Do you want to add the perfect finishing touch to your suit? No matter what the occasion, the power of a statement hat can instantly up your style game. But with all the options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which hat looks best with a suit.
Choosing the right hat is essential if you want to create a look that feels cohesive and polished. The good news is, there are plenty of stylish hats that don’t take away from the formality of your suit—they just elevate it. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks on how to choose the perfect hat for any occasion, so you can finish off your look perfectly.
Best Hats to Wear With Suit
1. Fedora or Homburg: The Go-to Hats
Looking for a hat to add style to your suits? Well then, the fedora and the homburg are just what you need!
You can pair the homburg with suits of any color but generally, it looks great with black, navy blue and even gray. This hat is perfect if you want to achieve an elegant, timeless appearance.
It gives off a more casual vibe than the homburg but still looks stylish with almost all colors of suits — whether it be black or tan. This timeless style has been popular ever since its introduction in 1882 and continues to be worn by many celebrities today.
For an effortless look, try pairing these hats with contrasting colored suits. For example, wear a gray suit with a black—or white—fedora for an eye-catching ensemble; similarly, you can wear the homburg with either navy blue or dark-colored suits for that vintage touch! So go ahead and try your hand at adding personality to your look!
2. Bowler and Derby Hats: An Elegant Choice
Remember when the cast of Suits turned up to the 2019 Met Gala in black ties and— wait for it— bowler hats? Not just any bowler hats either. It was an unexpected but timeless look that put a modern twist on suits for a classy and polished look—which could also be said about bowler and derby hats in general.
These two classic headwear styles are similar but different: bowler hats are nearly round and have a shorter brim, while derby hats have a sprightly curve at the crown and a wider brim. Combining one of these two with your favorite suit makes an elegant yet creative statement—especially when you add the right color.
For instance, you can try navy blue or gray suits with black or gray hats to bring out your inner sophistication or stick to classic colors like tan or brown to really capture the vintage feel. Bolder colors like green and plum can also give off vibes of classiness, so don’t be afraid to experiment with this look! A great hat with a sharp suit will always turn heads, no matter which color you choose.
3. Trilby and Pork Pie Hats: For a Retro Look
If you’re looking for a hat that’ll bring back a vintage vibe, then you can’t go past the trilby and pork pie hats. Worn by celebrities like Brad Pitt at high-fashion events, this type of hat will give your look an old-school retro edge.
The color of the hat will depend on what sort of suit you’re wearing; for a black or navy suit, you can’t go wrong with classic gray or charcoal. But if your suit has more of an adventurous hue, like olive green or burgundy, then try something brighter—in shades such as tobacco brown, light tan or camel.
Both the trilby and the pork pie are ideal if you want to add some finesse to your outfit. The timeless ‘homburg’ style of the trilby is quite broad with a slightly shorter brim that slopes down at the sides and back. Whereas the pork pie is rounder, with a fixed indentation around the crown and a flat brim that’s turned downwards all around its circumference.
Whichever one you choose to pair with your suit, it’s sure to make you look sharp while keeping up with modern trends—so it’s no wonder they are still popular today!
4. Flat Caps: Keep It Casual
Flat caps are a great way to keep your look casual without sacrificing style. These iconic hats are perfect for any occasion, from a night out at the movies, to a stroll through the park, or even a dinner at your favorite restaurant.
Flat caps look great on suits of all colors and patterns. For instance, actor Ryan Gosling wore his flat cap with a navy blue suit to the Golden Globes in 2018, creating an effortlessly stylish look that we can all emulate. Alternatively, if you want to keep your look more low key, you can pair this cap with a classic black or gray suit.
Flat caps are usually made of wool or tweed which gives them their signature textured appearance. They usually have rounded crowns and short brims that provide protection against the sun and rain. Additionally some larger flat caps come with flaps in the back that provide even more coverage and protection from the elements.
When selecting a flat cap to go with your suit, make sure it matches well in terms of color and style. If you’re wearing a classic black or navy suit, try pairing it with a black tweed or gray checked wool flat cap for an elegant yet casual look.
5. Top Hats: Dress for the Occasion
When it comes to dressing up, there’s nothing that completes the look quite like a top hat. If you’re going to a party or a black tie event, this is an essential headpiece you want to consider.
Remember when George Clooney wore a top hat at the Golden Globes? Yeah, that’s the kind of statement you can make if you complete your look with one of these.
Top hats are typically cylindrical in shape with a slightly conical crown and flat brim – but The Emperor, for example, has a more conical crown and taller shape. Many people think of the classic black hat when they hear the term “top hat,” but there are other colors available including gray and white.
If you want to wear a top hat, it’s best to pair it with a suit in similar colors. Black is undoubtedly the most classic color choice and matches up perfectly with any eveningwear – but don’t be afraid to experiment with other colors like light gray or navy blue too!
So if you’re looking for something sophisticated for your evening attire, don’t hesitate — top hats are timelessly chic and can really show off your style (and confidence!).
6. Panama Hats: All-Day Wearability
One of the most popular hats that you can add to your collection of suit-and-hat combinations is the Panama hat. You may have seen the Panama hat on actor Brad Pitt in a popular fashion magazine event. This detailed, classic hat allows you to dress up any suit with a little added panache and style.
The Panama hat has great all-day wearability, as it’s lightweight and breathable. The color of the Panama hat ranges in beiges and tans, with some having a distinctive sort of twill pattern woven into them. These hats appear slightly wider than other types of hats, giving your look just a hint of added texture and color.
On most suits, you will find that the Panama hat looks best with light-colored or single-colored suits like beige or brown. This type of hat gives off an air of sophistication that elevates any look—but if you’re looking for something more casual, try pairing this hat with linen suits or khaki cotton blazers and chinos. Either way, the Panama hat is sure to provide you with the perfect accessory for any occasion.
7. Newsboy Cap
The newsboy cap is a timeless classic that has gone through a resurgence over the past few years. Out of all the available hats, this one may be the most versatile and can work with nearly any style of suit. Popularized in the 1920s, the newsboy cap is still worn by celebrities in 2022 and comes in various materials and styles.
You have several options when it comes to materials for your newsboy cap. It can range from classic tweeds to more modern faux leathers or cotton blends. The choice is ultimately up to you, but make sure it pairs with your overall look.
Picking out a color that works with your outfit will give you an extra touch of sophistication. Try something neutral like black or navy for an understated look or switch it up with an eye-catching bright color to add some flair to your ensemble.
Getting the perfect fit is paramount when it comes to wearing a newsboy cap as part of a suit look. You don’t want it too loose or too tight – find something that fits comfortable but structured. This ensures that you’ll look debonair no matter what occasion you’re attending.
Things to Consider While Wearing Hats with Suits
When wearing a hat with a suit, there are some important factors to consider. Having the right hair-style is essential — it can make or break the overall look.
1. Hair
If you have short hair, try wearing a classic fedora or trilby hat; this works especially well if you’re trying to achieve a formal look. For slightly longer hair, a pork pie hat gives an extra hippy touch (without looking too youthful). Those of you with curly locks may consider combing back your hair and rocking a bowler hat.
2. Color
When it comes to the color of your hat, pick one that will harmonize with your skin tone and heighten your overall look. If you want to be more daring about it, then feel free to choose something bolder and brighter!
3. Face Shape
Most important of all is the shape of the hat. Make sure it matches the shape of your face: if you have an oval face, try out broad-brimmed hats like fedoras; for round faces, go for something angular like pork pies or bowler hats. For longer faces, try a trilby because its slant brim can shorten the effect of longer facial features.
At the end of the day, picking out the right hat for you is all about experimenting! With these essential tips in mind, there’s nothing stopping you from getting that perfect suit-and-hat combo!
Final Thoughts
You now have a variety of options when it comes to selecting a hat to perfectly top off your suit look. Whether you’re going for something more formal or a more casual take on the classic suit, knowing how to mix hat styles and colors is key.
Remember, a hat can complete the look and help you stand out from the crowd in all the right ways. By choosing the right style, you can create an ensemble that draws attention to your passion and style. You don’t have to follow trends blindly — instead, pick what feels natural and comfortable on you. After all, fashion is about expressing yourself.
