master the art of wearing a fedora

Master the Art of Wearing a Fedora: Dos and Don'ts

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How to master the art of wearing a fedora?

Fedora hats have been a popular fashion accessory item for decades and continue to make a fashion statement today.

However, not everyone knows how to wear a fedora correctly.

In this article, we'll go over the do's and don'ts of wearing a fedora hat so that you can look stylish and confident.

Tyler felt fedora hat

The Do's of Master the Art of Wearing a Fedora

Wear a fedora hat in style by following these tips:

1. DO: Choose the Right Brim Size

The brim size is one of the most important things to consider when wearing a fedora hat.

  • Match it with your facial structure and clothing style.
  • Wear a short brim if you have a round and fuller face or a wide head.
  • If you have a thin or egg-shaped face, opt for a wider brim instead.

Want more tips?

In this blog post Discover Your Ideal Hat Style Based on Your Face Shape you will get it!

2. DO: Pair it with the Right Outfit

A fedora hat can be worn with various outfits, but it's important to pair it with the right one. A fedora hat looks great with a suit, a blazer, or even a casual outfit.

However, you should avoid pairing it with shorts, t-shirts, or athletic wear.

3. DO: Tilt the Brim

  • Tilting the brim of your fedora hat is a great way to add some personality to your outfit.
  • You can tilt it to the side, forward, or even backward.
  • Just make sure the tilt is subtle enough to look stylish and not too extreme.

4. DO: Choose the Right Material

Fedora hats come in various materials, including wool, felt, straw, and even leather.

Each material has its own unique look and feel.

When choosing a fedora hat, consider the occasion and the season. A wool or felt fedora hat is great for the cooler months, while a straw fedora hat is perfect for the summer.

5. DO: Experiment with Colors

Fedora hats come in various colors, including black, brown, gray, and even brighter hues like red and blue.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors to find the one stylish fedora that suits your style the best.

The Don'ts of Wearing a Fedora

Absolutely don't do the following when wearing a fedora:

1. DON'T: Wear it too Far Back on Your Head

Wearing a fedora too far back on your head is a common mistake.

The fedora hat should sit comfortably on your head, with the brim tilted slightly forward. If you wear it too far back, it will look awkward and out of place.

2. DON'T: Wear it with a Backpack

Wearing a fedora with a backpack is a big no-no. The combination just doesn't work.

If you need to carry a backpack, consider a different personal style of hat or wearing the fedora on the top of the backpack.

3. DON'T: Wear it Backwards

Wearing a fedora backwards is a fashion faux pas. It just doesn't look right, and it's not how the fedora hat was intended to be worn. Stick to tilting the brim forward or to the side.

4. DON'T: Wear it Indoors

Wearing a fedora indoors is generally considered inappropriate. The fedora hat was designed for outdoor use, and wearing it indoors can make you look out of place.

However, some exceptions exist, such as hat wearing at a formal event or a theater performance.

5. DON'T: Wear it in the Rain

Fedora hats are not designed to be worn in the rain. The material can become damaged, and the hat can lose its shape. I

f you need to wear a fedora hat in the rain, consider a waterproof fedora hat like the Quilty fedora hat or a raincoat with a hood.

Quilty fedora hat

Conclusion

Master the art of wearing a fedora can be a stylish and confident look if you follow the dos and don'ts outlined above.

Remember to choose the right size, pair it with the right outfit, tilt the brim, and experiment with colors. Avoid hat wearing it too far back on your head, with a backpack, or backwards.

By following these tips, you can rock a fedora hat with confidence and style.

Eric Javits is known for making classic fedora accessories that not only create personal style but also celebrate women.

Our best-selling Fedora hats have been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Instyle, and Vanity Fair. Because of Eric's early fine arts training as a painter and sculptor, every fedora hat is designed to bring harmony and balance to the face.

When you try one fedora hat on, you will see the difference!

Find the perfect classic hat for you today! Shop online now. 

FAQs - Master the Art of Wearing a Fedora

What's the key to choosing the right fedora hat for my face shape when learning to master the art of wearing a fedora?

The foundation of mastering fedora hat styling begins with selecting the perfect fedora hat for your face shape. For round faces, opt for fedora hats with higher crowns and narrower brims to create vertical lines that elongate your features.

Square faces benefit from softer, curved brims and medium crown heights that soften angular jawlines. Oval faces have the most versatility and can wear almost any fedora style, while heart-shaped faces should choose wider brims to balance a broader forehead.

Long faces look best in fedoras with shorter crowns and wider brims to add horizontal proportion. Remember, the brim should never be wider than your shoulders for the most flattering look.

How should I properly fit and position my fedora to truly master the art of wearing a fedora?

Proper fit and positioning are crucial elements in mastering fedora wear. Your fedora hat should sit comfortably on your head without being too tight or loose, you should be able to fit one finger between the sweatband and your forehead.

Position the fedora hat so it sits about one inch above your eyebrows, allowing your eyes to be clearly visible. The classic tilt is slightly forward and to one side, typically tilted toward your dominant hand. Avoid pushing the fedora hat too far back on your head, as this creates an unflattering look.

The crown should maintain its shape, and if your fedora hat has a front pinch, ensure it's centered and symmetrical.

What are the essential outfit coordination tips to master the art of wearing a fedora with different styles?

To truly master fedora hat styling, understanding outfit coordination is essential. For casual wear, pair your fedora hat with well-fitted jeans, a crisp button-down shirt, and leather shoes or clean sneakers. Business casual calls for chinos or dress pants with a blazer and dress shoes.

For formal occasions, coordinate your fedora hat with a suit, ensuring the hat color complements your outfit – black or charcoal fedoras work best with dark suits, while brown or tan fedoras pair beautifully with earth-toned outfits. Always match your fedora hat to your belt and shoes when possible.

Avoid wearing fedoras with overly casual attire like shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear, as this undermines the sophisticated aesthetic.

What common mistakes should I avoid when trying to master the art of wearing a fedora hat?

Several common mistakes can prevent you from successfully mastering fedora wear.

First, never wear a fedora hat that's too small or too large – improper sizing is the quickest way to look awkward. Avoid leaving the hat completely straight on your head without any tilt, as this creates a stiff, unnatural appearance.

Don't wear your fedora hat indoors, especially in restaurants, offices, or someone's home – proper fedora hat etiquette is part of mastering the art. Resist the urge to touch or adjust your fedora hat constantly throughout the day, as this can damage the shape and look nervous.

Finally, avoid pairing fedoras with inappropriate clothing like graphic t-shirts, athletic wear, or overly casual outfits that clash with the hat's sophisticated nature.

How do I maintain and care for my fedora while learning to master the art of wearing a fedora?

Proper maintenance is a crucial aspect of mastering fedora ownership and ensures your fedora hat maintains its shape and appearance. Store your fedora hat on a hat stand or in a hat box to preserve its form – never hang it by the brim or toss it on surfaces.

Clean your fedora hat regularly using a soft-bristled brush, brushing counterclockwise to remove dust and debris. For felt fedoras, use a lint roller for quick touch-ups and steam to remove minor dents or reshape the crown.

Protect your fedora from rain when possible, but if it gets wet, let it air dry naturally away from direct heat. Rotate between multiple fedoras if you wear them frequently to prevent excessive wear.

Professional cleaning once or twice a year will keep your fedora looking pristine and help you maintain that polished appearance essential to mastering the art of wearing a fedora.

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