The Resurgence Of Hats And How To Style Them In Everyday Wear

Forbes

16-04-2025

INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 12: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) T-Pain performs at the Coachella Stage during ... More the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 12, 2025 in Indio, California. (Photo byfor Coachella)
In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, hats are experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Once relegated to practical sun protection or occasional formal wear, these accessories have stormed back into the mainstream consciousness, becoming essential style statements for the fashion-forward.
This resurgence found its perfect showcase at Coachella, where celebrities and attendees alike transformed the desert festival into a runway for headwear innovation. Just scroll through your Instagram or TikTok feed and you will see a number of influencers, celebrities and fans donning all types of outfits, many of which include hats as their most stylish accessory. Trendsetting stars like T-Pain, Teyana Taylor and Jodie Turner-Smith captivated audiences not just with their performances but with their boldly styled hats. Meanwhile, fans flooding the Benson Boone and Chris Lake performances ensured that hats were their main accessory, whether it took the format of bucket hats, funky textures, or Cowboy inspired designs.
Indio, CA - April 10: People sporting festive hats groove as Chris Lake kicks off Coachella weekend ... More one in the campgrounds for a first of its kind performance for the campers only at the Desert Sky stage at Coachella in Indio Thursday, April 10, 2025. Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone will headline Coachella 2025. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
At the heart of this hat revival lies "cowboy core", which is one of fashion's hottest current trends. The increasing popularity of country music, including Beyonce's Cowboy Carter album, have helped propel cowboy aesthetics into the mainstream.
Plus, luxury fashion houses and influential publications have followed suit in their collections and editorials. According to Janessa Leoné, founder of her eponymous brand, this trend aligns perfectly with broader movements in fashion consciousness: "Hats are experiencing a resurgence, particularly as personal style becomes more intentional. You can see it reflected in recent collections, too. Jacquemus and Khaite have both leaned into statement hats, while The Row has incorporated minimal, sculptural styles."
THERMAL, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 12: Victoria Justice attends Revolve Festival 2025 at Cavallo Ranch on ... More April 12, 2025 in Thermal, California. (Photo byfor Revolve)
This revival connects directly to the growing emphasis on "quiet luxury" and investment dressing. As consumers shift toward thoughtfully curated wardrobes built around versatile, well-crafted pieces, hats offer the perfect combination of practicality and distinctive style. Additionally, social media has played a crucial role in normalizing hat-wearing for a new generation. Stylists seamlessly integrate hats into celebrity on and off carpet looks and prove that hats and are not just reserved for royalty like Kate Middleton at exclusive events. Rather than being viewed as bold statement pieces that require confidence to pull off, hats are increasingly seen as personal signatures that complete an outfit rather than overwhelming it.
As hats continue their fashion revival, many wonder how they can effectively style these pieces to stay trendy. One of the key factors that fashion designer and stylist Peter Martinez notes is the importance of knowing your face shape. "You want to ensure that the hat perfectly rounds off your look by complementing your face shape, being in harmony with your frame, and pairing well with your outfit," he tells Forbes in an interview.
When it comes to face shapes, Martinez offers specific guidance: wide-brimmed hats such as the Waverly hat from Janessa Leoné helps balance round faces, while structured crowns add angles to softer features. Those with oval faces have more versatility and most hat styles suit that face shape.
The wide-brimmed "Waverly" hat is crafted from durable, packable raffia straw and provides full ... More coverage.
Your body frame should also influence your hat selection. Martinez suggests that tall hats can create the illusion of height for petite figures, while wide brims generally complement taller individuals. He cautions that oversized hats can overwhelm smaller frames, so wear with caution.
The relationship between your hat and outfit deserves careful attention. As demonstrated by Coachella's stylish attendees, a hat should either match or thoughtfully contrast with your outfit's colors, textures, and patterns to create visual appeal. Additionally, always consider the weather and occasion when selecting headwear to ensure both practicality and appropriateness. For instance, Leone notes in colder months, wool hats introduce warmth and texture, while hats made from raffia, which is known for its durability and breathability, are better for spring or summer dressing.
"The Winston" hat from Pyper Malone is made with 100% premium American sheep wool and is a wardrobe ... More must-have.
Hats are often viewed as statement pieces reserved for special occasions, but this perception is shifting. According to Herb Rhedrick, founder of Black-owned business Herbin Co., hats can seamlessly become part of your daily wardrobe.
"The key is to consider your desired presentation for the day (whether formal, casual, or with a bit of flair) when selecting your outfit," explains Rhedrick. "My go-to hats, typically in black or silver belly, complement everything from loafers to Jordan 1s, making them incredibly versatile."
With an eye for craftsmanship, Herbin Co. sells a collection of ready-to-wear hats or offers custom ... More hats designed to fit your style.
Leone further notes how a neutral wool fedora transitions seamlessly from casual to polished, especially when it is paired with denim and a blazer or layered with a long coat in the winter.
Just in case there isn't a hat on the market that suits your personal style, you can opt for a cusotm piece At Herbin Co. The brand offers the option to select your base color, size, and felt to create a product that is unique and individualizes. Plus, the brand takes pride in their meticulous craftsmanship, with each hat requiring approximately 22 hours to complete.
While there's no wrong way to wear hats, bear in mind is not to avoid going overboard by pairing a big hat with statement earrings, oversized sunglasses or a busy outfit. 'Let the hat be the focal point of your look,' Martinez adds.