YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you choose a hat?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you choose a hat? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:54:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php kellygirl on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099696 Mon, 17 Feb 2020 17:58:04 +0000 kellygirl 2099696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, AndiB! Those are great hats. I would love to try the Sunday afternoon and the anthropologie hats--although I'd want to try them in store. I'm not confident enough to order. I can only imagine the size of the boxes too. I definitely think until you know what looks good on you--it's best to try in person. In the last five or six years I've been trying hats--this one is the first one that I purchased! AndiB on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099574 Sun, 16 Feb 2020 23:24:50 +0000 AndiB 2099574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a href="https://www.sundayafternoons.com/p/world-tour-hat/" rel="nofollow">https://www.sundayafternoons.com/p/world-tour-hat/</a> I have this from Sunday afternoons, chin strap, UPF 50+, super cute on. Also picked up <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/laine-trimmed-rancher?category=hats-gloves&color=001" rel="nofollow">https://www.anthropologie.com/.....;color=001</a> this from anthro (similar actually), and finally from Madewell <a href="https://www.madewell.com/fanny-amp%3B-june-straw-painter-hat-99105555789.html?source=googlePLA&noPopUp=true&srcCode=Paid_Search%7CShopping_Brand%7CGoogle%7CMWGGBS00002_99105555789_8144285706_83172713254_422157564705_m_pla_online__9016851&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrZOZpZvX5wIVSdbACh2ckAueEAQYBSABEgK3L_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="nofollow">https://www.madewell.com/fanny.....lsrc=aw.ds</a> but not straw as shown, it’s felt and so beautifully made I love hats. I buy hats. I don’t wear them as much as I’d like to. I’m going to just start wearing then, like Carla said, and then I won’t feel self conscious maybe. I got all of them to keep the sun off my face and had visions of wearing them with kicky sundresses. Maybe this year kellygirl on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099524 Sun, 16 Feb 2020 18:39:49 +0000 kellygirl 2099524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Fabbers! I cut the tags and did a test run with it on a cool, mild windy day. I think it will be fine although I’m not sure how it will feel when it’s hot. The fabric is a thick 100% cotton. The chin straps seems like a real plus and then there’s this string around the crown that you can tighten--which is why I think it might have been sitting too high. I can see how it should sit a little lower when it’s windy so it doesn’t blow off so easily. Untightened, it kind of swallows my whole head... @Barabara Diane: Thank you! @shevia: Thanks. I’ve tried on a lot of hats over the years and always walk away. I had one hat for a trip to Israel but that one is long gone! @L’Abelle: Thank you. You make a good point about the brims which I never thought of but makes a lot of sense. @Cee: lol. I don’t know if I’m a Fedora type or not. I don’t think I’d wear a hat unless I need it for warmth or sun protection. @Runcarla: Thank you! That’s been my approach too. I will have to check out Tilley. I know absolutely nothing about hat brands and styles. I love the hat in your picture. I would love to try a style like that! I have a few baseball hats which I use for running but I don’t really like them on me. My hair is rather thick baseball style hats have a tendency to fly off unless my hair is in a pony tail through the back loop. (I also wanted to find something a little less sporty for when I’m not in gear.) @rachylou: That’s interesting! I definitely won’t be wearing this in the car. Strictly for outside. @Susan: Sounds like you have had a lot of success with hats. A chin strap sounds like a must for sailing of cruising. I can only imagine the number of hats lost in the ocean! @slimcat: Thank you! I think my head is average size as most seem to fit. Interesting that you and Susan have hats from BR. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hat in store but will have to check it out next time I’m in store. @Jessikams: Thanks! It’s worth considering for sure. For now, I am looking for something more spring/summery. When I will be outside more. @nemosmom: I’ve never thought of looking in the men’s department but it sounds like that’s a good place to start! I will check it out! @suntiger: Thanks! @ElizabethP: I feel all kinds of awkward in hats. I think it’s my short forehead. I’m not really a hat person but I am trying to change that. @Runcarla: That makes total sense! That’s how I adapted to OTK boots too. You just have to wear it and get over the initial trepidation of looking different. I’m taking baby steps and will see how this hat performs but the washability of a hiking hat sounds very practical! I can imagine the crown of this hat has potential to get pretty gross in hot weather. @Angie: Thank you!! @Mereweather: Thank you! Yes, one size fits most rarely works for me either! I will definitely have to check out REI. @Lesley: Thank you! I think you’re right! @April: Haha. That’s my usual MO. @Jaileen: Thank you. Really must check out that Tilley brand. @Mary: thanks for the tip! MsMary on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099518 Sun, 16 Feb 2020 18:12:57 +0000 MsMary 2099518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Looks great, Kelly! Pro tip: If it's not too windy, fasten the chin strap at the back (nape of your neck, under your  hair) and it will keep your hat secure more comfortably than having the strap under your chin. I learned that from my husband. JAileen on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099236 Sat, 15 Feb 2020 14:34:30 +0000 JAileen 2099236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look really cool in your hat.  I always wear a hat even though my hair looks funky (awful) afterwards.  I really need my eyes shaded.  The sun is really intense here, so almost everyone wear a hat.  I like my Tilley and wore the chin strap a lot in Florida.  But if it’s super windy or threatens rain or is cold, I wear an adjustable ball cap so I can put my hood up if necessary.  When I’m on a trip, I take hats that I can squish in my bag, and that I can wash out.  I hand washed my Tilley a couple times in Florida.  I was sweating like there was no tomorrow.  Sorry, TMI. April on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099219 Sat, 15 Feb 2020 12:53:47 +0000 April 2099219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Because my curly hair molds to the shape of its surroundings, the way I choose a hat is to find one that looks tempting and then leave it in the store.  ;) But FWIW, this one looks very cool on you.   Lesley on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099114 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 21:49:41 +0000 Lesley 2099114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am also not a hat person, so I feel your pain. But I think that one does look great on you! I think it will look even more right-on when you're actually in your beach garb, too. Anonymous on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099084 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 19:05:15 +0000 Anonymous 2099084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Habitual hat wearer here.. I sense, like some others, that this might be sitting a bit high.  One of frustrating things about hats is that many are “ one size fits all”. Hah!  <div> Especially if you are wearing this for practical outdoor activities like dog walking the chin strap may not be enough to make it feel secure.  Measure and then look for hats which are actually sized. As other said, outfitters like REI are a good source for such  hats and Tilley is a classic and sized brand.</div> Angie on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099057 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 18:13:59 +0000 Angie 2099057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ KILLER. You nailed it.  Carla on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099005 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:07:00 +0000 Carla 2099005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Back to add a few thoughts.  If you are not used to wearing a hat, especially one with a brim, it seems like a very ‘statement’ thing to do, and you might feel self conscious at first.  However, the more you wear your hats, the more it becomes comfortable/natural to wear one.  Then you may start to collect hats, because there is no ‘one’ hat.  You can start with your dog walking hat, and then branch out. If your community has a shop that caters to the hiking set, you should check them out for a hat try on session.  I had access to MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) and SAIL.  I got my Columbia straw hat, and DH and I our Tilley’s at SAIL.  Tilley’s come in different sizes, different brim widths, have ties and different styles.  And, did I say they are washable?  Come out of the machine looking brand new. Like clothing, hats come in all price ranges and FWIW, bucket hats are trending, and Panama’s are a classic that are making a resurgence in part due to Megan Markle being photographed with one quite a bit. Here’s a hat thread from last year.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talk-to-me-about-hats">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....about-hats</a> Elizabeth P on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099004 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 13:42:12 +0000 Elizabeth P 2099004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I also think that this seems to be sitting a bit high.</div><div>But I think you will be able to wear a bunch of different styles, lucky you.  I struggle with hats, and it's pure trial and error to find ones that work. Good luck! </div> Anonymous on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2099001 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 13:33:54 +0000 Anonymous 2099001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've never owned a sunhat, but big yes to trial and error! Think I'd like a darker hat on you, with your hair- though the dark outfit could also be skewing it. nemosmom on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098985 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:33:36 +0000 nemosmom 2098985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look great in the hat!  It's a lot of trial and error for me, like Runcarla said.  I have a big head, and really thick hair, so I have to shop men's hats.  I think the one you picked suits you nicely! Jessikams on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098978 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:06:31 +0000 Jessikams 2098978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think that one looks really good on you. You could even get one in a darker color for winter, to match your hair. slim cat on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098971 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 07:33:49 +0000 slim cat 2098971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Looks nice on you - has some interesting details. My head is on a smaller side and finding the right fit is difficult ( all hats are one size now versus S/M and L/XL some years ago ). I have one from BR and one from EXPRESS.  MsMaven on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098968 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 06:47:50 +0000 MsMaven 2098968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that it is mostly trial and error. After a while you get to know what brands and styles suit you best. This one looks good but it does seem like the crown is a bit high. The under chin strap is a good idea. Sad tales of hats. I lost a favorite hat from BR--fortunately it didn't cost a lot. We were sailing through the Panama canal and watching from the back of the ship. All at once the wind caught it and carried it off and I couldn't catch it in time. So sad to lose it. I had a great Panama hat that I bought in the men's department at Penneys. This was ages ago. We were on our way to Greece and I was carrying it with me. We waited a while in the VIP lounge and when we were almost ready to leave one of DH's most important clients came into the room. In the excitement of greeting him, I forgot my hat when we left to board the plane.  I need to go back to the men's departments one of these days. I do have some good travel hats. Maybe a good idea to have one with a chin strap if I'm going to be in a windy place. Lessons learned. Sorry to go on so long. rachylou on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098963 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:55:15 +0000 rachylou 2098963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was at the dermatologist today and read this poster that said an inch of brim gives you 10% of coverage... so every inch of brim you add, adds 10% more coverage. But there are lots of things to consider... will I be wearing this in the car (will the brim hit the headrest), how hot is it (straw then), visibility, will it fly off in the wind (strap)... Carla on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098958 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 04:27:49 +0000 Carla 2098958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Trial and error.  I’ve tried on a lot of hats, and made some mistakes.  The mistakes were hats that were too small.  I’m very happy with my big Panama hat and the Tilley Hikers hat I acquired this summer.  Lots of love for the Tilley, actually.  Light, washable.  Tilley has lots of styles and colours. Your hat is a good shape, but sits a little high.  Is it big/ deep enough?  I think you would look good in a hat with a big brim, that dips down a bit in the front - like the pic below.  Think Indiana Jones. Don’t be afraid of a big hat.  You might also look good in a baseball style hat.  I don’t, but some folks can carry them off, and you look like you might be one of them. Cee on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098953 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 04:00:36 +0000 Cee 2098953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like fedora styles... and yes, I can talk like Humphrey Bogart, " Schweetheart. " L'Abeille on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098948 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 03:57:03 +0000 L'Abeille 2098948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That looks perfect Kelly. The chin strap is so vital to function. I think the brim width is just right for you. I also have wide shoulders and smaller brims just seem to vanish on me. The only thing I can't tell from the photo is if the crown is the right size. Does it sit securely on your head or just perch on top? It doesn't look too loose anyway. Jaime on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098946 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 03:53:15 +0000 Jaime 2098946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This one looks good! I look for a wide, non-floppy, straight brim. I don't like myself in a down turned brim at all.  Barbara Diane on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098942 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 03:36:47 +0000 Barbara Diane 2098942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look great in that hat and it sounds like it will work for your needs. kellygirl on "How do you choose a hat?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-a-hat#post-2098941 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 03:26:05 +0000 kellygirl 2098941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m not a hat person but I want a broad brim hat for dog walking and beach sitting. This has a chin strap which is perfect for windy days. All of the straw hats seemed too floppy. This one is 100% cotton and fairly firm. How do you choose a hat? Is this passable? Thanks in advance!