30 of the Most Stylish and Practical Types of Hats for Fun(ctional) Fashion

Traci Rhoades

February 22, 2023 at 12:30 PM·10 min read

Plus, shop the different styles.

Over the years, the types of hats that have been popular have changed, while the accessory itself has remained in style. From notably fashionable eras such as the Regency era in England (1811-1820) to the Roaring Twenties in the United States a century later, one common thread has always covered the hairs on our heads—hats.

Even before there were cities, we have record of there being hats—all the way back to the Neolithic age (around 10,000 BCD)—as discovered by Mr. A. Bastis on a Neolithic figurine head found in Sofades of Karditsa. Of course, hats would have served a more practical use in agrarian societies, when long days in the field were expected, and the sun beat down mercilessly. These first hats were likely used more as sun protectors and less as a stylish addition to one's wardrobe.

Still, it appears the hat trend never died out. Ancient Egyptians are shown in murals wearing caps and kerchiefs. The Romans used hats as a depiction of which social class one fell into.

As the years went on, hats became more and more ornamented. Women added feathers, ribbons, veils and other embellishments to their hats. They often owned several hats of varying styles as well. Men's hats were only slightly less bedazzled, preferring a more classic, simple look, such as the iconic top hat.

Although hats aren't an everyday accessory for all of us, they still have their place, and today, we have more options than ever. If you're on the lookout for that perfect hat to finish off an outfit, or protect your head from the sun, perhaps these 30 types of hats will help you narrow down your choices.

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30 Different Types of Hats

Black Horn Newsboy Premium Crushable Soft Wool Felt Fall Winter Ascot Ivy Style Hat(Navy, S/M)

Ascot cap

Perhaps your grandfather wore one of these when you were growing up. Regardless of one's age, these hats make a stylish statement.

Baseball Cap Hat Men Women - Classic Adjustable Plain Blank, BLK

Baseball cap

With or without the Cracker Jack, make every day a sporting event with a baseball cap. They're great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and easily coordinate with most outfits.

LAKIBOLE Beanie Hats for Men Slouchy Beanies for Men Knitted Caps Women Teen (Dark Gray&Beige)

Beanie

Whether you don this hat because it's cold outside, or not, beanies go with pretty much anything. Made out of a soft material, it's like getting a hug—for your head.

URATOT 4 Pieces Beret Hat for Women Classic Solid Color French Style Beanie Winter Cap (Black, Green, Hot Pink, Orange Brown)

Beret

Bonjour! Berets are an exquisite way to spice up any outfit. Add a brightly-colored beret for that desired pop of color.

BABEYOND Men's 1920s Brim Boater Hat Gatsby Straw Hat 20s Costume Accessories (Red and Black, Small/Medium)

Boater hat

Whether you're planning a boating trip, riding in a gondola down the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy or just heading out for a picnic, this hat is a nice addition to any spring fit (or for finally starting up that barbershop quartet you've been wanting to form).

Calamus UPF 50 Boonie Sun Hat– Sun Protection Hat, Fishing Hat, Beach & Hiking Hat, Golf Hat, Hunting Hat, Paddling, Rowing, & Kayaking - Gray

Boonie hat

Pack up the freeze-dried food, we're going backpacking. These hats are often water-resistant, a feature any outdoor enthusiast appreciates when a storm comes out of nowhere.

Belfry Bowler Derby 100% Pure Wool Theater Quality Hat in Black Large

Bowler/Derby hat

Throw one of these on top of your head, and suddenly you're a man (or woman) of mystery. Could you be a time traveler visiting from the early 1900s? Maybe.

CHOK.LIDS Cotton Bucket Hats Unisex Wide Brim Outdoor Summer Cap Hiking Beach Sports (Black)

Bucket hat

Around since the early 1900s, these hats were traditionally worn by Irish farmers and fishermen to protect their skin from harsh weather conditions. Today, they are worn more as fashion accessories, especially in the summer months.

TingTingo Military Campaign Hat Drill Sergeant Instructor Mountie Ranger Hat 100% Wool Olive

Campaign hat

Also known as a ranger hat, these hats are commonly worn as part of a uniform, such as those seen on United States Park Rangers. They're often accompanied by an adjustable chin strap.

F FADVES Vintage Womens Dress Fascinator Wool Pillbox Hat Formal Church Wedding Tilt Hat Black

Cartwheel/Tilt hat

This pancake or platter hat is straight out of the Edwardian era (1901-1910). If you're invited to a debutante ball, or attending the Kentucky Derby, this wide-brimmed, circular- or saucer-shaped hat design might be just the piece to finish off your outfit.

Women Cloche Hat 1920s Vintage Hat Summer Bowler Hat Sun Church Hat for Women

Cloche hat

If you're hosting a roaring twenties-themed party, this head-hugging hat is a great option. Style it with a bob hairdo, turn on some jazz and dance the night away.

Davy Crockett or Daniel Boon Style CoonSkin Hat Cap with Real Tail Size Large to X Large

Coonskin hat

Maybe you recognize this hat from your childhood, watching Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier. This hat is commonly found in souvenir shops, but don't let that stop you from adding it to your wardrobe.

Jaxon Sherlock Holmes Houndstooth Deerstalker Hat (Large, Brown)

Deerstalker hat

Made popular by Sherlock Holmes, this hat is perfect for a murder mystery party, or even just going for a mysterious vibe.

SAFERIN Fascinators Hat Sinamay Flower Mesh Feathers on a Headband and a Clip Tea Party Headwear for Girls and Women (TA2-Pink)

Fascinator hat

Truth be told, we could all take hat lessons from Princess Kate Middleton. She's been seen wearing this hat for Prince William’s ceremony induction as Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace.

Simplicity Black Fedora Hat for Men Unisex Black Fedora Timelessly Classic Manhattan Black Fedora Hats for Women Fedora Hats for Men Fashion Black Hat

Fedora

Some might say if you wear this hat, you must moonwalk wherever you go. Yes, this is the iconic hat worn by Micheal Jackson. If MJ can pull off wearing this hat, so can you.

VOBOOM Men's Herringbone Flat Ivy Newsboy Hat Wool Blend Gatsby Cabbie Cap (Dark Grey, 7 5/8)

Gatsby Newsboy cap

If you feel like "now is the time to seize the day" this hat may be to blame. It was, after all, the very hat worn by protesting newsboys in the musical, Newsies. The musical, and movie, are based on actual events from an 1899 strike.

Halo hat

You might have heard this hat called by a few other names; the aureole (meaning corona or halo), or the bambini (derived from the halos portrayed in Italian images of the Christ child). It is known for forming a perfect circle (a halo, if you will), around a person's head.

Malta Dynamics 4 pt. Ratchet Cap Style Hard Hat (1 Pack, White)

Hard hat

You don't need to be a construction worker to wear one of these. Remember the one member of the Village People? Plus, hard hats come in pretty much every color imaginable.

Trendy Apparel Shop UPF 50+ Soft Paper Braid Kettle Brim Sun Hat - Black

Kettle brim hat

If you're into gardening (or a fifties housewife at heart), this is the hat for you. It's perfect for the beach, or for tending to the tulips.

Handmade Khabib Nurmagomedov Hat Papakha Caucasus Real Sheep Fur Hat MMA UFC Fighter ( Small size) 21.2-22.4 inch around the head

Papakha hat

Perhaps best suited for winter, this hat can be a real statement accessory. It's Turkish in origin, literally translating into English as "hat."

Lawliet Circle Wool Felt Pillbox Beret Hat Millinery Fascinator Base Cocktail Party A215 (Pink)

Pillbox hat

Pairs perfectly with a matching skirt suit, leaving you feeling ready to run a business or run for public office. Especially if it's pink. Get your inner Elle Woods on!

Pith Helmet Costume Party Hat Women Mens Large Size adjustable Gardening Fhishing Hiking Jungle Explore Natural Khaki Safari hat

Pith helmet

A safari helmet perfect for a trek into, and hopefully out of, a jungle. That is, according to the case of Van Pelt, the permanent hunter-dweller in Jumanji.

GearTOP Wide Brim Sun Hat for Men and Women - Mens Bucket Hats with UV Protection for Hiking. Sun Hat Women UPF 50+ (Khaki, 7-7 1/2)

Safari hat

You don't have to be Indiana Jones to rock this hat. You don't even have to go on a safari. Any mid-day walk can be spiced up with one of these hats. They often come with a drawstring too, so there's less of a chance you'll take it off and leave it somewhere.

SATINIOR White Sailor Hats Navy Captain Hats Yacht Hat for Teens and Adults Barnacle Boy Hat Halloween Costume, X-large (23 Inch In Circumference)

Sailor hat

If you ever buy a sailboat, this hat should be in the starter's pack. But for the rest of us, who won't ever own a sailboat, this hat will look great with any casual summer outfit.

Stetson And Dobbs Hats SSSQRE-7940 Square,Eyelets, Reg Oval Cowboy Hat, Natural - 7.5/L

Stetson/cowboy hat

Can I get a yee-haw?! Whether you're herding cattle, attending a country music concert, or partaking in just about any Western-themed thing in between, this is the hat you've been looking for.

Lanzom Women Wide Brim Straw Panama Roll up Hat Fedora Beach Sun Hat UPF50+ (A-Square Belt Brown)

Sun hat

Perfect for any beach trip; or any trip where you'll be outside for any length of time. Straw sun hats have been worn around the world for thousands of years—they're great protectors from direct sunlight.

Nicky Bigs Novelties Black Felt Tall Top Hat for Men, Women, and Teens, One Size

Top hat

Whether you're in a Regency-era fascination stage, or just trying to look fancy, top hats are a must. Oh, and we don't have to worry about mad hatters disease anymore, as they no longer use mercury in the production of this style of hat. We checked.