Which hat is right for you
Let’s Talk Summer Hats (Even If You Think You’re Not a Hat Person)
“I’m not a hat gal… but I’m also dying in this sunshine.”
Sound familiar?
Whether it’s burning your scalp at Sports Day, squinting at the park, or wrestling with that very real hat-hair dilemma, there’s been a LOT of chat in the group lately about summer hats. Georgie kicked off the conversation this week, and I have noticed it mentioned a few times in the group.
Now, full transparency: I am not a hat person. I’ve dabbled on holiday, and I’ll nick my husband’s cap when we’re out somewhere practical. But day to day? It’s not an accessory that I normally grab.
But… I know how key they are to staying comfortable and cool in summer (especially with the weather we’ve had recently) and they can look great. So let’s dive in.
☀️ First: let’s normalise the awkward hat feelings
From “I just feel like a tit in a hat” to “I look like a small boy” or “I can’t find one that fits my big head/small head/curly hair,” you’re not alone. Honestly, unless you're used to wearing hats regularly, most of us feel a bit 🫣 at first.
But as Clare Carter put it so perfectly:
“I decided one day I was just going to stop being self-conscious about hats. I didn’t want a burnt head. And honestly, 99% of people feel a bit silly, but no one is looking. They’re probably thinking, damn I wish I had a hat too in this blazing sun!”
👏 Yes. To. That.
We’ve said it before and we’ll keep saying it: people aren’t paying as much attention to us as we think. They’re just trying not to melt in the sun too.
And seriously how many times do you insist on your kids wearing a hat outdoors and then don’t do the same for yourself?
So let’s treat ourselves with the same respect and care.
Not all hats are equal and that’s OK
I think one helpful mindset shift is that you don’t need one hat to do every single job. Let’s be honest: there’s a difference between the “theme park mum just trying not to get sunstroke” hat and the “I’m at a festival and want to look fab” hat.
You don’t need one perfect hat. You need the right hat for the job, maybe a practical one for park days and another lovely one for when you want to look a bit smarter. As always have a think about your lifestyle and what type of hat makes sense for you.
I’m not saying that you need to go out and spend £££ on different types of hats, but just have a little think about it.
Now, let’s get into the style advice. These are helpful guidelines, but above all, your hat should be comfortable and easy to wear, so take them like everything else as a ‘rule’ that is more of a guide.
Knowing what hat to buy
When you buy a hat it’s helpful to know your head measurement, as a starting point for choosing your hat.
How to measure your head
Use a tape measure and wrap it around your head about 1 inch above your eyebrows.
Small - Less than 54cm
Average - 54–57cm
Large - more than 58cm+
Most high-street hats are designed to fit a 56–58cm.
But it’s not just the measurement that matters, it’s also how your head looks in relation to your body that affects what suits you best. Regardless of the size of your head you also have to think about the size on your head and how it looks in proportion to the rest of your body.
Small heads
Oversized brims can overwhelm your features, instead try:
A straw boater
A curved-peak baseball cap
A structured cotton bucket hat
Average heads
You can wear most types of hats, here are a few things to think about
Petite or delicate features? Avoid oversized brims. Try shorter crowns and modest brims, think straw boaters, smaller buckets, or baseball caps.
Taller or bolder features? Go for wide-brimmed sun hats or softer cotton buckets. You can pull off the dramatic wide-brim looks others shy away from.
Larger heads
Medium to wide brims offer the best balance. Look for:
Floppy straw hats
Relaxed cotton buckets
Deeper crowns or adjustable bands for comfort
Face shape
If you have a:
Round face? Angled brims or structured hats like a Panama or boater
Long face? A deeper crown or downward brim (e.g. floppy hat) adds width
Square face? Soften with rounded crowns or fabric caps
Heart-shaped face? Try a curved-brim visor or a baseball cap that mirrors your cheekbones
Summer Hat Options
Straw Boater – Structured and classic. Great with dresses or denim
Wide-Brim Floppy Hat – Ideal for beach days, garden parties, or just feeling extra
Cotton Bucket Hat – Casual, crushable, and great for park or picnic days
Linen/Cotton Baseball Cap – Lightweight and sun-safe for everyday wear
Visor – Perfect for curly hair, ponytails, or just wanting airflow while staying shaded
😬 Hair making things tricky? Try this:
Curly hair: Deeper crowns, adjustable bands, or open-top styles like visors are your friends. Avoid fully lined hats (they create static!)
Short hair: Avoid bulky shapes, tilt the hat back slightly to soften the look
Fringe or fine hair: Stick to lightweight styles and keep dry shampoo handy for post-hat fluffing
You don’t have to be a “hat person.”
You just need a hat that fits and feels like you.
And if it keeps the sun off your face and saves you from heatstroke? Even better.
P.S. My friend swears by this hat clip for when she is travelling on holiday, as a way of stopping her larger hats getting squished in her bag.