Different Types of Caps: When Should You Wear Them?
When you have a nice, casual outfit on but want to pull it together with some flair, don’t forget about your headwear. The kinds of caps available are many and each bring something different to the table. Here are the types of caps that exist today: baseball, golf, cowboy, military and women’s.
Let’s take a look at each type of caps and find out how to wear them and when you should take it off!
Different Types of Caps
Here are the main categories:
Baseball Caps
How to Wear
Always wear fitted, always have the brim facing forward.Rules for wearing baseball caps are simple. The baseball cap must fit snug on your head so it doesn’t fall off or get in the way when you need to do something active like playing sports or dancing. The brim of the hat should always face forward so it doesn’t get in the way. That’s it!
When to Wear
When you are wearing casual attire or clothing that doesn’t require a more professional look, baseball caps are totally fine to wear. These types of caps also fit in at almost any type of social function where style isn’t too much of a priority. A trucker cap can also be worn in the same way.
When Not to Wear
Never wear baseball caps in a professional setting. Only wear fitted caps when you’re doing something active like playing sports or dancing.
Golf Caps
How to Wear
Never have the brim facing forward!
Golfers are all about style, so they are very particular about their hats. Most types of golf caps are made with mesh on the sides and backs to keep you cool while you’re swinging your club around. This type of cap usually snaps on the back instead of a strap and has a small brim in the front and sometimes larger brims in the back.
Golf caps should never be worn with the brim facing forward like baseball caps, for this look is reserved only for baseball players. These types of hats are meant to be worn backwards with the brim pointing up, or sometimes even with the brim pointing down!
When to Wear
Golf caps fit perfectly for almost any casual occasion that doesn’t require looking professional. These types of caps also look great at almost all types of social events where style isn’t key.
When Not to Wear
Never wear a golf cap in a professional setting.
Cowboy Hats
How to Wear
Cowboy hats should always sit high on your head and if possible, above the ears!
Cowboy hats are all about style and flair. They are made with many types of materials but the most popular types of cowboy hats are usually made with straw or felt. These types of hats should always sit high on your head. If they’re fitting correctly, you should be able to feel them pushing down on your head slightly because of their own weight.
Because of their heavy weight, it’s super important that a cowboy hat should never be worn when you’re doing something active like playing sports. These types of caps can also fall off easily if you bend over or look down too quickly.
When to Wear
These types of types of caps look great with almost any type of casual attire; they are also perfectly fine to wear to almost any kind of social event.
When Not to Wear
Never wear these types of types of caps when you’re doing something active or trying to look professional. Make sure the hat is sitting high on your head and above the ears!
Military Caps
How to Wear
If wearing a beret, the beret should always sit on top of your head with no gap between it and your forehead.
Military caps are made especially for military personnel, so they have a very strict code to follow when it comes to wearing their hats. When you’re wearing a beret or any brimless cap, the beret should always sit on top of your head with no gap between it and your forehead.
However, when you’re wearing any other types of caps, the strap should always sit underneath your chin instead of over it like in the case with baseball caps.
When to Wear
Anytime you are wearing casual attire or clothing that doesn’t require a more professional look, these types types of hats are totally fine to wear. They are also appropriate to wear to most types of social events if style isn’t key.
When Not to Wear
Never wear these types of hats in professional settings or while doing something active like playing sports! These types of caps should always sit high on your head with the brim pointing up.
Women’s Caps
How to Wear
If you are wearing a brimmed hat to cover your hair, make sure the brim is large enough that it covers your ears!
Women’s caps are extremely similar to men’s with just a few small differences. First and most importantly, women usually wear caps to cover up their hair when it’s windy outside or the weather is bad.
If you are wearing a wide brimmed hat like this to cover your hair, make sure the brim is large enough that it covers both of your ears! Also, keep in mind that the wide brim hat is usually worn backwards with the brim pointing up.
When to Wear
There are various sub-categories, so it depends on that specific cap.
When Not to Wear
Not applicable since it’s the main category.
Other Types of Caps
These fall inside the main categories –
Fedora Cap
How to Wear
This type of cap is a blessing & a curse. While it looks great, you’ll need to maintain the quality of the hat constantly. So, if you plan on wearing it regularly, make sure you invest in something that lasts for a long time and shows real quality because no one likes an old looking Fedora!
When to Wear
As the name suggests, these types of hats are popular among people who spend time in casinos. They can also be worn at almost all social events if style isn’t key.
When Not to Wear
These types of caps aren’t really meant for casual wear or playing sports, although they could work if you’re trying to look professional. So make sure you’re wearing these types of hats in the right setting; otherwise, you might look like someone who’s trying too hard to be stylish!
Beret Cap
How to Wear
Originated for military purposes, Beret is one of the most versatile caps out there. You can wear it almost anywhere and still look great. One small downside is that if you want to wear these types of caps regularly, you’ll have to maintain the quality constantly.
When to Wear
Beret is one of the most versatile hats out there and can be worn with nearly every outfit in your wardrobe! So, it’s never a bad idea to have at least one beret in your collection.
When Not to Wear
Although Beret looks good in almost any setting, it’s not always the best choice. So if you’re going for a formal look, you may want to skip this type of hat!
Pork Pie Hat
How to Wear
Pork Pie hats have been around since 1849 and continue to be popular among both men and women today. They are often worn by musicians across all genres, especially jazz. If you want to look chic and stylish, Pork Pie hats are the right choice for you!
When to Wear
These types of hats can be worn on any occasion where style isn’t key; they’re also good if you’re not sure what hat to wear with your outfit.
When Not to Wear
Pork Pie hats don’t always work in professional settings. So make sure you’re wearing a porkpie hat at the right time and place!
Boater Cap
How to Wear
A boater cap is a stiff, flat-topped hat with a flat brim and ribbon band. Although they are common on the East Coast of the U.S., you can wear these types of hats anywhere!
When to Wear
Boater caps go well with almost any outfit; they’re especially good for casual occasions when style isn’t key.
When Not to Wear
Again, you should avoid wearing these hats in professional settings. The stiff brim can be distracting for others and make you stick out like a sore thumb!
Flat Cap
How to Wear
This type of cap is flat on the top rather than rounded, which makes it very easy to wear in general. It’s also one of the most common types of caps in the world today.
When to Wear
These hats are great for any occasion when style isn’t key; it can be paired with almost any outfit!
When Not to Wear
Flat caps are one of the most versatile hats available, so you should never be afraid to wear it! So if you’re trying to dress up for a formal event or want to look professional at work, flat caps can help you achieve that look effortlessly.
Cloche Hat
How to Wear
This is another popular type of hat with women. Like Boater Caps, they are used to cover the hair & forehead. A cloche’s brim will curl upwards on the ends. This hat is also known as a top hat.
When to Wear
Like other women’s caps, it is versatile and can be worn with most outfits! It may not always look great though; sometimes a cloche hat looks better without any hairstyle at all!
When Not to Wear
Again, you should avoid wearing this type of hat in professional settings. It’s also not the best choice for sports or casual occasions!
Sun Cap
How to Wear
These types of cap designs are typically worn by golfers, although they can be found on beaches, ships and other places where the sun is strong. They insulate your head from heat or cold by protecting it from the elements. They also come with a visor that helps shade your eyes!
When to Wear
Sun caps are great for when the sun is shining and it’s too hot to wear a hat. They’re also very easy to carry around in your pocket or bag for convenience!
When Not to Wear
These types of hats are definitely not a good idea in colder weather when you need more protection from the elements. So if you’re going somewhere with cold weather, don’t rely on a sun cap to protect you, bring a scarf or earmuffs instead!
Newsboy Cap
How to Wear
Newsboy caps got their name from the newspapers that boys and young men delivered around town. They are typically made of felt and can be found with a puffed crown or bowl. These are also known as apple cap and baker boy caps, plus very popular among all the men’s hat styles.
When to Wear
Newsboy caps were originally worn by young, stylish men as part of their outfits. However, they’re now worn mainly by hipsters for a casual yet stylish look.
When Not to Wear
These types of caps can be worn on any occasion, but just remember that it’s more common for young men to wear them! So if you’re a woman and want to avoid standing out from the crowd, don’t wear a newsboy cap as part of your outfit.
Bobble Cap
How to Wear
Also known as a Beanie cap, this type of cap is typically knitted and comes with a pom-pom on top. It’s also the most common type of cap for babies!
When to Wear
Bobble Caps are meant for casual situations where you don’t need to dress up; they’re mainly worn during winter time, so you can wear them to look warm and cozy!
When Not to Wear
Just like other types of casual caps, don’t ever wear the beanie caps in professional settings or when you want to dress up for a formal event! These types of hats are almost always worn with casual outfits.
Bowler Cap
How to Wear
Bowler caps were originally worn by men during the 1800s, but they’re now mainly used by cab drivers because of their association with a uniform. The bowler cap is shaped like a round cylinder and usually has a small brim.
When to Wear
Again, a bowler hat can be paired with almost any outfit! But if you’re trying to dress up, you should probably avoid wearing this type of hat.
When Not to Wear
These types of hats are usually worn as part of a uniform and generally don’t look great with formal outfits. So if you’re trying to dress up for a formal event or looking professional at work, bowler caps aren’t the best option.
Cabbie Hat
How to Wear
This type of hat is also known as a Newsboy Cap. The cabbie cap is made of felt and typically comes with a pom-pom on top. You’ve probably seen lots of people wearing these hats in America!
When to Wear
Like Newsboy caps, Cabbies are usually worn by hipsters and are also great for casual, everyday wear. If you want to look hipster or cool, this type of hat is definitely for you!
When Not to Wear
The pom-pom on top of the newsboy hat can get in the way when doing certain activities. So if possible, avoid wearing these hats while playing sports or working out!
Pillbox Cap
How to Wear
This type of hat is also known as a pillbox. It’s usually reserved for formal events and looks very elegant on women.
It has a round, flat crown and is made of either cloth or straw material. Pillboxes often come with a veil and sometimes include pearls!
When to Wear
You can wear this type of hat on formal occasions such as weddings, parties and even to work. If you have a job which requires you to dress up, try wearing a pillbox cap with your outfit because it’ll definitely be a conversation starter!
When Not to Wear
These types of hats can’t be worn at any time; they’re usually worn for formal events or by women who want to dress up for work.
Deerstalker Cap
How to Wear
This is another type of hat for more casual occasions. People mainly wear these caps when they’re hunting or on a countryside walk because it keeps their ears warm!
It has earflaps which prevent heat loss and keep you warm in the wintertime. Deerstalkers also come with two “tabs” at the front of the hat and a pom-pom at the top.
When to Wear
Since this type of hat is mostly worn in colder countries, it’s best to avoid wearing these caps during summer or when it isn’t cold outside. You can also wear them if you’re going out for a walk or even if you want to look like Sherlock Holmes!
When Not to Wear
Since these caps are typically worn by men, you might stand out from the crowd if you decide to wear one. So if possible, only wear this type of hat in casual settings where people won’t judge you for looking like a country bumpkin!
Humboldt Hat
How to Wear
This type of cap comes with earflaps and sometimes even has silk fabric on the top. Humboldt hats are usually worn by men to protect their ears from the cold. Just like deerstalkers, they also feature two “tabs” at the front of the hat.
When to Wear
Try wearing this type of hat when it’s cold outside or if you’re doing winter sports such as skiing.
When Not to Wear
These types of hats can’t be worn at any time and you should avoid wearing them in casual settings because they look too formal and elegant for everyday use.
Ivy Caps
How to Wear
Ivy Caps tend to be favored by most males and often feature a full brim. It’s also very popular amongst college students, especially in the US!
When to Wear
Try wearing ivy caps during formal events such as weddings or when you’re going to church.
When Not to Wear
These types of hats are worn in casual settings such as shopping or when you’re out for a walk.
Tams
How to Wear
This type of hat also comes with a wide brim and looks very elegant on women! Tam’s can also feature bands and silk fabric which makes it even more stylish.
It’s a formal hat which is typically worn during the summertime and at social parties, such as garden weddings!
When to Wear
If you want to look classy and elegant, try wearing a Tam at outdoor events such as garden weddings!
When Not to Wear
You can’t wear this type of hat in casual settings or when you’re not planning on dressing up. It’s usually worn by women who want to look dressy and put together!
Visor Cap
How to Wear
Visor caps are usually made of cotton and come with a curved visor at the front. This light cotton cap is also decorated with different designs on the front panel which makes them stand out from other types of caps.
When to Wear
Visor caps can be worn in casual situations like hanging out with friends, shopping or exercising.
When Not to Wear
Visor caps aren’t worn in formal events, so avoid wearing them to weddings or parties.
Bucket Cap
How to Wear
Bucket caps are similar to visor caps, but have a more rounded crown shape. They’re also decorated with different designs on the front panel which makes them stand out from other types of caps.
When to Wear
Bucket hat can be worn in casual situations like hanging out with friends, shopping or exercising.
When Not to Wear
Bucket hats aren’t worn in formal events, so avoid wearing them to weddings or parties.
Panama Cap
How to Wear
This type of hat is made from straw material and is usually decorated with a brim around the edge and a woven pattern on the front. When it comes to Panama hats, there’s something called a “Panama weave” which refers to how tight or loose the straw weaving is. A tighter weave results in better quality hats, but generally costs more!
When to Wear
You can wear a Panama hat in casual situations, but make sure to avoid wearing them with a formal outfit because they don’t look very professional.
When Not to Wear
The Panama straw hat should be reserved for casual wear and kept out of places where it’s important to dress up. They should also be kept off the golf course!
Trapper Cap
How to Wear
The trapper hat is made out of animal fur (real or fake) and has ear flaps which can be attached or detached depending on the weather. When the earflaps are down, they’re tied together using a string.
When to Wear
These types of hats look great with casual outfits and should be worn in cold/ windy weather.
When Not to Wear
Trapper caps should only be worn in cold/ windy conditions and should never be worn when it’s sunny or hot out! This is because they make you overheat very easily.
Cuban Crown
How to Wear
This type of hat originated from Cuba, but you can find them anywhere in the world now! They’re usually made out of straw material and are decorated with peacock feathers.
When to Wear
These hats should only be worn for formal events like weddings, parties and night-clubs.
When Not to Wear
You should never wear these types of hats in casual situations or while exercising! Just leave them on some coat hangers!
Trilby Cap
How to Wear
This type of hat is similar to the fedora, but has a shorter brim length. Trilby caps are also usually made out of felt material or wool.
When to Wear
The trilby hat looks great with casual outfits and should be worn in cold/ windy weather.
When Not to Wear
Trapper caps should only be worn in cold/ windy conditions and should never be worn when it’s sunny or hot out! This is because they make you overheat very easily.
Derby Cap
How to Wear
These types of hats are usually made from cotton and come with a rounded tip at the front (hence, “derby”). A derby hat is decorated with different colors and patterns at the front.
When to Wear
Derby caps can be worn in casual situations like hanging out with friends, shopping or exercising.
When Not to Wear
These types of hats aren’t worn in formal events, so avoid wearing them to weddings or parties.
Fascinator Cap
How to Wear
Fascinator hats are usually made out of netting or lace material. They’re decorated with bows, flowers, feathers and more…
When to Wear
A decorative cap like this looks great on women who want to dress up for formal events like weddings and parties!
When Not to Wear
You should never wear these types of hats in casual situations because you don’t want to look like a crazy old woman!
Which Material Should You Choose to Make Your Own Caps?
So, you know what kind of hat styles you want. But now the big question is: What material should you choose for your hats?
As a new wearer, choosing the right materials can be difficult and daunting. There are many different types of materials that can be used to make hats; it might seem like an overwhelming task to decide which material to use. Different yarn types offer different characteristics.
It’s important that you feel confident in your materials, so it helps if you know what each type of hat material is and its advantages/disadvantages.
Leather
Leather is probably the most popular hat material. It’s durable, it doesn’t fade, and it looks good with practically anything. However , it wrinkles easily and can look outdated. If you use leather for your hats, then be sure to use thick enough pieces that are of high quality . You don’t want your hat to end up wrinkled or faded. Consider using the best sewing machine for leather for the best results.
Sisal
Sisal is a stiff, coarse natural fiber that looks similar to straw, but is much more durable and holds its shape better. It’s also light-weight and easy to shape into any form. This type of material is usually used for larger brimmed hats such as cowboy hats or fedoras. However, it’s difficult to work with and takes a lot of time to finish.
Cloth
Cloth is an extremely versatile hat material. There are many different types of cloth, such as: silk, cotton, linen, and even nylon (which you can find at most fabric stores). Each type has its own unique characteristics and appearance; cotton, for example, is smooth and sturdy while silk is light-weight and airy. If you’re looking to make a soft cap, cotton can be a good candidate.
This type of material is very easy to find and usually inexpensive. Cloth can be dyed with a clothing dye in order to match your outfit or theme for the day.
Wool Felt
Wool felt is a stiff, heat-set fabric that’s durable and comes in many different colors. It’s a popular choice for making hats because it can be molded into any shape and is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear. Despite its many advantages, this type of material is usually used in smaller brimmed hats such as newsboys or cloches.
Paper Millinery Straw
Paper millinery straw also called katazome (Japanese paper) is made by hand with rice paper, which is glued in layers and shaped into the desired form for the hat. This type of material is usually used to make very small hats such as cloches or pillboxes. This kind of straw looks fragile when compared with other straw materials; however, it’s actually quite durable.
Silk Felt
Silk felt is the same as regular felt, except it’s made out of silk instead of wool. It’s a popular hat material because it’s smooth and easy to dye in order to match with your outfit or theme for the day.
Hemp
Hemp is a natural fiber from cannabis plants that is durable, flexible, and water-resistant. This type of hat material can be used to make small-brimmed hats such as cloches or pillboxes. It’s difficult to find hemp, and it takes time to make by hand; thus, it is usually more expensive than other hat materials.
When Should You Wear Dri-Fit Caps vs Climacool Caps?
When it comes to choosing between Dri-Fit and Climacool caps, it’s important to consider the weather and activity level. Dri-Fit caps are best for hot and humid conditions, while Climacool caps are ideal for intense workouts and high temperatures. Make the right choice with this drifit vs climacool comparison.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hat for You?
Different Crown Shapes of Hats
These are the most available shapes for the top portion of the hats –
Cones
These hats are characterized by a very narrow and pointy top, while the bottom is wide and flat. They can be anywhere from 10″ to 30″ in circumference and three to six inches high.
Tubular
This is a very narrow and elongated form. They can be anywhere from 12″ to 24″ in circumference and four inches high.
Diamond
This is the most popular crown shape for brims or bands. They are usually 12″ or 14″ in circumference and three to five inches high.
Steeple
These hats have a narrow, yet wide top crown, while the bottom of the cone is very narrow. These can be anywhere from 16-20″ in circumference and five to seven inches high.
Bag-shape
These hats are characterized by a round and wide top, while the bottom is narrow and elongated. They can be anywhere from 12″ to 24″ in circumference and four inches high.
Center Dent
The top is characterized by a deep dent in the center. The bottom may be either round or elongated. These hats can be anywhere from 12″ to 24″ in circumference and four inches high.
C-Crown
The top is wide in the center and comes to a point at the sides. The bottom is either round or elongated. These can be anywhere from 14″ to 24″ in circumference and three to five inches high.
Side Dent
This hat has a deep dent on one side that makes it characteristic of this type. The bottom may be either round or elongated. These can be anywhere from 16″ to 24″ in circumference and four inches high.
Split
This is a hat where the top has two peaks, while the bottom is wide and flat. It can be anywhere from 18″ to 26″ in circumference and five to seven inches high.
Bell
This hat has a top that’s wide and round, while the bottom is flat and narrow. It can be anywhere from 14″ to 26″ in circumference and three to seven inches high.
Crownless Hats
This type of hat usually consists of a semi-circular brim that’s attached directly to the head. They’re very popular among women of all generations, including teens and children because they’re light weight and easy to wear.
These are just some examples of different shapes that crowns can take, but there are many more! This list is not exhaustive- it only includes some of the most common types. Every hat is a new challenge, and every hat has a different fit.
Height and Shape of Your Face
Depending on the hat maker or fit, there can be slight variations in how a particular type of crown fits. These are just general guidelines to help you determine the shape of hats that will flatter your face shape.
- A rounder face should wear hats with wide brims.
- A longer face should wear hats with low brims, such as cloches or pillboxes.
- Women with round faces look best in hats with a flat top and a long brim that extends past the chin. However, women with round faces can choose from virtually any style of hat because any shape can complement a round face. If you’re shorter, go for more petite sized crowns; if you’re taller, you can choose larger sizes.
- Taller women look best in hats with a taller crown, such as cones and steeple hats. They can go for larger sizes as well. Furthermore, they should avoid extremely petite sized crowns that will make them look smaller.
- Women with longer faces can choose from a variety of shapes because their face shape is already elongated.
- If you have a square face, your best bet is to go for hats with a slightly curved brim and crown that slope down from back to front. In general, women who have larger foreheads should avoid hard-brimmed styles that will camouflage their features.
- Petite women should stick to small, brimmed styles that lend balance to their petite features. They can choose from round or straight crowns that are just about two inches in height.
Now that you know all about your different types of caps, you won’t have any issue picking the right one for you!
