How to Select a Men's Dress Hat

The fedora hat is flattering to most face shapes.

While no longer an essential part of men's business and formal wear, the dress hat still carries an air of dignity and refinement---and perhaps a bit of nostalgia as passers-by remember the charm and good looks of famous hat-wearers such as Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart and Winston Churchill. Wear the right one with confidence and you're sure to stand out from the crowd and make a positive first impression.

Instructions

1. Learn the parts of a men's dress hat. The crown is the top, while the brim is the bottom part that surrounds the head and extends outward. The band is the decorative piece of material that extends around the hat just above the brim. The taper refers to the narrowing of the hat as it extends to the top of the crown. Understanding each part will help you know how to choose the right look for your face.

2. Add height to a round face with a hat that has a sight taper, medium-width brim and a narrow band. Fedora and Panama hats suit round faces nicely.

3. Minimize a long, thin face with a short crown and a wide band. Choose a fedora or homburg dress hat, and be sure to tilt it to the side.

4. Choose a nontapered hat if you have a square jaw line. Turn the brim up for the entire circumference of your head. Bowlers and homburgs look especially nice on square faces.

5. Coordinate your hat with your wardrobe. Pair a brown hat with brown, green, dark brown and gray suits. Choose a gray hat for dark blue, gray or black suits. Choose a green hat to match most suit colors except for blue.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a green fedora for the most face-flattering and versatile option.

References

• Men's Flair: Men's Dress Hats
• The Art of Manliness: The Perfect Hat for Your Ugly Mug