The hat (or cap) is one of those accessories that many men overlook completely as being too bold or garish or simply as unnecessary – yet the addition of a fine cap can really top off a wardrobe and pull the rest of the look together. While the ball-cap is certainly not promoted as a fashionable accessory - if anything, they tend to make an outfit look ratty or unfinished – a proper fitting hat can enhance both casual and stylish looks a great deal.
Casual Hats - Kangol, Cuffley, Ascot Caps and Bucket Hats
While popular brands of the ascot or flat caps are especially fine, such as Kangol or Bailey's, other quality brands that do not bear these designer labels are just as acceptable if they are properly fitted and constructed of quality materials such as wool, felt or suede.
Often known colloquially as a Kangol cap, a brand association similar to how "Coke" is used as a general synonym for soda in the southern United States, the ascot cap is perfect when paired with more casual clothes – perhaps a pair of slim corduroy or cotton pants with a fitted polo or sportshirt, paired with accessories such as modern, thick rimmed sunglasses.
The low profile of the cap intimates a less ostentatious aesthetic design that works perfectly with a more understated, casual image; for this reason the ascot cap is one of the most popular designs amongst discerning men, both young and old. The ascot cap can be worn with denim, corduroy, linen, or cotton pants or slacks as well as nearly any combination of casualwear and is popular especially amongst artists, writers, and musicians.
Bucket hats, while popular commercially, are not typically flattering on many men and tend to be advisable for sun protection only.
Traditional and Regional Hats – Top Hat, Cowboy Hat, and the Fedora
The top hat is still a choice for a few select men on formal occasions, worn with a tuxedo for special instances such as a ball, gala, wedding, or perhaps even prom by a few daring young gents. Outside of these instances, this particular style has lost a great deal of popularity and can not be recommended for wear in general, though men who prefer to wear one will cause little offense in doing so.
Similarly, the cowboy hat occupies a deep historical place within the heart of the American psyche. Outside of that history, the cowboy hat is still worn in many places casually – for example in the province of Alberta, Canada or states such as Texas. Outside of these regions, the cowboy hat is largely given a pass and is generally not considered a stylish choice outside of a poker room or country music bar.
One traditional cap, however, that has maintained a great deal of respect and style throughout the years is the fedora. After struggling with a brief period of unpopularity during the 1970's and onward, the most recent decade has been very kind to the fedora hat, now worn by youth, young men, and mature gents as well.
Once strictly available in monochrome tones, the fedora is now typically offered in plaids as well as in pinstriped varieties, the most common being a jet black base with grey or bright white striping.
Whether one chooses to wear a hat to cover a bald or balding head or simply to add an edge to a unique and fashion forward outfit - the resurgence in popularity of caps and hats is a wonderful thing and a great way to expand a dull wardrobe with a new accessory that will surely draw many comments and, if paired correctly, compliments on a bold new look.
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Nicholas Morine - Nicholas Morine Bachelor of Arts, English Language & Literature Master of Philosophy, Humanities (Candidate) Memorial University ...
