Hats are a staple of any wardrobe and having just spent a week away on the Isle of Tiree I find myself carting at least 5 hats with me – one to match every outfit but I think all of the hats suit my face shape. As I unpack in the traditional island cottage that feels very Coorie, it got me thinking. On my search for hats the question of face shape and it’s impact on hat choices. The result this little post on “Face shape and choosing a hat”

Until a few years ago there were only four categorised face shapes: Square, Round, Oval and Heart . But thanks to a bigger scientific study of faces more in-depth research was carried out by scientists and another five face shapes where added to the list. These new shapes have been called Oblong, Heptagon, Kite, Rectangle and Teardrop. So now it would seem there are nine face shapes.

"In all honesty I believe as long as you feel good in your chosen hat nothing else really matters"

If you do want to know more about your face shape when you are on your next hat buying expedition it turns out Australian scientists have recently identified Nine distinct face shapes. However, In all honesty I believe as long as you feel good in your chosen hat nothing else really matters. The important thing to always remember is: Hats are all about you feeling good when its on your head. The science behind your face shape and choosing a hat secondary.

I hope the information i’ve collected below will help you when choosing the next hat and you’ll feel good, look good and importantly enjoy wearing it confident in the knowledge .

If you do want to go into a little more depth looking at the science and art behind hats to suit the shape of your face you should think about:

The Nine Face Shapes

Your face shape does not dictate the style of hat you buy knowing may help you understand why some hats work for you and some not so much. You should also remember that although 9 categories of face shape have be created we don’t all sit neatly in those categories. You should see it as a sliding scale and you may have characteristics from more than one category. Don’t feel you need to be pigeonholed.

Oval shape face: Longer than wide, and with a jaw that is narrower than the cheekbones. Ovals it seems are small than average on all measurements
Square shape face: A wide jaw and hairline. The forehead and chin lengths are almost equal
Round shape face: This face shape is identified by fullness below the cheekbones and a wide hairline.
Heart shape face: The classic ‘English Rose’ shape, characterised by a wider forehead and narrow chin.
Oblong shape face: Similar to the Oval shape, but with a much narrower bone structure.
Kite shape face: Kite face narrows at the jawline and chin with prominent cheekbones which are a little wider than mid and lower forehead
Rectangle shape face: A defined jawline, of similar width to the lower forehead and cheekbone
teardrop shape face: This is the only group for which the forehead length is shorter than the chin. A shorter face, with a narrow forehead and cheekbone
Heptagon shape face: Striking features are a wide forehead and prominent cheekbones. Typically longer than average faces

…"it’s not just face shape that influence how you see yourself and others see you when you put on your favourite hat."

Did you know in the 14th and 15th century during the Renaissance artists, designers and architects used something called the Golden Ratio and to this day it still helps us understand why we like the way certain things look including face shapes. 600 years on and Scientists have added the power of computers and face recognition to help us understand the nuances of face shapes. But it’s not just face shape that influence how you see yourself and others see you when you put on your favourite hat. Or, when you are trying to decide which hat to buy.

You should also think about the hats you are looking at and focus in on:

The hats colour
The hats size
Fabrics from which the hat is made
What you are going to use it for
Will you be wearing glasses with the hat
Will you be wearing it regularly or just a few times a year
The shape of the hat
Your face Shape

All of the above will influence how a hat looks on a particular face shape. We all know that face shape has a large impact over our hairstyles, but it can also significantly change how we look in a hat too. There’s a lot to take into account when you’re choosing a hat. And I hope the information here goes some way to help in your quest specifically if you are thinking about face shape and choosing your hat.

"There’s a lot to take into account when you’re choosing a hat"

Oval Shape Face
Lots of choice for you a good place to start looking would be hats that have a wide or flared brim and which sit low on your forehead. The hat ship balances features and face shape nicely. Fisherman hats, Fedoras and if you’re a fan of the wild west a cowboy hat are all great places to start looking

Square Shape Face
Curved and rounded hats work with your strong angular face. The curves and round forms work well in creating a fantastic balance. Bucket hats beanies and bobbles work well for you and if you really want to make a statement why not go left field and get yourself a bowler hat. you can even wear the hat with a tilt to break up the strong angular symmetry.

Round Shape Face
Angular lines work best for you the perfect balance for your natural face shape. Even better you’ll love wearing asymmetrical shapes with high crowns. The aim here is to create length in the the combination of you and your hat. A good bobble or flat cap, beret, a structured wool hat and some styles of Fedora you’ve got some great options just remember its about adding length to you face and bringing balance through your hat.

Heart Shaped Face
Beanies are your goto followed by Cloche Berets and Fedoras but stay away from large or wide brims. These hats all balance out the your face shape use hats balance the width of your forehead.

Oblong Shaped Face
A very versatile face shape. look for hats with rounded form factor their shape balanced the strong vertical lines of your shape. The Cloche hat although invented in 1908n is still relevant today and works well for you. Sun hats with floppy wide brims work well for you as well bucket hats and slouchy beanies worn low to your eyebrows will work well for you at any time of year. Avoid tall crowns as these will over emphasis the length of your face.

Kite Shaped Face
your Cheekbones are wider and your chin and forehead are narrower in a ration like that of a traditional kite. Your angular features will be balanced by rounded hats. your winter goto could be a fantastic beanie or fisherman or if you want to make a statement why not go for a trilby. If you like a brim on your hat focus on a medium width.

Rectangle Shaped Face
With the angular features you find in the square face shape but the length you find in an oblong face your balanced chin and forehead suit more rounded shapes that sit low over you forehead and on your eyebrows. As with most cases you don’t want a crown that is wider than your cheeks. Bucket hats, fitted beanies and structured mid brimmed hats that keep your proportions will work well for you.

Teardrop Shaped Face
The world of hats is your oyster you can get away with almost anything just stay away anything that feels like the crown is narrower than your cheekbones

Heptagon Shaped Face
A combination of angular features Give you a range of hats from medium brims to beanies, trapper and fisherman

Below are some of the hat styles you’ll find on trend at the moment and as you’ll see it’s as much about the material, colours, how you wear the hat, what you wear the hat with and how you feel in the hat as it is the science behind face shapes.

The Fedora

Fedoras are back with vengeance. Never has there been a better time to flash your felted hat in country pubs, on high streets, on mountainsides. This is a hat trend that has suffered criticism over the years, but that is now back in style like never before.

Similar to the beret, the fedora offers an air of glamour for women and a stylish gentleman look for men. The angle of the brim, and shaped crown makes it ideal for anyone with a round face or, with a wider brim and low crown, and oblong face.

In-fact, the fedora is suitable for so many people it is a wonder more of us don’t wear them. Just writing this has me itching to get home and give mine a brush off.

The felt will also offer warmth as the season changes and will be perfect for late spring as the nights get longer and the days get milder. This is the hat trend that coming back, and it’s the most exciting by far.

2. The Beanie

My all-time favourite, and perfect for those of us with oval shaped faces. This hat trend is comfortable, informal and won’t lengthen your face.

Ideal for a spring style, a raw wool beanie will ensure you’re kept warm no matter what the weather. The range for beanies is so wide, you can really take time to choose one that looks fantastic and that will fit your personality and needs.

Slouchy beanies are another fashion statement in themselves. If you’re looking for something that’s more of a statement than practical, then this is the way to go. Following the face shape principle, they’re also very complementary to heart-shaped faces. The curves soften the angles of the face, and frame natural beauty.

The fantastic thing about beanies is they really are go-anywhere hats. If you’re swimming, climbing, running or just wanting to cosy up with a book – there is really no going wrong.

3. The Bucket

The bucket hat was first conceived in the early 1900s as a purely functional item worn by Irish farmers and fishermen as protection from the rain. One of the oldest hats around, it has been in and out of fashion many times before, but last year they made a big comeback on the catwalks and are here to stay. They’re being paired with a more elegant and mature look. You’ll see them everywhere you look, from the high street to the beach.

Both fashionable and universal, with a short and downward sloping brim sitting just above the eyes, this shape hat is perfect for anyone with a square face. The bucket hat has never been my favourite, probably as it doesn’t suit my face shape, but their simplicity and practicality is ever so appealing and their popularity does not come as a surprise.

One of the most notable features of Tiree is the wind. In-fact, as I write this, I’m preparing for a plane ride off the island tomorrow as the ferry is cancelled – incoming storm. This is one of the many lovable quirks of the island, and one of the reasons a bucket hat would be perfect for any weather in this wild place. When the wind picks up and the clouds burst open, you can still protect your hair and your face and with a snug fit, you won’t have to fear losing it.

4. The Trapper

A winter trend that really needs to extend into sweater weather, trapper hats are cute and keep ears toasty any day of the week. You might recognise the classic hunter’s hat style, that has been remodelled to make this stylish fashion trend.

The great thing about the trapper hat is that it suits both men and women alike. They’re often waterproof and offer fantastic protection from the weather.

I’m a stickler for practicality. Spending a lot of time outdoors means there’s really little point in any clothing that wouldn’t be useful, and I see no need to get cold when products are out there to stop that happening. That’s why this hat trend is so great. They look fantastic, feel fantastic and are ideal for the colder spring days. You can wear them in the great outdoors, or in the city, and still stand out for your impeccable hat know-how and sharp looks.

And if we get snow, you’ll never have been better prepared.

5. The Beret

An all year-round hat. I’ve already mentioned the beret, and with good reason. They’re timeless, classic, and never go out of style. A hat trend we can always rely on, even with the changing seasons.

A beret would really suit anyone with a pear or kite shaped face. Asymmetrical hats accentuate shape, and really inspire romance and class. These hats will never look out of place and can be rocked with jeans and t-shirts or winter woolly wear alike. Perhaps more metropolitan than the beanie, they’re a fashion statement like no other.

You’re guaranteed to stand out, and now there is a huge range of colours so you can have a beret for every outfit. Professional, formal and relaxed. This is the hat that does everything.

6. The Bobble

The Bobble’ is a hat that is always up for contentious debate. Many of our parents put us in these when we were kids. They’re childish, they’re fun. They’re loveable unlike any other hat, and always draw the eye.

Much like the beanie, the bobble is perfectly suited for those of us with long faces. Think Oblong, teardrop and Oval shapes. In-fact, there are very few people the bobble hat doesn’t suit.

Perhaps it’s their smile-inspiring confidence and bright and funky charm, but bobble hats are a timeless classic for all year round that will match any face.

On cold and warm days alike, there is no weather the bobble hat can’t take on. And when it gets really chilly, having a soft woolly to cover your ears is more welcoming than even a hot chocolate and an open fire.

I really am a big fan of the bobble. It has its own unique charm, and when we’re talking about fashion statements it screams ‘look at me’.

“The bigger the bobble, the better”

If you’re looking for something fashionable, something practical and something that will suit everybody, then the bobble hat might just be for you.

7. The Dad Cap

Have you heard the news? Snapbacks are out. In-fact, snapbacks should never really have been in.

Instead, we’re looking to the original ‘dad’ cap.

A snug fit, dad caps come in any colour and any style. You can have them printed with your favourite mottos or find them with all manner of images across the temple. If you’re looking for a hat that will portray your personality with ease, that is comfortable and offers sun protection as the spring comes to an end and we start heading into summer, then this is the style for you.

Even with the wind, this week has offered the most breath-taking sunshine that I have seen so far this year. Any adventure will, hopefully, bring beautiful weather and you definitely don’t want to be caught short on a bright day with no ‘dad’ cap to flash.

They’re a fit for almost any outfit, and suit all and any face shapes. No wardrobe would be complete without them.

Conclusion

The shape of your face when choosing a hat is secondary to how you feel when you wear the hat. Regardless of the shape of your face the hats you’ll find making the most impact at the moment have us reminiscing and feel retro whilst making bold and fun statements. They’re a mix of timeless classics, and memories of our youth. An understanding of the way shapes and angles work may give you a hand in finding a hat that really suits you – but if you’re finding it hard, my forever advice would be to opt for a warm and woolly beanie. They suit everyone and can be used all year round. Not just that, they can offer a sustainable solution for fashion.

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