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Boater hats are a classic fashion accessory. They’ve been worn by the most dapper of men and the fanciest of women for over 100 years. They are instantly recognizable by their flat crown and wide flat brim. Boater hats look timeless and, yet, a little bit nostalgic. They are classics that can be combined with retro trends or modern styles.
Here we will discuss how to pull off the boater hat. This comprehensive guide will take us through everything from picking out the right hat to how we should style it and which occasions the boater hat is appropriate for. We’ll also cover how to accessorize for different occasions, which celebrities and influencers are wearing them, and what to do to care for your new fedora. By the end of this post, you will be a pro when it comes to donning the boater hat.
![How to Wear a Boater Hat](https://garment-exchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Wear-a-Boater-Hat.jpg)
Choosing the Right Boater Hat
Picking out the right boater hat is essential in the art of pulling off this classic headwear. Your hat can be the making or the breaking point of your outfit, especially when it comes to boater hats, as no two hats are alike. Before buying a boater hat, here are some things to consider:
Materials Matter
Traditionally, boater hats are made of straw, often a firm sennit straw, which provides the hat with its characteristic stiffness. However, modern variations include hats made of natural or synthetic straw, felt, and even leather. Each material brings a different texture and aesthetic to the hat, so choose one that reflects your personal style and the occasion you plan to wear it for.
Color and Ribbon Styles
The ribbon band is a key distinguishing feature of the boater hat and an opportunity to add a pop of color or a subtle pattern to your ensemble. To create a statement, choose complimentary or contrasting colors, or go for a tone scheme for subtle elegance.
Brim Width and Crown Height
The standard brim width for boater hats is about two inches, but you can find wider or narrower brims according to your preferences. Similarly, while the crown is typically low, some boater hats have higher or more tapered crowns. Finding a hat that enhances your head shape and complements your face characteristics is crucial.
Boater Hat Styling Tips
Now that you’ve selected your boater hat, it’s time to style it. Boater hats are quite adaptable and go well with both formal and informal ensembles. Here’s how to wear your boater hat with different looks:
Casual Outfits: Keep It Relaxed
For a casual, laid-back look, pair your boater hat with summery dresses, high-waisted jeans, or a casual ensemble with a nautical or beachy theme. A loose, tousled hairstyle will complement the hat’s carefree vibe perfectly.
Formal Looks: Elegance Personified
If you’re dressing up, match your boater hat with tailored suits, a flowing maxi dress, or a chic culotte jumpsuit to make a formal fashion statement. Ensure your hat is crisp and unblemished to maintain the sophistication of your attire.
Seasonal Suggestions: Adjusting for the Weather
Boater hats are synonymous with summer, thanks to their lightweight material and sun-shielding brims. However, they can be adapted for other seasons. In colder weather, opt for a felt boater hat with a darker hue and pair it with a warm coat and heeled boots for a striking winter look.
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Accessorizing with a Boater Hat
Accessories are the cherry on top when it comes to styling with a boater hat. They have the power to enhance your ensemble and the presence of your hat. Here are some accessory recommendations for your boater hat:
Sparkling Sunglasses
In addition to shielding your eyes from the sun, a chic pair of sunglasses gives your boater hat ensemble a glamorous touch. For a timeless style, go for traditional aviators; alternatively, for a contemporary take, consider bold, angular frames.
Scarf Sophistication
A silk scarf tied around the hat’s band or worn around your neck can transform your ensemble. This ageless combination is perfect for adding a touch of luxury and can be matched to your outfit’s color scheme for a polished effect.
The Right Jewelry
When wearing a boater hat, less is often more. A single statement piece can counterbalance the hat’s apparent weight, such a big pair of earrings or a thick necklace. Alternatively, you can layer dainty pieces for a more delicate, feminine touch.
Handbag Harmony
Pick a partner in style (a hat that doesn’t overshadow your boater) in the form of a clutch, crossbody bag, or tote, depending on your location and reason for wearing your hat. Coordinate the color or texture of your bag with your hat to confirm your sartorial street cred.
Celebrities and Influencers Rocking Boater Hats
One of the best aspects of wearing boater hats is that celebrities and social influencers are not afraid of wearing caps. There are more than enough examples of celebrities wearing boater hats. From the silver screen to social media, here are a few personalities who wear caps better than the rest:
Classic Hollywood Icons
Think Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and even the suave Fred Astaire. These stars of the golden age of cinema perpetuated and popularized the boater hat, and their impeccable style continues to inspire boater hat fashionistas today.
Modern Day Influencers
Contemporary influencers like Olivia Palermo, Camille Charrière, and Lucy Williams regularly showcase their boater hat looks on Instagram and other platforms. They serve as a modern reference point for how to wear a boater hat with relevance and chic nonchalance.
![How to Wear a Boater Hat](https://garment-exchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Wear-a-Boater-Hat-2.jpg)
Maintaining and Storing Your Boater Hat
Caring for your boater hat is essential to ensure it remains in pristine condition and maintains its shape over time. Here’s how to keep your boater hat looking its best:
Regular Cleaning
Straw hats should be cleaned carefully with a soft, damp cloth; for more serious stains, use a solution of very mild soap and water (first testing on an inconspicuous area). For felt hats, use a soft brush to clean them.
Store Properly
Your favored boater, never placed in direct sunlight, where the tips of its straw will snap off, should be kept in a cool, dry place, in a hat box if you have one, or in containers as large and round as possible, with the edge covered in cloth or tissue paper to retain the shape of the hat.
Handle with Care
Don’t pick up your boater hat by the brim, or it will get brimmed! Handle it by the crown; or, hold it with both hands, one by each side, and lift it, such.
Conclusion
And the truth is, they are here to stay. Boater hats are a fashion statement, a marriage of old and new, casual and formal, young and old. Take these tips and tricks with you next time you shop for one – or just wear the boater you have in your closet more often. You might be surprised by how many ways you can look great in it. Wear it as often as you want! For more reading on boater hats, view our Boater Hat Pinterest Board right here.
Whether you’re going to the races, taking out a boat for an afternoon, or just want to add some oomph to your man-on-the-street sophistication, there is no hat that can offer the same level of refinement – for better or worse – than the boater hat. As you fine-tune your boater hat look, you’ll find yourself coming up with new ways to express yourself, combining different offerings from the boating hat canon into a look that’s distinctly suited to you.
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