Hats look so different, on different people, and whilst some hats look like they suit you immediately, other can look weird, no matter how expensive, fashionable or well-made they are.
It isn’t down to trends, and whether the trend suits you. It is all down to the shape, proportion, structure, and how the hat’s shape works with your facial features.
How Face Shape Changes The Overall Look
Although you might choose a hat for its color or trend first, it is your face shape that decides how a hat is going to look on you.
One hat can flatter one person and feel awkward on another, because your bone structure directs the eye.
Having sharper face angles, like a defined jawline or cheekbones, usually go well with softer lines in a hat, whilst rounder face often suit a hat with more structure, or some height.
When you’re choosing a brim or crown, you’re choosing how much of your face to reveal, shadow or visually lengthen.
Plus, the color contrast between your personal skintone and undertone, and the hat can emphasize certain facial features, drawing attention upward, or softening any stronger angles.
The fabric also matters for the hat, as stiffer materials create clearer outlines, whilst softer materials blend more gently.
Role Of Proportion And Balance
The proportion and balance of the hat, can make your hat look like it’s wearing you, rather than you wearing the hat. You want a visual equation where your features, hairstyle and hat are all balanced.
If the crown, tilt and overall scale complement your head and shoulder width, the hat will look more complementary rather than looking awkward.
The balance isn’t just about the hat’s size – it’s also about the color harmony. When the hat’s color complements your eyes, hair or outfit, the whole look will look balanced. For the material, all materials have different looks and visual weights.
How Brim Width Affects Your Features
When you know all about balance, the brim width can become your sharpest tool for shaping how your facial features will look. Narrow brims expose more of your face, sharpening angles and making your facial features look slightly longer and slimmer.
Having a wider brim will frame and soften your face, as well as visually shortening a longer face, or minimizing a stronger jaw. Compare different brim styles, and see which looks more flattering for your face.
Darker wide brims can give you stronger shadows, whilst lighter tones will keep things softer.
Impact Of Hair Volume And Style
Your hair’s volume and hairstyle will decide how your hat sits, feels and looks. Thick or curly hair will lift the crown higher, so you might need a hat with a deeper shape. If you have fine hair, it’ll let your hat sink lower, and this can swallow your features.
Also, think about your hair texture and current hairstyle trends. Sleek bobs, big curls and messy layers can change the balance between your head and the hat. Whereas, voluminous hairstyles usually pair better with structured hat materials, where flat and straight hair looks better with a soft or flexible hat.
Again, think about the color contrast. If your have dark hair, and wear a pale colored hat, it creates a sharp outline, whilst similar color tones for the hair/hat can soften your look.