Editor’s Note: This is a post from our friends over at LEGENDmag.
If you’ve never worn a hat other than a baseball cap, how do you go about choosing just the right one? There are so many styles, shapes, sizes and colors that it sometimes seems impossible to even start. We’ve had the same problem, so we enlisted Liz Brusca from Goorin Hats to give some helpful hints for those of you feeling a little naked on top! First-time customers might feel unsure of how to select their perfect hat. However, the hundreds of styles and colors to choose from, ensure that there is at least one perfect hat for every head.
photo by semihundido
Perfect Shape
The popular hat of the season doesn’t necessarily look good on every head. It’s very easy to begin the process of finding what does work for you and what doesn’t. Simply begin by trying-on different hat shapes.
The shape of your face should play a role in your hat selection. If you have a long and narrow face, a tall, vertical, pinstripe fedora (a brimmed hat with a tapered crown that is dented lengthwise) may accentuate the
length; whereas a flat cap (a soft, flat, rounded hat with a small brim in the front and somewhat stiff peak in the back) will elegantly frame your face. Even within a hat shape there are variations. For example, the flat cap comes in the traditional ivy flattopped shape, as well as the duckbill, which is more sculpted to the back of the head. Although both are very similar, the two hats can look extremely different on the same person.
Suitable Sizing
Hat sizes and shapes differ from country to country, but it is said that the average man’s head size is 58 cm and the average woman’s is 55 cm. Once you have found the shape that best suits you, be sure that the size is correct. The hat should fit comfortably around your head without squeezing or wobbling.
Pattern and Color
It is important to consider what colors look best on you, which is why there are hats in an assortment of colors and patterns. The hat you choose should not only frame your face, but enhance your appearance. A becoming color choice will add a glow to your skin and intensify your eye color, while an unbecoming
color choice will seem to drain the pallor from your skin and leave it looking unhealthy. Those who have warm complexions (yellow, peach or red undertones) should gravitate towards hats that are similarly colored and avoid cool tones (pinks, violets, and blues) and vice versa.
Placement Style
The shape, size, and color are all very important, but the pivotal and final decision is hat placement. Where
and how you place the hat on your head displays your personality and/or mood. A fedora with the brim turned up only in the back and tipped forward over one eye will look more mysterious or trendy. You should play with the positioning of your hat so that whichever way you choose, you feel comfortable and confident when wearing it.
Here are a few options for you to check out (feel free to suggest some other sites in the comments):
San Francisco
Goorin Brothers
www.goorin.com
Los Angeles
Ariane Boutique
www.ariane-millinery.com
Chicago
Optimo Hat Co.
www.optimohats.com
New York
Worth & Worth
www.hatshop.com
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