The Guide to Men's Hats That Aren't Baseball Caps

The baseball cap is the default headwear for American men, and while a good one has its place, defaulting to it every time is a missed opportunity. The world of men hats is vast, and several styles offer more personality, better sun protection, and a level of sophistication that no five-panel can match.

The flat cap, also called a driving cap or ivy cap, occupies a different lane entirely. In wool tweed, it adds a British heritage feel to fall outfits. In linen or cotton, it works for summer. Stetson and Kangol produce the most widely available options in quality materials.

A fedora works when the proportions are right and the outfit supports it. The key is brim width: a brim of 2 to 2.5 inches works for most face shapes. Bailey of Hollywood and Brixton produce modern fedoras that sit comfortably in casual and smart-casual contexts.

The fisherman beanie, a short, cuffed knit cap worn high on the head, has become a year-round accessory. In merino or cashmere, it adds texture and visual interest without covering your entire head. The cuff should sit about an inch above your ears.

Wide-brim hats are having a moment outside of country contexts. Brands like Lack of Color and Stetson produce flat-brim and wide-brim styles in felt and straw that work in urban environments when paired with the right outfit.

The five-panel camp cap is the step between a baseball cap and more structured hats. Brands like Norse Projects and Ebbets Field Flannels produce five-panels in quality fabrics. Browse Ebbets Field Flannels at https://www.ebbets.com.

Start with one hat that is not a baseball cap and commit to wearing it for a week. The initial self-consciousness fades fast, and you will quickly understand why men wore hats daily for centuries.