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The Different Types of Hats

Hats have many different forms. Each type of hat can express different aspects of our personality and mood. They can be reserved or flamboyant, serious or playful, casual or dressy. They can be worn for function or fashion. Historically, hats have served as a symbol of social status. When considering headwear, knowing the different types of hats is a great place to start in your hat search. Each type has a unique history and exudes its own style. Here are some of the most common types of hats, along with some fun facts about them.


types of hats gathered newsboytypes of hats gathered newsboy
Pleated Newsboy Hat

Originally worn in the late 19thcentury and early 20thcentury, this cap has re-emerged as a trendy style. It is a fashionable casual cap that comes in a wide variety of colors, fabrics and styles. It can be a traditional flat cap with a brim or more upright like the old stormy or kromer cap. You will find the newsboy in every type of fabric. Asoft cotton cap or a newsboy with a liner is a great option as a cancer hat. Although they can be worn by anyone, our newsboy caps are designed to extend down to the hairline, offering full head coverage on a bald head.

Many have a hidden elastic band in the back to provide a secure, customized fit. Newsboy caps can be dressy or more casual, depending on the fabric and embellishments.

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Stone Bucket Hat

The bucket hat is a versatile and fun option. It can be casual but with the right fabric choice it can be more dressy. It is Irish in origin but became popular with the English upper class for walking and wildflowering. The brim on this hat can be worn down or turned up. It can be turned on one side or the front for different looks. These are versatile hats for cancer patients that can achieve many looks with accessories.

cotton roller hat cotton roller hat
Cotton Roller Hat

This type of hats gets its name from the round bands circling the cap. It can be worn either casual or more dressy. The bands give it dimension resulting in the appearance of fullness or hair under the cap, making it flattering to wear. Cancer patients find this type of hat especially appealing because it provides volume around the face.

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Softie Baseball Hat

Baseball caps are an American tradition. The ancestor of the baseball cap was first worn in 1860 by the Brooklyn Excelsiors. It became known as the "Brooklyn Style Cap." In the 1940's, a longer, stiff brim was added to protect the baseball player's eyes from the sun, giving birth to the modern baseball cap. Today, baseball caps are a wardrobe staple. Casual and fun, these caps can be worn with scarves tied underneath, hair bands or even a wig. We have soft baseball caps made of a stretchy fabric. For someone with hair loss due to cancer or chemo treatments, they are the ultimate in softness. They give the look of a traditional baseball cap but they cover the hairline completely. We even have a ballcap with hair built right into the cap.

cloche and flapper hat cloche and flapper hat
Violet Flapper Hat

The cloche is a retro style that keeps re-emerging. It has never lost it’s appeal. Invented in 1908 by Caroline Reboux, the hat continues to be used in movies and fashion shoots. It is usually worn low on the forehead giving full head coverage and making it an ideal cancer hat.

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Triumph Beret

The beret is a timeless and fun cap for both casual and dressy wear. By timeless we mean dating back to the 4thmillennium B.C. You will find this hat in countless fabrics. This style is typically constructed with a softer material making these hats ideal for a sensitive scalp.

piper fedora hat - type of hatpiper fedora hat - type of hat
Piper Fedora Hat

This type of hat was first used in an 1889 play by the name of "Fedora." It was later adopted by the Women's Rights Movement as a symbol. After Prince Edward of Britain started wearing this type of hat in the 1920's, it became popular for men too. The fedora is sometimes a little more rigid in fit than other choices. Our Fedora Hats are designed to offer full head coverage and to be more pliable than other hats that are not designed for cancer or chemotherapy patients.

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Bow Tie Sun Hat

Sun hats have been worn since ancient times as sun protection. Brimmed hats are important anytime you go outside. Indoors, the brim can be worn in playful ways, providing a fashionable flair. Sun protection is crucial for anyone but for those going through chemotherapy treatments, it is imperitive to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays. Chemo can make your skin very sensitive to sun damage so wearing a brimmed hat is absolutely essential anytime you go outdoors.

dressy church hat - eva cloche hat dressy church hat - eva cloche hat
Eva Cloche Hat

When considering the different types of hats, nothing can provide more flair than a beautiful dressy hat. This is why you see Princess Kate wearing so many hats. Dressy hats are great for fine dining, church or nights out on the town.

in a snap reversible head wrap in a snap reversible head wrap
In A Snap Reversible Head Wrap

Traditionally defined as "a long strip of fabric worn around the head," the meaning has evolved over time. Now when we think of headwraps, many visions come to mind. Most often, we think of what is often called a "Du-rag" (or "Do-rag"), or a biker style headcovering. This is a comfortable and versatile style cancer hat that can be worn alone or underneath brimmed hats for full head coverage.

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So Simple Scarves™ - Pre-Tied Scarf Headcovering

These are versatile head coverings that can be worn in many ways. Although these are not "hats" or "caps", they can be worn in the same way so are worth a mention here as they make excellent head coverings for cancer patients. Some cancer patients do not want to tie a scarf, so we offer both untied and pre-tied head scarves. So if you love the look of a sophisticated head scarf but don't want to tie one, our pre-tied scarves may be a good option for you.

relaxed beanie - types of hats relaxed beanie - types of hats
100% Cotton Relaxed Beanie Cap

This form fitting hat without a brim is one of the most trendy styles today. These are great "Go-to" caps for cancer patients due to their comfort. Many have moisture wicking fabrics. They are great for almost any casual occasion - from working in the yard, exercise or every day wear. When you don't know which type of hat to buy, you can never go wrong with a basic beanie cap.

sleep cap - three seam cotton sleep capsleep cap - three seam cotton sleep cap
Three Seam Cotton Sleep Cap

Every cancer patient who is experiencing hair loss needs something to keep his or her head warm at night. Sleep caps are also essential for hospital stays, post surgery wear, during chemotherapy treatments, for lounging around the house and of course for sleeping. The great thing about these cancer hats is their versatility. Not only they be worn for sleeping or lounging but they can also worn while working in the garden or a quick trip to the store. Our sleep caps are designed for softness, fit and comfort. Many cancer patients experience scalp sensitivity in conjunction with their hair loss. For this reason, softness is key. The right sleep hat will have a smooth soft finish on the inside of the cap. Avoid caps with a lot of seams or abrasive texture. Sleep caps come in many fabrics such as cotton knit, polyester blends, terry cloth, fleece and other soft textiles. They may be simple or adorned with lace or bows. The great thing about our sleep hats is their versatility. Many of them can be dressed up with a scarf or even a broach and worn for a night out on the town. Some of our customers even wear them underneath head scarves or other cancer hats to provide fullness or a more comfort fit.

Rain Hat - Manhattan Quilted Rain HatRain Hat - Manhattan Quilted Rain Hat
Manhattan Quilted Rain Hat

Wonderful for protection during incliment weather, rain hats can also be worn over your wig to protect it.

Linen Logan Hat - different type of hats Linen Logan Hat - different type of hats
Logan Hat

A Cadet hat resembles a baseball cap as well as a newsboy cap. The top of a cadet cap (also known as a military hat) has a flat rounded single panel of fabric, distinguishing it from both the baseball cap and the newsboy hat.

Two toned double braid turban setTwo toned double braid turban set
Two-Tone Double Braid Turban Set

Originating from ancient Egypt, the word "turban" comes from the French word "turbant." The turban is typically a cap constructed to look like fabric wrapped around ones head. It has become a “Go To” hat for many women with hair loss. Depending on the material and design it can be used as an everyday cap, dressy cap, bathing cap, beach cap, etc. There are even turbans that look amazing with a beautiful evening gown.

Ribbon Braid Scarf VisorRibbon Braid Scarf Visor
Ribbon Braid Scarf Visor

A visor hat is similar to a sun hat but it has an open top. For women with hair, the open top allows for breathability in hot weather. Women with hair loss can wear a scarf and then add a visor over the top when outdoors to provide sun protection. 

Slouchy Snood Hat - different types of hatsSlouchy Snood Hat - different types of hats
Slouchy Snood Hat

The latest fashion trend, the slouchy beanie is a modern variation of the classic beanie. It has a relaxed fit with extra room that "slouches" in the back of the hat. It typically has rolls or pleats along the top of the hat, providing a layered appearance. This new type of hat is all the rage.

Mens driver cap Mens driver cap

These types of hats feature a flat cap with a small rigid brim in the front. Originating in 14th century England and Italy, flat caps became popular at the turn of the 20th century. These hats are frequently spotted on celebrities, such as David Beckham, Harry Styles and the Prince of Wales.

When shopping for a hat, it helps to be familiar with the types of materials used in making hats. Here are a few of the common fabrics we use in our hats.

 

Cotton Hats - Cotton is a highly desirable natural fiber that is durable, soft, breathable and suitable for all climates.

 

Bamboo Hats - Bamboo viscose is an eco-friendly option that has natural antibacterial properties. This luxurious, silky-soft fabric is also pill resistent, absorbent and durable.

 

Fleece Hats - For cold weather, there aren't many fabrics that can beat the comfort of fleece. Like your favorite sweatshirt, your fleece hats provide comfort and warmth.

 

Terry Cloth Hats - This absorbent fabric feels like a traditional towel. It's a great option for the pool, spa or beach.

 

Wool Hats - Ideal for winter headwear, wool is a natural fiber that is warm, provides insulation and is water resistent. For those who are sensitive to wool, a hat liner can be worn underneath for an additional layer of protection.

 

Berber, Tweeds & Corduroy - These warm fibers provide texture and interest to winter hats.

 

Lycra Hats - Lycra is a stretchy, durable fabric. It allows your hat to stretch, conforming to your head and retaining its shape.

 

Polyester Hats -Great for wicking moisture away; often used in exercise clothing.Includes CoolMax®polyester.

Different type of hat material stacked up Different type of hat material stacked up

 

Silk - This luxurious fiber drapes beautifully and is often used inhead wraps and scarves.

 

Straw & Raffia Hats - Used for summer headwear, hats made of straw or raffia are lightweight and breathable. Cotton or bamboo liners can be worn underneath for those with especially sensitive scalps.

 

Crushable Hats - Many of our more "rigid" looking hats are "crushable". If they are bent or "crushed", they will return back to their original shape. Great for travel.


Hat Materials


Hat Accessories

There are an unlimited number of ways to embellish your headwear - from silky scarves to flower pins, headbands and broaches. Not to be forgotten as you consider the type of hat you buy are the available accessory options. Some hats lend themselves to accessorizing better than others. As you consider the different types of hats, also consider which accessories appeal to you. To get the most versatility out of your hat, keep your favorite hat accessories in mind as you are making your selection. Accessories allow you to take your basic hat and create an infinite number of looks. To learn more about accessorizing your headwear, visit our Hat Accessory Style Guide.


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Question- Faux Fur All Weather Hat Review by Different Types of Hats
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Will this faux fur lined rain hat come back in stock? (Posted on 03/31/2023)

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This is a lot of info. I have alapecia!!! I want to know about hair pieces. Not much hair to attach to. Info please. (Posted on 09/27/2022)

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are these hats ok for no cancer women (Posted on 04/11/2022)

Different Types of Hats