Trilby vs Fedora: How to Choose the Right Hat

Are you ready to elevate your style with a timeless accessory?

Whether you're looking to perfect a casual look or make a bold fashion statement, understanding the difference between a trilby vs fedora is essential. These two iconic hats might seem similar at first glance, but knowing how to tell them apart could be your key to nailing that perfect ensemble.

This simple yet chic guide will help you distinguish between the trilby and the fedora, ensuring you're always on-trend with your perfect accessory.

Ready to dive into the world of hats?

What is the Difference Between a Trilby vs Fedora?

Although the trilby vs fedora are quite similar, they have several differentiating factors that separate them from each other.

For example, the trilby is more casual and commonly made with cotton, straw, raffia, and wool felt. They also have a brim that is permanently fixed down.

On the other hand, fedoras are worn for both casual and formal wear and are commonly made from wool and fur felt, as well as straw and raffia for the hotter months of the year. The fedora's brim can also be snapped up or down, unlike the trilby's fixed brim.

Another big difference between these two hats is that a trilby is usually worn on the back of someone's head, whereas a fedora is worn forward for shade and sun protection. Spotting these unique characteristics is key to finding out whether the hat is a trilby or fedora.

One of the biggest differences between the trilby and fedora is the reasons they are worn. The fedora can be worn for casual as well as formalwear. The trilby is worn for casual wear only. Although both are very fashionable, choosing which one to wear may depend on where you're going and which material you choose, the season and type of weather. 

For example, the Trend Spotter explains that trilby hats aims for a smart casual to semiformal look paired with slim trousers, a fitted shirt, loafers, and unique accessories.

In the summer months, they suggest wearing a straw hat in a light color rather than a felt material best for the winter.

What is a Fedora?

Similar to the trilby, the fedora hat style gained popularity by its name from a play titled Fedora in 1882. In fact, the play's protagonist, Princess Fedora Romazov, wore this kind of stylish hat and started its timeless appeal. In women's fashion, the fedora hat is worn pinched at the sides and front to finish the classic and notable look.

Throughout history, the fedora hat has been a staple in the fashion industry. From prohibition times with bootlegging gangsters to unique and modern women with a hipster or vintage look, the fedora hat brings a sense of style that can only be accomplished by the addition of a hat.

It creates a unique, sophisticated and classical look, suitable for most events, while providing adequate sun protection and boasting certain features that undeniably indicate "fedora." 

Material

Although the classic fedora is made of felt, straw fedoras have become increasingly popular in the fashion world. Straw fedoras can be more comfortable in the hot summer months while still showing class and style. The more casual straw fedoras can be ideal for events for business, networking, sports events, and even weddings.

Crown shape

Fedoras have come a long way since they first made the fashion scene. While they were once restricted to only center-crease crowns, they have since expanded to crowns including teardrop, diamond, and telescope.

The ability to pinch a fedora in any way the wearer sees fit allows for a variety of stylizations from just a single hat, which makes it all the more unique and versatile. 

Brim size

A fedora hat will always be distinguished from a trilby based on the brim size. Generally, a true fedora will have a wider brim of two inches or just slightly bigger. The hat's brim should always be able to be snapped up or down the whole way around the hat.

There are women's style fedoras that follow a brim thickness of about three inches or so and come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit their fancy. Generally, the larger and softer the brim, the more feminine the appearance. 

How to Wear a Fedora Hat?

How to wear a fedora with confidence, it's essential to let it blend naturally with your style rather than making it look like a costume.

Start by choosing the right fit, ensuring the hat sits comfortably without feeling too tight or loose. The style of fedora should complement your face shape, with wider brims for round faces and shorter brims for longer ones.

Material and color are also key: felt fedoras are timeless, while straw or cotton versions are great for casual looks. Whether you’re going for a chic, boho, or casual vibe, the fedora can enhance your outfit with effortless elegance. Most importantly, wear it with confidence to make it your own.

How to Style a Fedora Hat?

Styling a fedora hat is all about balance and matching it with the right outfits. For a classic look, pair a wool or felt fedora with tailored coats, blazers, or a sleek trench. If you’re aiming for a more casual vibe, you can wear it with a leather jacket or a denim ensemble.

Color coordination is key—neutral fedoras work well with almost any outfit, while bold colors or patterns can be a statement piece. Accessories like scarves or sunglasses can also enhance the look. Just remember to tilt the fedora slightly forward for that effortlessly cool touch.

Straw Fedora

Straw fedoras are a stylish accessory that combines function and fashion, perfect for summer outings. Made from lightweight materials like raffia or toquilla straw, they offer excellent sun protection. Their structured crown and wide brim make them versatile for both casual and formal occasions.

Available in neutral shades, these hats pair well with various outfits, from sundresses to linen suits. With customizable designs, straw fedoras are a timeless addition to any wardrobe.

Timeless Iconic Fashion of Fedoras

The fedora hat has been a fashion necessity for many years. Classic movies and even modern-day films feature fedoras being worn by actors. Even in today's TV shows, a fedora can be pointed out. Whether it is an old-school mystery film showing a detective with a fedora or a modern crime-based television series, this hat depicts a sense of suspense and sleekness.

From the beginning of the fedora in the 1882 play, titled Fedora, to today's popular TV shows and fashion statements in runway shows, the fedora makes for a notably sophisticated hat. You can recognize the iconic fedora in several crime-fighting movies such as SupermanX-Men, as well as other detective movies that show a uniquely mysterious but stylish vibe.

In today's fashion, iconic women including Kate Hudson and Anna Friel have worn fedoras to embrace their timeless look. 

What is a Trilby?

Trilby hats first became popular following a staged show based on Trilby, a novel written by George du Maurier in the early 20th century about bohemian Paris. The trilby hat later became a fashion trend in the early 21st century for both men and women. Although most people have heard of fedoras, not as many people have heard about the trilby.

What is neat about the trilby is that it transforms your look with a classic edge. However, you must know how to wear a trilby. Trilby hats may be worn during casual events while showing a classical homage and vibe.

This hat is ideal for brunch, a day trip, or shopping. While some people tend to confuse trilbys with and fedora hats at first glance, there are clear differences that set them apart and determine one to be a genuine trilby. 

Material 

While fedoras have very defining materials as an immediate indicator, trilbys are not so confined. Trilbys can be made of a variety of materials including cotton, straw, wool, and leather, just to name a few. This lends a hand in being able to match a trilby with virtually any casual outfit. 

Crown Shape

This is usually where people get a trilby and a fedora confused for one another. Even though they can both be pinched at the crown for styling purposes, there is one detail that is a sure sign of a trilby hat. The point of the crown will almost always be sharper than that of a fedora. 

Brim Size

Perhaps the most defining detail of a trilby hat is the much narrower brim. Serving little to absolutely no functionality other than style, the trilby hat possesses a very short brim the whole way around. If you want a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, you are out of luck with this short brimmed hat.But if you want to make a fashion statement with a casual hat, the trilby is a good place to start.

Remember, the wider the brim, the more soft and feminine the hat will look. Keep this in mind when trying to find that perfect trilby to match that sweet sundress you have hanging in the closet. 

Notable Trilby Appearances

Since the size of a trilby hats can sometimes look awkward on a person's body, it is not always the easiest to pull off. However, the hat has made notable appearances on famous actors throughout time. 

What Hat Did Frank Sinatra Wear?

While Frank Sinatra's iconic go-to hat was the fedora hat, he was seen sporting a trilby every now and then. Due to his smaller stature, the trilby actually suited him quite well. The trilby was also kept well-alive on the big screen when it was part of the costume choice for John Belushi and Dan Akroyd in the Blues Brothers movies. 

Famous singer and actor Justin Timberlake has also been known to wear trilby hats from time to time. Gorgeous leading ladies including Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Alba have also been seen wearing stunning looks featuring trilby hats. 

Choose the Right Hat for You

Choosing between fedora and trilby hats depends on the occasion and your personal style. For casual events, both classic hats can complement your outfit, but for formal occasions, the fedora is a more fitting choice and timeless elegance.

The trilby’s smaller hat size can make it harder to wear, though confidence and a relaxed setting make it work. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on the event and your ability to pull off the look.

Though trilbies and fedoras may seem similar, modern fashion enthusiasts can spot the difference. Staying informed about the latest trends can help in choosing the perfect hat. While both hats are stylish, the fedora is more versatile, making it suitable for both casual and formal settings.

If you’re looking for a top hat that’s fashionable across different occasions, the fedora hat is your best bet.

Trilby vs. Fedora 

The fedora and trilby hats are similar in style, but the choice between them depends largely on the type of event. For casual events like a picnic or family gathering, the trilby might be more appropriate, whereas formal events such as weddings may call for a fedora.

Each hat has its own aesthetic appeal, but the occasion will help guide your decision. Both hats can elevate your outfit, but one may be more suitable than the other depending on the setting.

Fedoras offer versatility, as they can be worn to both casual and formal events, making them a "2-in-1" hat. Pairing a fedora with a sophisticated suit or a casual outfit adds an element of class and style, for both men and women.

On the other hand, the trilby is best suited for casual or semi-formal settings, with its appeal heightened when worn during the appropriate season. A straw trilby is perfect for summer, while a felt version works best in winter, making it a more season-specific choice.

Summary

When choosing between trilby and fedora hats, understanding their differences is key to selecting the right hat for your outfit and occasion.

While both hats share a stylish edge, the trilby hat is more casual, with a smaller brim and a sharper crown, often worn at the back of the head. Fedora hats, with a versatile brim that can snap up or down, offer a timeless, sophisticated look suitable for both formal and casual settings.

A trilby is best suited for semi-casual outings, pairing well with fitted shirts and slim trousers, whereas a fedora hats can transition seamlessly from casual daytime events to more formal evening occasions. Fedoras, known for their iconic appearance in classic films and pop culture, remain a go-to accessory for both men and women seeking to elevate their style with a touch of elegance.

In the end, your choice between a trilby and a fedora will depend on your personal style and the event you’re attending. A trilby provides a more laid-back vibe, while a fedora adds class and sophistication to any ensemble.