How to Find the Right Hat for Your Face Shape: Expert Tips and Tricks

Have you ever tried on a hat that just didn’t look right on you, even though it looked great on someone else? That’s because finding the perfect hat isn’t just about style, it’s about matching the hat to your unique face shape.

Let’s go through the basics and know some expert tips so you can find your ideal match, especially if you’re shopping for Kentucky Derby hats or any special occasion.

Why Face Shape Matters When Choosing a Hat

Not all hats suit every face shape. The right hat can highlight your best features and boost your confidence. The wrong one might make your face look too long or too round. That’s why understanding your face shape is the first step to looking fabulous with the perfect hat.

Think of it like this: a hat is the finishing touch to your outfit, but if it doesn’t suit your face, it can disrupt the whole look. With the right guidance, you can pick hats that suit you every time

How to Figure Out Your Face Shape

Before you start shopping, take a moment to look in the mirror. Pull your hair back and trace the outline of your face with your finger or a washable marker on the mirror. You’ll notice if your face is round, oval, square, heart, or diamond-shaped. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Round: Cheekbones are the widest part, and your face is almost as wide as it is long.
• Oval: Your face is longer than it is wide, with gently rounded edges.
• Square: Strong jawline and forehead, with similar width and length.
• Heart: Wide forehead and cheekbones, narrowing to a pointed chin.
• Diamond: Narrow forehead and chin, with wide cheekbones.

Now let’s match each face shape with the best hat styles.

Best Hats for Each Face Shape

1. Round Face
If your face is round, you’ll want to add some angles and length. Look for hats with tall crowns, angular brims, or asymmetrical designs. These styles help make your face look longer and more defined.

Try: Fedoras, wide-brimmed hats, or newsboy caps worn at an angle. Avoid hats that are too round or sit too low on your forehead, as these can make your face look even rounder.

2. Oval Face
Lucky you, almost any hat style looks great on an oval face! You can experiment with different shapes, from floppy hats to fedoras and everything in between.

Try: Wide-brimmed hats, bucket hats, or outback styles. Just avoid hats with very tall crowns if your face is extra long, as this can make it look even longer.

3. Square Face
If your face is square, you’ll want to soften your strong angles. Choose hats with rounded or curved brims to balance out your jawline and forehead.

Try: Bowler hats, newsboy caps, or floppy hats. Avoid hats with sharp, angular lines, as these can make your face look even more square.

4. Heart-Shaped Face
Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and a narrow chin. The goal is to balance the top and bottom of your face.

Try: Medium-brimmed hats, cloches, or cowboy hats. Avoid hats with very wide brims, as these can make your forehead look even wider.

5. Diamond Face
Diamond faces have wide cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin. Look for hats that add width to your forehead and chin to create balance.

Try: Flat caps, bowler hats, or fedoras with medium brims. Avoid hats that sit too high on your head or have very narrow brims.

Tips for Trying on Hats

When you’re shopping for hats, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Try before you buy: If possible, try on different styles to see what looks best.
• Check the fit: Your hat should sit snugly but not too tight. If it’s slipping or squeezing, it’s not the right size.
• Look at yourself from all angles: Take a selfie or ask a friend for their opinion. Sometimes, a hat looks different from the front, side, and back.
• Think about the occasion: The right hat for a church service might be different from the perfect hat for the Kentucky Derby. 

For example, church hats for women often have wide brims and elegant details, while derby hats for women can be bold and playful.

How to Wear Your Hat with Confidence

Once you’ve found the right hat, it’s time to wear it with confidence. Here are a few extra tips to help you shine:

• Match your hat to your outfit: Choose colors and styles that complement your clothes.
• Pay attention to the details: Little touches like feathers, ribbons, or a unique shape can make your hat stand out.
• Keep it secure: If you’re worried about your hat blowing off, there are simple tricks to keep it in place. For more ideas, check out this helpful guide on our site.
• Have fun with it: Hats are a great way to express your personality. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

How to Care for Your Hat

Once you’ve found your perfect hat, you’ll want to keep it looking its best. Here are a few simple tips:

• Store your hat in a cool, dry place: Avoid damp or hot areas, which can damage the material.
• Handle your hat gently: Avoid crushing or bending it.
• Clean your hat as needed: Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dust and dirt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know what face shape I have?

A: Look in the mirror and trace the outline of your face.  Then, observe the proportions like the width of your forehead, cheeks, and jawline to determine whether your face is more round, oval, square, heart-shaped, or long.

Q: Can I wear any hat if I have an oval face?

A: Yes, oval faces are lucky, most hat styles look great on you! Just avoid hats with very tall crowns if your face is extra long.

Q: What’s the best hat for a round face?

A: Look for hats with tall crowns, angular brims, or asymmetrical designs. These help make your face look longer and more defined.

Q: How should a hat fit?

A: Your hat should sit comfortably but not too tight. If it’s slipping or squeezing, it’s not the right size.

Q: Can I wear a hat to church or a special event?

A: Absolutely! Church hats and derby hats for women are perfect for special occasions. Just make sure your hat matches the formality of the event.

Q: What if I want a hat that’s unique to me?

A: Consider a custom hat. You can choose every detail, from the color to the shape to the decorations.

Q: How do I keep my hat from blowing off?

A: There are simple tricks to keep your hat secure, like using hat pins or elastic bands. For more ideas, check out this helpful guide on our site.

Finding Your Perfect Hat Online

Shopping for hats from home has never been easier. Imagine scrolling through a colorful world of styles, each one just a click away. You can take your time, compare different looks, and even see how real customers styled their favorite picks. Photos that show every angle, honest reviews, and clear size guides make it simple to choose with confidence.

What Makes Us Different

We’re not just another hat shop, we’re a team of passionate creators who love what we do. Designing and making millinery pieces is our joy, and we put that care into every hat we craft. Whether you’re shopping online, visiting our Louisville store, you’ll see the difference that attention to detail makes.

Our designer hats, unique fascinators, and hat accessories are all about celebrating your style. We believe every hat should tell a story.

Let Your Personality Shine Through

A great hat is more than just an accessory. It’s a way to show the world who you are. Don’t be afraid to pick a color that pops, add a bold feather, or try a shape you’ve never worn before. The right hat can make you feel unstoppable, and that confidence shows in everything you do.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

At The Hat Girls, every occasion gets its own special touch. Looking for something elegant? We’ve got hats for women that will turn heads. Planning a day at the races? Our derby hats for women are bold, playful, and perfect for making a statement. 

Check out our collection of hats and see how the right hat can make every day a little brighter. Stop by our Louisville shop or browse online to find your new favorite statement headwear now!