Hats: Headwear that tells a story

Once an everyday item, today a carefully chosen fashion statement. A hat is not just headwear—it is a symbol that reveals far more than we might think. It speaks of taste, status, culture, and even the confidence of its wearer. Throughout history, hats have accompanied key moments—from royal courts to bohemian cafés, from busy city streets to silver screens.

Hats for Ladies – Art Above the Head

Once, no lady would appear in public without a hat. In the early 20th century, a hat was an integral part of a complete fashion look—coordinated with a handbag, shoes, even perfume. The wealthier the lady, the more her hat expressed luxury, imagination, and often a touch of humor.
Today, women’s hats are rarer on the streets but still reign at weddings, horse races, and of course—on the British royal stage. The name Philip Treacy has become almost synonymous with modern hat-making glamour.

Do you recognize these classic models?

• Cloche – a snug-fitting “bell” that mysteriously shaded the face in the 1920s.

• Florentine Hat – wide-brimmed, slouchy, and enigmatic, made iconic by Greta Garbo.

• Pillbox – elegant and brimless, famously worn by Jackie Kennedy.

• Straw Hat and Garden Hat – timeless summer romance adorned with floral details.

• Trilby, Turban, Veiled Hat – each with its own story and message.

There’s also an old fashion rule: a lady does not remove her hat indoors. Why? In the past, a woman revealing her hair could be understood as a personal—or even intimate—message.

Hats for Men – Where Elegance Begins

Once, no gentleman’s look was complete without a hat. It was a symbol of dignity, freedom, and refinement. At times, it even indicated social standing—who you were and where you belonged.
Today, they are rarer, which makes them all the more distinctive. Uniforms, traditional attire, and formal occasions still preserve the men’s hat as a mark of elegance and authority.

Classic Men’s Hats Include:

• Top Hat – the king of formality, essential with white tie.

• Fedora – relaxed elegance with a touch of mystery.

• Homburg – formal, with a center crease—Al Pacino in The Godfather would approve.

• Panama Hat – light yet prestigious; a handcrafted treasure from Ecuador.

• Bowler (Derby) – playfully traditional, as iconic as Charlie Chaplin.

• Porkpie – charming and slightly rebellious, beloved among artists.

How to Choose the Right Hat

A hat is not just the final touch—it is a fashion statement. The wrong choice, however, can quickly ruin the whole impression. Consider:

• Body Proportions: taller people suit larger hats, shorter ones benefit from more delicate shapes.

• Face Shape: round faces should avoid round crowns, while more angular faces should opt for softer lines.

• Color & Style: the hat should complement, not overpower.

• Purpose: is it for a wedding, a film shoot, or just a casual afternoon stroll?

Photo Tip: avoid very dark colors—they cast shadows on the face and highlight wrinkles.

The Hat Today – Fashion’s Loser or the Quiet Strength of Elegance?

Writer Svetlana Slapšak once called the hat “the fashion loser of the 20th century.” Yet perhaps its rarity today is its greatest strength. When someone wears a hat now, it is no accident—it is a deliberate choice. And with that, a statement.

Hats take us back to a slower, more refined approach to fashion. They are a tribute to the past and, at the same time, a subtle rebellion against the uniformity of modern style.

Did you know? Genuine Panama hats from Montecristi, Ecuador, take more than a year to make and can cost several thousand euros. You can roll them up like a scarf—and they still keep their shape!