9 OF THE BEST HATS FOR MEN & HOW TO WEAR THEM

In addition to offering protection from the sun and rectifying a less-than-stellar hair day, a well-styled hat is an excellent accessory to take any outfit to the next level.

Hats are often an afterthought in an outfit, but they provide an exciting punch of style to almost any ensemble. If you’re unsure how to wear hats, men’s designers provide plenty of options. Today's luxury brands produce impeccable designs that run the gamut from cool and casual to formal and refined, helping the wearer stand out in any context.

We'll break down several hat styles, introduce some of the best hats for men, and provide styling tips to guide the creation of new looks.

TYPES OF HATS FOR MEN

As with any accessory, headwear has a seasoned history, ensuring a suitable style for any wardrobe. Hats come in many forms: beanies, bucket hats, and snapbacks, to name a few. Here are some of the most popular styles and what clothing complements each:

Caps

Today’s most prominent hat style is the classic cap. The colors and fabrics are nearly limitless, ranging from pastel corduroy to black leather. Whether it’s a denim baseball cap, a mesh-back trucker hat, or a sleek visor, there are countless ways to integrate this accessory into your style. Since this hat design is on the casual side, it works well with sneakers, hoodie, and blazer combos, as well as crewnecks.

Bucket hats

Give any look a retro spin with a laid-back bucket hat. Although some solely reserve bucket hats for streetwear looks, the right material and color can blend this accessory into a diverse range of outfits. Even sophisticated trench coats, silk shirts, and suede bombers can be revamped with this nostalgic piece. If the design features a plush winter fabric, try styling it with a puffer or long wool coat.

Beanies

Knit beanies are the best defense against frigid weather. Their practicality is only surpassed by their styling potential, imparting ensembles with cozy charm. Beanies are versatile and suited to any face shape—a must-have for fall and winter. Combine them with turtlenecks, corduroy jackets, and bombers.

Fedora

The utility and sophistication of the fedora hat have cemented it as an iconic piece of menswear since the early 20th century. Traditionally formal, the hat has been updated in different fabrics and slightly different shapes, giving it the versatility of being worn with more casual fare. A camp-collar shirt with straight-leg jeans or a fitted dress shirt with chinos are a fedora’s perfect pairing. However, elegant footwear, such as loafers and dress boots, coordinate well with fedoras, ramping up their sophistication.

Cowboy hats

Country culture is making a comeback among younger generations, leading designer labels to introduce Western-inspired garments into their collections—including the iconic cowboy hat. Try a style with a wide brim alongside a simple button-down shirt and jeans, and tie it all together with a prominent metal-buckled belt.

DESIGNER HATS FOR MEN

Curating a varied hat collection is a great way to breathe new life into go-to outfits. Although hats are handy year-round, some make more sense with particular seasonal attire. These labels have designed some of the best men's hats with functionality and style in mind.

Casablanca

Casablanca continuously impresses with bold choices of fabric and print. The brand's hats are no exception, exuding confidence through soft, luxurious fabrics. Although the label has created several bucket hat iterations, when it comes to styling opportunities, the Jacquard Monogram Cotton Terry Bucket Hat is perhaps the most playful. Pair the bright citrus hue with a vibrant silk shirt, tailored trousers, and a beige trench coat over the top for a striking look.

Paul Smith

Renowned as a master of menswear, Paul Smith is a top player in the accessories game. The cap collection is extensive, featuring energetic prints and classic fabrics. The assortment even features a winterized corduroy baseball cap with ear flaps decked out in faux-shearling fur.

Vince

Vince is defined by the exceptional materials and minimalist motifs that permeate its ready-to-wear collection. Beanies come in beautiful cashmere birdseye and fair isle-knit fabric, sporting rich colors accentuated by ribbed fold-over cuffs. These designs look great with chunky knits, wool coats, and quilted jackets.

Loro Piana

Loro Piana began its fashion journey as a fine wool supplier to haute couture houses. Today, the brand retains a deep appreciation for fabric, with meticulous detailing that’s hard to match. The label’s Shearling-Lined Suede Beanie is a testament to this craftsmanship, with a six-panel construction that features shearling, ribbed cashmere, and soft suede. The beanie sits snugly above the ears, giving a subtle contemporary edge to the down-to-earth design.

Palm Angels

A staple in streetwear circles, Palm Angels reinterprets the definition of luxury by blending fashion-forward designs with opulent fabrics. The brand’s distinct logo and audacious accents are a throughline of its hat collection. Don an indigo wash bucket hat or a baseball cap emblazoned with flames for a pop of color.

Eton

Caps evoke a youthful energy that can lend a boyish flair to even the dressiest attire, with Eton being the go-to brand to pull the look off. The label has introduced baseball caps in sophisticated materials, such as houndstooth wool blends. This charming design looks fantastic alongside wool coats and dress boots.

Moncler

Moncler is synonymous with performance-driven outerwear, and its hat designs have serious authority on the ski hill. The knit beanies, with sporty emblems and stripes, are a top choice for outdoor adventuring. Still, they’re refined enough to style with modern urban ensembles.

Worth & Worth By Orlando Palacios

Worth & Worth By Orlando Palacios meets at the intersection of esteem and adventure. The felt fedora hats come in beautiful shades with flat tabletop brims that make any outfit more daring. The label also houses flattering straw Panama hats for elevated summer fashion.

Burberry

It's fascinating what a simple pattern can accomplish; the vintage check at Burberry only gets better with age. Whether it’s adorning the fabric of a canvas baseball hat or an organic cotton bucket hat, the signature print offers a wonderful upgrade on the classic. Stay on brand by styling these hats with a traditional beige trench coat, and complete the outfit with a cross-body bag.

FASHIONABLE FROM HEAD TO TOE

The right hat puts a refreshing twist on any look. To kick it up a notch, explore the range of accessories and footwear at Neiman Marcus for new designer items and all-time favorites.

For more insight into must-have designer pieces and how to style them, visit the Neiman Marcus editorial archive, where we explain essential capsule pieces and maximize your styling potential. Now that you’ve explored cool hats for men, discover men's bomber jackets and how to style them.