Choosing the right style of headwear can be a real challenge for many men. Until the last moment, the stronger sex postpones the day when going outside without a hat will be extremely challenging. However, it’s worth remembering that a comfortable headwear will preserve not only health in harsh winter conditions but also add a certain stylish touch to the overall look. It is important to keep in mind that choosing a hat should be done thoughtfully.
Hat History
While in the history of women’s clothing in Russia, headwear primarily served as an ornament, for men, a hat has always been an indicator of social status. The higher the hat, the higher the position of its owner. Wealthy individuals wore satin caps in the summer, predominantly white, with pearl and gemstone necklaces attached to the edges. In winter, they wore caps with a fur trim, forming a fur cuff. Among the poorer population, it was fashionable to wear felt caps, and in winter, caps with a narrow trim of inexpensive fur.
This is one of the oldest forms of men’s headwear in Russia. The wealthy favored hats made of expensive fabrics, adorned with stones and embroidery. Despite the different materials, their shape was the same — a spherical tulle with a fur cuff. Boyars, on ceremonial occasions, could wear a combination of a taffeta hat, a cap, and a high gorlat hat simultaneously. The marmot hat became widespread in the military environment. It was a cap made of wool, velvet, or brocade, lined with fur. The tulle of such hats was decorated with fox tails, and the end had a silver tip. Trichka and similar earflap hats only became popular in the late 19th century.
Hat Style
Headwear, specifically a hat, is one of the most stylish and vibrant elements of a man’s image. The style of the headwear, how it is worn, its shape, and color can convey a lot about you, instantly creating and solidifying an image. That’s why choosing the right hat is crucial.
According to today’s dress code, a hat is not a mandatory part of a man’s wardrobe. However, there are still places where you simply won’t be admitted without a hat, for example, at the famous Royal Ascot horse races. Stylists today recommend those who aspire to maintain an authoritative style in their outfit to wear a coat with a hat. It typically gives its wearer the image of a true conservative.
In cold weather, nothing beats a fur hat. When we talk about a fur hat, we most often mean the ushanka. This style originated from the Baltics. Such a hat goes well with almost any outerwear, whether it’s a sports jacket, shearling coat, or a classic overcoat. They are made from sheepskin, rabbit fur, or karakul. It is a practical and warm fur that not only provides warmth in cold weather but also adds elegance to the appearance. However, be cautious with the length of the fur: an overly fluffy hat (fox, lynx) can make you look like an Arctic explorer. The color of the ushanka should harmonize with other accessories.
Knitted hats have remained a favorite headwear for men for decades, transitioning from the realm of sportswear (remember the «beanie» hats?) to everyday wear. An interesting fact: in ancient times, knitting was strictly a male activity. Perhaps that’s why knitted hats are particularly popular today. Items made from bulky yarn are a trend in the fashionable winter season. Whether bright or solid-colored, they pair well with any coat, voluminous down-style jackets, shearling coats, or leather trench coats. A hand-knit hat adds a special touch, so it’s a great time to ask your favorite girl to delight you with a handmade hat.
Men’s caps have firmly gained popularity among self-confident men. Insulated caps are the best defense against winter cold.
Correct Hat Shape
Times are changing, and today’s fashion trends dictate their own rules of the game. It’s necessary to keep an eye on fashion and know how to choose a hat. However, it’s essential to remember that when choosing headwear, attention should be paid to the contours of the head and the face shape. Asymmetric headwear and semi-fitted silhouettes are recommended for round faces. Fitted caps, as well as knitted and voluminous caps, require the right head shape and an oval face. Such headwear can make a massive or irregular chin appear lighter. If the forehead is too high, a deep-seated high hat will effectively conceal this feature. An elongated and triangular face can be refined with a fur hat or perhaps a hat. If you have broad shoulders, stylists recommend wearing more voluminous headwear in light colors and with large knitting.
Color Palette
The color is another important principle in choosing a hat. Pine, plum, and chocolate shades of headwear will suit red-haired men well; dark brown and ash-colored hair will complement hats in gray-blue, pearl, or pistachio colors. Blondes can opt for white-blue, peach, or beige colors, while bright brunettes can confidently wear shades like fuchsia, blue, or black. If you love bright colors, you can also choose colors based on contrast. An orange jacket pairs well with a green or violet hat; a black jacket will appear darker when paired with a white hat; yellow goes well with blue; and red matches with black and gray.
The simpler the fur coat, jacket, shearling coat, or winter coat, the more intricate the headwear required. Conversely, a complex upper garment design looks good with a simple and well-cut headwear. A shearling coat pairs well with headwear combining different textures: fur and knitting, shearling and fur. However, regardless of the hat you choose, it’s important to remember that in harsh Russian winters, the most crucial thing is for the hat to fit well and keep you warm.