city and budget, if you want to name it.
Example: “I'm looking for a new men's straw fedora, beige, head circumference 57 cm, brim about 10 cm, for summer. Preferably Stetson or something with the same weave quality. Delivery to Hamilton. Budget up to $88.”
What to look at when comparing offers
The same style name does not mean the same hat. Ask about the material: natural straw or paper, pure felt or a blend. Find out if there is an inner sweatband and how the hat is packed: a crushed crown cannot be fixed. An original brand should have markings and packaging, and the price should not be suspiciously low.
Ask about exchange for another size too, since you cannot try it on online. For long storage, keep a hat on a form or in a box, not squashed under other things.
How ordering works on BlaBlaPrice
You describe the hat you want in one request, and sellers reply in the chat with photos, sizes, price and delivery. BlaBlaPrice shows the best-value offer first, and seller reviews help you choose between similar ones. Sellers can see where they stand among the others and often improve their terms. Contacts stay hidden until you choose a seller. More on the “How it works” page.
To complete the look, see panama hats for holidays or berets.
