Army Caps
The United States Army first issued the Army Cap in 1942, during World War II. The original purpose of this soft cotton twill hat was to be worn under combat helmets to provide warmth while also shielding from the sun. It served our troops well, which is why it became so popular. These hats remained well after World War II and are now a staple for trendsetters everywhere!
Features: Flat crown, baseball style brim
Fashion: Great for casual looks like jeans, shorts and t-shirts. Also stylish with a dressed down blazer or khakis.
Other Names: Patrol Cap, Fashion Army Cap, Cadet Cap
Baseball Caps
Created for optimal comfort and function for athletes, the Baseball Cap is designed to keep the sun from a player's eyes on the field. This popular style has ben adopted by sports and fashion fans alike as a comfortable and casual fashion accessory on the streets or at the ballpark.
Features: Round paneled crown, baseball style brim
Other Names: Baseball Hat, Ball Cap, Snapback (variety of baseball cap with plastic snap closure), Trucker Cap
Beanies
The Beanie, also known as the toque, dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Now that’s staying power! This popular soft knit hat is often made of wool, cotton or synthetic fiber. Beanies have become a staple of pop culture as well as a popular fashion statement. They can be seen in movies, on television, at a rock concert, and even in video games. Whether thick and warm or airy and slouchy, pull ons are a perfect accessory for any season!
Features: Knit, tapered or rounded crown
Fashion: Great for casual wear all year. In the summer, pair with shorts, tanks and flipflops. For winter, pair with a great peacoat and cozy scarf.
Other Names: Pull On, Toque, Knit Cap
Berets
The modern Beret was a popular necessity in the 17th century, where Basque shepherds wore it to keep warm. This soft wool hat grew so greatly in popularity that it was mass-produced in 19th century France and Spain. It eventually became a popular fashion statement on the 1920’s. The Belgians and the French adopted military berets during World War I. Today berets are worn by painters, directors, intellectuals, military men, and rebels alike. Get yours today and start your own fashion revolution!
Features: Flat knit crown, headhugging lower band
Fashion: Military looks can be worn with street fashion, "punk" styles and camo. Classic pieces can be worn with jeans, dresses or leggings for an artistic look. Winter styles look great with most outdoor looks and knitwear.
Other Names: Berret, Birrus
Bucket Hats
Israelis invented the Bucket Hat in 1948 during the Israeli War for Independence. This hat is U.S. Navy issued and is particularly popular with glider pilots because it shields their eyes from the sun it while enabling them to see in every direction. Bucket hats are commonly made of a heavy cotton material like denim or canvas so you know these hats are built to last. It just goes to show you that necessity is the mother of invention and these fashionable beauties are popular worldwide!
Features: Wide down-sloping brim, flat crown
Fashion: Usually considering a summer style. Perfect with a swim suit or tank top and shorts.
Other Names: Fishing Hat, Rafael Hat, Beppehatt, Reni Hat
Cloche
Named after the French word for bell, the cloche was created by milliner Caroline Reboux in 1908. A favorite among flappers and 1920's starlets, the cloche is fainty, feminine, comfortable and functional. Returning to popularity in the 21st century, the cloche is popular for its wearability and charm. In the 20's, the decorative ribbons conveyed messages (an arrow-like ribbon meant a girl was in love with a particular gent, firm knots meant she was married and flamboyant bows were for ladies on the prowl) so maybe you should show a message of your own!
Features: Assymetric brim (longer in front and shorter to rest on back of neck), rounded crown
Fashion: Summer styles of bamboo, straw and cotton are perfect with a breezy sun dress and sandals. Woolen winter styles are perfect with tights, boots and a flared little skirt.
Other Names:
Bowler
The Bowler, also known as a derby, was created in 1849 for Edward Coke, a British soldier and politician. Contrary to popular belief, the bowler was the most popular hat in the American West because it stayed put in high winds, prompting journalist and author Lucius Beebe to call it, “the hat that won the west”.
Features: Stingy - often rolled - brim, Round crown
Fashion: Pair with a dapper vest and skinny jeans or your favorite three piece suit for a retro chic look. For girls, bowlers look amazing with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to your favorite flirty dress.
Other Names: Derby, Bombin
Fedora
The Fedora is a beloved fashion accessory made famous by Hollywood and infamous by mobsters. This stylish hat made its debut as early as 1891 and has withstood the test of time into the 21st century. Perfect for any modern day gangster, bohemian, or trendsetter, the fedora is a classic and versatile look to span most fashion styles and genres.
Features: Pinched teardrop crown, Medium to wide brim
Fashion: Perfect with almost any look, fedoras are versatile and always in fashion. Pair with a suit, jeans or dress to look perfect every time.
Other Names:
Ivy Cap
The Ivy Cap originated in 14th century England and in parts for Italy. Though fashionable in its own right, this hat had some assistance in gaining its popularity. A 1571 Act of Parliament to stimulate the consumption of wool required that any male over six years age and not a member of nobility to wear an ivy cap. Though the act was repealed in 1597, the ivy cap became so engrained in the English psyche that its popularity never really faded.
Features: Short bill, sloped or paneled crown
Fashion: The perfect alternative to a baseball cap. Wear with jeans and a sweater for a casual look or add to a suit for finished flair.
Other Names: Flat Cap, Pub Hat, Driving Cap
Outback
Coined the "Australian Cowboy" hat, Outbacks are a hybrid of fedoras and westerns dating back to the 18th century. Providing sun protection and comfort, this rustic style remains popular for outdoor enthusiasts and fashion followers alike.
Features: Teardrop Crown, Wide (often curled) brim
Fashion: Pair with your hiking gear or riding gear for a rustic look. Add to your everyday casual wear for a comfortable style year round.
Other Names: Australian Cowboy Hat
Pork Pie
Originating in the 19th century, the Pork Pie has been worn by soldiers, socialites, scientists and musicians alike. From silent comedian Buster Keaton to the father of the atomic bomb Robert Oppenheimer, the pork pie has reached the fame of having its own song Goodbye Pork Pie Hat. Finding its place in modern fashion, the pork pie still reigns as a perfect topper. ,/
Features: Flat stingy brim, telescopic crown
Fashion: Straw pork pies are perfect with khaki shorts and boat shoes. For girls, pair with a flirty floral sundress. Wool pork pies are an easy switch with fedoras and trilbys.
Other Names: Mowbray
Sun Hats
Created to protect the head, neck and shoulders from the sun, these wide brimmed hats are popular at beaches, on resorts and at the pool. Perfect for keeping you safe from harmful UV rays, this fashion accessory has become one of the hottest summer styles.
Features: Wide brim
Fashion: On the beach with a cover-up and swimsuit, or paired with shorts and a tank top
Other Names: Floppy brimmed hat, Sun Shade Hat
Top Hat
Created in the mid-18th century and originally made of fur felt, the Top Hat was the pinnacle of formal attire throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Associated with the upper class, the Top Hat continues to evoke class and style in modern fashion
Features: Tall flat crown, curled brim
Fashion: Pair with ripped jeans and a vintage t-shirt for a vintage punk look, or add to your tux for a finished formal style.
Other Names: Stove Pipe Hat, Chimney Pot Hat, Cylinder Hat, Topper
Trapper
Introduced in the 18th century, the trapper was traditionally made of animal pelts and fur. When the earflaps are worn down, a Trapper provides the ultimate winter protection for the head, ears and cheeks with the additional option to be worn up on slightly warmer days. Favored by hunters and outdoor lovers over the years, the trapper has emerged into fashion with the use of fun fabrics and faux fur.
Features: Lined earlaps
Fashion: Perfect for all your winter outdoor needs whether paired with a parka or peacoat. Don't forget your mittens!
Other Names: Aviator, Earlap Hat, Earflap Hat
Visor
A grandchild of the green eyeshade bankers work in the 18th and 19th century, the Visor has morphed into the ultimate sun protection for your face. Replacing plastic with canvas or straw, visors are available in sporty and classic styled for sporting events or the beach.
Features: No crown, wide bill
Fashion: Pair it with a tank and shorts or your swim suit for the perfect summer attire.
Other Names: Vizor, Peak, Eyeshade
Western
Originally a creation of J.B. Stetson, western hats have remained fairly unchanged over the years. Maintaining the same basic shape and known for durability, westerns are often water resistant and made to last.
Features: Wide (often curled) brim, tall shaped crown
Fashion: Grab your jeans, belt buckle and spurs to reach perfection in a classic western style. Distressed versions are perfect with a plaid shirt and old jeans or shorts for the "beach bum" look.
Other Names: Cowboy Hat, Cattleman, distressed versions can be known as "Spring Break" hats
