- , by Alex Torres
- 3 min reading time
We have many style choices to make, every day, some will truly alter your look. Like collar or t-shirt, or bolo or necktie? Your choice of hat can be just as crucial. But if you understand some hat basics you can prevent yourself from making a fashion faux pas when it comes to the headdress. You'll not only look stylish but in tune with your event theme which makes you look smart.
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Low Profile Hats Vs. High Profile Hats
Hats come in two major style categories: low crown (profile) and high crown. The crown is the same as profile here. A hat crown height or hat profile simply refers to how high or low the top of the hat is. Higher crown hats give you more headroom and appear much larger. Lower crown hats fit closer to the head for a sharper, snappier look.
So, what're the main differences between high and low crown hats? First of all, the height of the high profile hat makes a bigger, bolder fashion statement because this hat is going to be more noticeable due solely to its size. That means high crown hats are better suited for more fashionable events and occasions where style is more important. Think weddings, special anniversary dinners (uh oh did you forget yours?), and black tie events. Any occasion that requires a suit and tie is a good time for the higher crown hats like fedoras, homburgs and bowlers.
This is not to say a low crown hat is not fashionable-they truly are and these hats have their own time to shine. Wear the low profile hat when you are out about around town, on a first date, or out casually with friends. They are perfect for events that do not require a suit but do call for sensible fashionable clothing.
What Are Low Profile Hats?
Low profile hats include the famed flat caps; the newsboy, driver, ivy and Gatsby caps (also called apple caps). These caps are soft, not hard like many higher profile options. They are made from cloth, usually wool, cotton or leather. The most widely worn is the driving cap or Irish flat cap. It often comes in plaid, herringbone or solid patterns.
Here's a list of low profile hats...
- Ivy
- Newsboy or newsie
- Driver
- Gatsby
- Ascot
- Irish flat cap
- Berets
- Greek fisherman or sailor cap
What are High Profile Hats?
The High Profile Hats are those with the extended crown that's usually at least 3-4 inches above the brim. These hats are made from felted wool or straw in most cases but may also be made of leather or fabric like cotton. These stylish hats are hard and stiff (otherwise the crown would fall down). They almost always have a brim that is either wide or narrow, sport a hatband, and often have decorative accents like a feather or insignia emblem.
Some common high profile hats...
