As soon as summer hits, I’m the first to wear as little as possible. Honestly, if up to me, I’d sport skimpy swimwear and sneakers all day.  In spite of how enticing that might sound to some of you little pervs, I respect those who might not appreciate seeing my junk through my speedo at the local grocery checkout or popular eatery. Besides, as a fashion connoisseur, I do enjoy wearing different types and styles of clothing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which brings me to today’s topic…the summer hat!  Hot days mean fewer clothes. Which means that those few, select pieces we decide to wear must have a significant impact!  Sure bets include Hawaiian shirts, bright shorts, smart sunglasses and, my all-time favorite, the summer hat! Not only a stylish accessory…but a dandy and fun way to protect yourself from the sun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For most, the summer hat is not the first thing that comes to mind when coordinating a summer outfit. However, back in the day, hats were considered an everyday item for all, from well-to-do to working-class chums. So, with this said, let me help you find a hat that suits you best for summer!  Fedora, Panama or some other style? Here’s my guide!

Hat Styles To Appreciate

The Panama 

The Panama is a brimmed straw hat initially produced in Ecuador in the 17th century. It is traditionally woven by hand from toquilla straw, which only grows in the coastal mountains of Ecuador. The wide brim and lightweight material offer superior sun protection, making it a great choice for summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wear your Panama hat with an all-neutral color palette.  A vintage mesh shirt and linen pants will put you in vacation mode right away! For a more casual vibe, pair it with some ethnic woven shorts and a striped tank top!

The Fedora

A fedora – usually 4.5 inches high, is a hat with a soft brim and indented crown. Is typically creased lengthwise down the crown and “pinched” near the front on both sides. Derived from a traditional Tyrolean brimmed hat, this classic style grew popular during the 20th century.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best thing about this hat is that even the classic felt and wool designs can be worn year-round.  Whether you prefer a sophisticated and refined look or contemporary and urban, this hat has you covered!

The Trilby

The trilby is a more casual hat and, as a result, tends to be made from inexpensive materials such as cotton, straw, raffia, and wool felt. The Trilby is made so that the brim is permanently fixed down. The crown is its most identifying feature and is angled inward more from the brim to the crown. It has a “pinch” and either a “center dent” or a “teardrop” crown, but much less pronounced than the fedora.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the hat that you can throw in your luggage without feeling guilty about it getting ruined.  Besides, it’s the perfect excuse to buy another one next season! A straw Trilby is my top choice for a day at the beach! 

Selecting The Right Summer Hat For Your Face

Rule of thumb, a larger brim will typically look better on a large man with a round face, a smaller brim is better suited for someone shorter. A good hatter will help you choose a style and decide on the quality and color that suits you best.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When buying a hat, do so with an occasion in mind. For example, a brown wool fedora can be easily dressed up for a formal occasion. On the other hand, a brown Panama hat tends to look more casual. Therefore, buy it for a more relaxed occasion, such as a tropical getaway!

In the end, a key thing to remember is to “wear the hat, don’t let it wear you!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So whether you prefer sophisticated and refined or contemporary and urban, 
click and shop for your summer hats below!  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jorge Gallegos

Not just a pretty face

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