Hats have been a part of our wardrobe for centuries. Though the use of the formal hat peaked in the 19th and 20th centuries, headwear is still incredibly popular - more so than people believe.
Let's take a look at some of the most popular hats in the contemporary age.
Baseball Hats
Baseball hats are currently the most popular style with 51% of regular hat wearers revealing they wear them on a regular basis.
Why? Probably due to their versatility. Baseball hats are informal, relaxed, versatile, and comfortable. They can be worn on hikes, at sports games, at informal social events, and are sometimes used to hide bad hair days or receding hairlines.
Beanie Hats
Much more seasonal than baseball caps, beanie hats are a wintertime staple. This is, of course, due to their thick, cozy materials and coverage of the sensitive ears.
How many hat wearers wear them? A whopping 48% of them said that they regularly wear winter-style hats when they're needed.
Of course, beanie and other winter hats are very much bust or boom. You won't find many wearing them after April at the latest and their use peaks from November to March.
Bucket Hats
The bucket hat is proof that the 90s-inspired clothing revival is still very much alive and well. The hat is often associated with festival culture and skater apparel due to its laid-back appearance and light, breezy material.
To get the best out of a bucket hat, pair it with a relaxed outfit and urban-style shoes.
Newsboy Caps
The newsboy was highly popular in both the US and Europe during the late 19th and early 20th century. Evidently, they were often worn by hustling newspaper boys hoping to make some cash.
Take a look at a photo of a working-class neighborhood around this time and you'll find that nearly every male is rocking a newsboy. They became a staple of working-class fashion though the wealthy would often wear them during leisure activities.
The newsboy faded from obscurity in the 1940s but have lately enjoyed a huge resurgence with 7% of hat wearers donning them.
Brian Johnson of AC/DC is rarely seen without his newsboy and other celebrities such as soccer player David Beckham and WWE wrestler Sami Zayn have contributed to the hat's newfound popularity.
The television drama Peaky Blinders, a huge show in the UK, has brought back the newsboy to European fashion.
Fedora
Picture a fedora and you'll probably think of the legendary Frank Sinatra. This hat has stood the test of time and is considered a cool, classy piece of headwear.
A respectable 11% of modern hat wearers say that they regularly rock the fedora when appropriate and it's not hard to see why they do so.
Popularized by 1920s Chicago gangsters and resurrected by modern hipsters, the fedora has certainly retained its popularity through the years. For best results, only unleash it during special occasions and stick to neutral colors.
Panama Hat
As its name suggests, this sophisticated hat originates from South America. Made from plaited leaves, this hat will shield you from the sun without getting you hot.
Their lightweight design is perfect for feeling those cooling sea breezes and the brim will help keep the sun from affecting your eyesight.
Like the beanie, the Panama hat is a highly seasonal accessory that is only really worn during a single season - in this case summertime.
However, if the weather is suitable, don't be afraid to rock a Panama with a stylish, laid-back outfit for a cultured and highly sophisticated look.
Lifeguard Hat
The lifeguard hat has been a staple of sun protection and beach wear for a long time now. Characterized by a wide and full brim all the way around, our UPF50+ handwoven straw hats are our most popular hats.
Our straw lifeguard hats are durable, comfortable, and an easy way to keep the sun off. Our straw lifeguard hats are perfect for adults and children. Check out adult lifeguard straw hat and children lifeguard straw hat collection.
Beanies
A knit cap, originally of wool but often made of synthetic fibers designed to provide warmth in cold weather. Beanies are popular in markets with cold weather. Beanies are also called knit caps and other local names.
Hemlock Hat Co recently launched a brand-new beanie collection. Check out our adult beanie and children beanie collection by clicking here.
I'm an enthusiast with a profound understanding of the diverse world of hats and headwear. My knowledge extends beyond the historical context to the contemporary fashion landscape, and I can provide insights into the cultural significance, style preferences, and practical considerations associated with various hat styles.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Baseball Hats:
- Baseball hats are currently the most popular style, worn by 51% of regular hat wearers.
- Known for their versatility, informality, and comfort, they are suitable for activities like hikes, sports games, and informal social events.
-
Beanie Hats:
- Beanie hats are a wintertime staple, worn by 48% of hat wearers when needed.
- The thick, cozy materials and coverage of sensitive ears make them ideal for colder seasons, with peak usage from November to March.
-
Bucket Hats:
- Bucket hats are part of the 90s-inspired clothing revival and are associated with festival culture and skater apparel.
- Their laid-back appearance and light, breezy material make them best paired with a relaxed outfit and urban-style shoes.
-
Newsboy Caps:
- The newsboy cap was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, worn by working-class individuals and enjoying a resurgence in recent times (7% of hat wearers).
- Celebrities like Brian Johnson of AC/DC, David Beckham, and WWE wrestler Sami Zayn have contributed to its renewed popularity.
-
Fedora:
- The fedora is a cool, classy piece of headwear associated with legends like Frank Sinatra.
- 11% of modern hat wearers regularly wear fedoras for special occasions, as it has stood the test of time and retained popularity since the 1920s.
-
Panama Hat:
- Originating from South America, the Panama hat is made from plaited leaves and is perfect for shielding from the sun while maintaining a sophisticated look.
- It's a highly seasonal accessory, mainly worn during summertime with a stylish, laid-back outfit.
-
Lifeguard Hat:
- Lifeguard hats, characterized by a wide and full brim, have been a staple of sun protection and beachwear.
- UPF50+ handwoven straw hats are popular, durable, and comfortable for both adults and children.
-
Beanies (Hemlock Hat Co):
- A knit cap, often made of synthetic fibers for warmth in cold weather.
- Hemlock Hat Co recently launched a new beanie collection, including options for both adults and children.
In summary, hats have evolved from historical necessities to contemporary fashion statements. The diverse styles cater to various preferences, occasions, and weather conditions, showcasing the enduring and adaptable nature of headwear in our culture.
