There are so many styles of hats to choose from—whether it be a baseball cap, beanie, or even the back “in style” bucket hat, there are plenty of hats to go around. When picking a hat style, it is important to remember that not everyone has the same style, so pick something you like and that fits your unique vibe.

Our post will walk you through the basics of different men’s hat styles, so you have all the info you need on your next hat shopping trip!

Baseball Cap:

Definition: A baseball cap is a soft cap with a long, stiffened, and curved peak. The back of the cap often has a plastic, Velcro, or elastic adjustor so that it can be quickly adjusted to fit any wearer, although fitted caps also exist.

How to wear: The baseball cap is probably the most universally known hat. Going to the ball game? Throw on a baseball cap. Going to the gym? Throw on a baseball cap. Going to the beach? Again, grab that baseball cap. Baseball caps can be worn with any casual outfit.

Material: A baseball cap is typically made of soft cotton, cotton blend, or wool fabric.

Beanie:

Definition: A beanie is a soft, close-fitting hat. They are worn low on the head, covering the forehead, and can be pulled down over the ears as well.

How to wear: No longer just for hipsters and wannabe guitarists, beanies are a winter staple. They are used to cover the top of your head and keep your ears warm.

Material: Beanies are usually made of wool, synthetic material, or fleece.

Bucket Hat:

Definition: A bucket hat is a hat with a wide and downwards sloping brim, made to look like or take the shape of an upside down bucket on your head.The wide brim provides shade from the sun.

How to wear: Bucket hats are good for any long day out in the sun. No matter where you’re headed—the beach, an amusement park, or even just a casual stroll around the neighborhood—a sunny day always calls for a bucket hat.

Material: Bucket hats are typically made out of cotton or other fabrics, such as denim or canvas.

Ascot Cap:

Definition: The ascot cap is a flat cap made from a single panel of wool felt that is molded around a round form. The ascot hat has a very rounded look due to its shape and the lack of seams in the crown.

How to wear: Fashion-forward men say the ascot hat should be worn with a stylish sweater vest and collared shirt, a suit, or other upscale clothing.

Material: Ascot caps are typically made from felt or wool and worn in the fall or winter, but straw ascots also exist for warmer weather.

Fedora:

Definition: A fedora is a hat with a crease lengthwise down the crown and is pinched in the front on both sides.

How to wear: Straw fedoras are a perfect option for summertime and beachside gatherings, while the more traditional felt fedora can be used to dress up any outfit!

Material: Fedoras are typically made out of a soft felt such as wool or cashmere. You can also find fedoras made of straw (also known as a panama hat) and twill.

Snapback:

Definition: A snapback hat is a type of a baseball cap that gets its name from its adjustable strap. Snapback hat closures are made from plastic and are adjusted by snapping the buttons in the back. This is what makes snapback hats adjustable and one size fits all. Traditional snapback hats also have a wide, flat brim.

How to wear: Just like with the baseball cap, snapback caps are the perfect way to add an extra element of “cool” to any casual outfit. When running errands or going to a local brewery, grab your snapback cap.

Material: A snapback hat can be made from soft cotton, cotton blend, or wool fabric. The snapback feature is made from plastic,

Trapper Hat:

Definition: Trapper hats are made for the winter. They are thick, warm hats with ear flaps that are fur lined.

How to wear: With its fur-lined ear flaps, trapper hats are meant for cold weather. They’re perfect for a snowy day in the mountains, on a ski trip, or a cold walk around the neighborhood.

Material: Trapper hats can be made from a variety of materials like fleece, cotton, sherpa, or faux fur.

Fitted Caps:

Definition: Unlike snapback caps, fitted caps have no way of adjusting to your head. They come in a variety of sizes and are made with stretchable fabric to fit to your head. It is recommended to measure your head before purchasing a fitted cap.

How to wear: Like a baseball cap, fitted caps can be worn with any casual outfit. Cap off a gym, beach, or bar look with a fitted cap!

Material: Soft cotton, cotton blend or a wool fabric.

Visor Cap:

Definition: A visor cap is a type of hat that is missing the crown of the hat. A visor only shades your face from the sun, but does not protect the top of your head.

How to wear: These are perfect for a day lounging by the pool, a round of golf, or a fierce pickleball tournament. The visor will keep the sun out of your face while leaving the rest of your head open to the fresh air.

Material: Soft cotton and cotton blend.

Common Hat Terms:

Brim: The horizontal part of a hat. The brim may be turned up, turned down, or up in the back and down in the front.

Crown: The raised portion of the hat that fits over the wearer's head is referred to as the crown.

Hat Band: Many hats are trimmed with a decorative band that wraps around the crown of the hat. These bands can be made from a variety of material, with the most common being grosgrain or leather.

Lining: The interior of many hats are lined with a hat liner, typically made from a satin material for a comfortable fit and to help protect the hat against any sweat and stains.

Sweatband: The sweatband is the band of leather, fabric, or other material sewn inside the base of a hat crown, primarily to guard against sweat damage but also to improve fit.

Snap Brim: A snap brim is a type of curved brim often found on fedoras or hats with similar shapes. The shape of the brim allows for it to be worn up or snapped down.

Peak: Also called a brim, bill, or visor, this is the part of a baseball cap that protrudes from the base of the crown and provides shade for the face.

Visor: Another word for brim or bill, this is the stiff protruding part at the front of a cap that shields your eyes. It’s also a crownless style of hat with a strap that fits around the head.

Badge: This is an accent or decoration on a hat. Typically, this will be some type of logo, crest, or emblem.

Break: The break is the bottom of the hat where the brim is attached or formed to.

Dip: How far the hat brim is pulled down is the dip of a hat.

Hat Band: A hat band is the piece of fabric that wraps around the base of the crown (also called the shoulder).

Hat Bill: The brim of a baseball hat or flat cap is called the bill. It sticks out from the body shading the eyes, and is usually made of fabric-wrapped plastic or cardboard.

Hat Break: The hat break is the part of a hat where the brim is attached along the bottom of the crown.

Hat Brim: The hat brim sticks out from the front and sides of the hat. Brims come in all shapes and sizes. On fedoras, trilbies, bowlers, and other designer hats, the brim goes all the way around the hat.