Choosing the perfect hat involves finding a delicate balance and harmony that brings out the best in your unique looks and personality while complementing your outfit’s style and flair. It’s all about creating proportion and understanding how the length and width of your face interact with the dimensions and style of the hat you select.
Rest assured, there is no need to fret, as there isn’t a wrong hat for any face shape. However, certain hat styles have the ability to accentuate specific face shapes in a more flattering way than others. That’s why it’s beneficial to determine your face type and discover which hats can enhance your features, adding an exquisite touch of elegance and flair to your streetwear ensemble.
Let’s take a closer look at the different face shapes and delve into more details about each one:
Oval Face
The oval face shape is longer than it is wide, with a narrower jawline compared to the cheekbones. The widest part of an oval face is typically the cheekbones, which are more prominent than those in round or square faces. The chin and jawline have a rounded appearance. People with oval faces are fortunate as they can pull off various hairstyles and hat styles with ease due to the balanced proportions of their face.
Round Face
Round faces have a wide hairline and a sense of fullness below the cheekbones, giving them a symmetrical and circular appearance. The length and width measurements of the face are usually close or equal. This face shape lacks prominent angles and tends to have softer features. To counterbalance the roundness, hairstyles and hat styles that add height or create vertical lines can be flattering.
Square Face
Similar to round faces, square faces have facial features that are more pronounced. They have a sharper, stronger, and squared jawline along with a straight hairline. The width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline is generally similar, creating a more angular and structured appearance. Hat styles with softer edges and curves can help soften the angles of a square face.
Diamond Face
Diamond-shaped faces have wide cheekbones paired with a narrow, pointed chin and a somewhat narrow forehead. The cheekbones are wider than both the forehead and jawline. This face shape is often mistaken for a heart shape but can be distinguished by its wider cheekbones. Choosing hat styles that balance the cheekbones with the rest of the face can enhance the overall symmetry.
Heart Face
Heart-shaped faces have foreheads and cheekbones that are of similar width, while the jawline is narrower. The forehead typically forms a rounded hairline, resembling a “V” shape at the center. The length of the face is greater than its width, creating an inverted triangle appearance. Hat styles that add volume or width around the jawline can help balance the face shape.
Pear Face
Also known as a triangular face, pear-shaped faces have a small or narrow forehead combined with a larger, wider jawline. The jawline is full and slightly squared, while the hairline is narrow. This face shape is characterized by having more width at the bottom compared to the top. Hat styles that add volume or width at the top can help balance the proportions.
Rectangle Face
Rectangular faces combine features of both oval and square shapes. They have straight hairlines and equal-length foreheads, cheekbones, and jawlines. The jawline is strong and square, while the cheekbones have minimal curves. People with rectangular faces often have tall foreheads. Hat styles that add volume to the sides or create the illusion of a wider face can be flattering.
Oblong Face
Oblong faces have long and narrow bone structures. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline have similar width but appear elongated and not as wide as in oval faces. This face shape is longer in proportion to its width. Hat styles that add width and volume at the sides can help create a more balanced and proportionate look.
To determine your face shape accurately, follow these steps:
Take measurements: Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, as well as the length of your face. Make note of these measurements for future reference. Here’s how to measure each area:
Forehead: Measure across the widest part, between your eyebrows and hairline.
Cheekbones: Place the tape measure across the most prominent part of your cheekbones, below the corner of each eye.
Jawline: Measure from the tip of your chin to below your ear, where your jaw angles upward. Multiply this number by two to get the total jawline length.
Face length: Run the tape measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Observe facial features: Look in a mirror and pay close attention to the widest and narrowest areas of your face. Take note of any angles, contours, or unique characteristics you notice. Observe the shape of your jawline—whether it appears rounded, squared, or pointed. If you prefer, write down these observations.
A GUIDE TO SELECTING A HAT WITH YOUR FACE SHAPE IN MIND
When it comes to selecting a hat that complements your face shape, consider the following guidelines:
Oval Face: If you have an oval face shape, you’re in luck! You can pull off almost any hat style. Opt for medium to wide brims and angular designs. The Brixton Sedona Reserve Cowboy Hat or a stylish fishermen cap are great choices to enhance your features.
Rectangle Face: Similar to the oval face shape, rectangular faces have versatility in hat selection. However, since rectangular faces tend to have sharper lines, choose hats with a wide brim and a slight curve to balance out your jawline. The Field Proper Hat or a classic snapback can add flair to your look.
Square Face: Soften the angular features of a square face by choosing hats that distract from the boxy appearance. Look for pliable brims, floppy hats, or hats with a large crown. Newsboy caps or bucket hats worn at an angle can help elongate your face and minimize squareness.
Diamond Face: How you wear the hat is just as important as the style itself for diamond faces. Wearing the hat further back on your head helps create a balanced look. Consider a styled-back beanie or a hat with a shallow crown, like the Stout Pork Pie. Sidebands can also add width to your forehead.
Round Face: Angular hat styles are ideal for round faces. Opt for hats with a high crown to create an elongating effect and the illusion of a slimmer face. Wide brim fedoras, such as the Cohen Cowboy, Messer Wide Brim Sun Hat, or Jo Rancher Hat, will flatter your features.
Heart Face: Balance the width of your forehead and the narrowness of your jaw with a clipped brim hat. Choose hats with moderate-length brims that can be tilted forward or backward to conceal a broad forehead while highlighting your cheekbones. Consider the Stout Pork Pie hat, berets, or baseball caps for a stylish touch.
Pear Face: Hats that add fullness at the top of the head complement pear-shaped faces. Look for wide and high-crowned hats with short or asymmetrical brims. Full brim fedoras, such as the Jo Rancher Hat, provide the right amount of fullness and angularity to flatter your face shape.
Oblong Face: Broaden the appearance of your longer facial features with large, upturned brims. Wide-brimmed cowboy hats or full-brim sun hats add fullness to your face, while hats with shorter crowns, like Brixton’s Fiddler Beret, help minimize the elongated effect.
Understanding your face shape can serve as a valuable guide when selecting hairstyles, hat styles, and other accessories that complement your unique features and enhance your overall appearance. Remember to consider your personal style preferences as well, as they play a significant role in expressing your individuality.