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Hats are making a great comeback in the fashion world. They are no longer reserved for bad hair days and special occasions, as more men are choosing to wear this accessory to elevate their outfits and protect their heads. You can choose from a variety of forms — don a baseball cap or a bucket hat for casual outfits or a stylish Panama hat for beachside vacations. Hats also offer great utility in protecting you from the weather, such as harsh sun rays or pouring rain.
However, it can still be a challenge to find a high-quality men’s hat online despite rising demand and an abundance of options. Most hats from online stores are fast fashion pieces, designed to last only a few months or weeks. Discover where to buy high-quality men’s hats online that are built to last and look effortlessly chic and timeless, so you get the most out of your investment.
1. Penner’s Inc.
Penner’s, Inc., a Texas-based family-owned business, is known for its long-standing heritage of providing men’s apparel since 1916. The fashionable brand prides itself on its commitment to timeless style and high-quality men’s hats, suits and accessories. Penner’s creates products with natural materials, such as wool, to minimize its environmental impact.
The brand blends classic styles with vacation-ready designs. It sells genuine Panama hats that can be worn alongside its authentic and well-known Guayaberas. In addition to breezy straw hats for the summer, its versatile selection includes felt hats, newsboy caps and baseball caps. You can even add specialty feathers and bring life to your hats. With many styles to choose from, Penner’s is an excellent choice for the sophisticated gentleman who wants to spruce up his outfits.
2. Goorin Bros.
High-quality men’s hats from Goorin Bros. are flashy, colorful and bold. The brand has been around since 1985, yet it continues to transform well-known silhouettes into modern and memorable pieces. It continually creates interesting, new pieces by mixing and matching fabrics and producing innovative designs.
The baseball and trucker hats feature fun and unique designs embellished on their front sides, giving them a fresh spin and an edge over traditional hats. Aside from signature pieces, the company also carries fedoras, flat caps, and beanies. Goorin Bros. has physical stores where you can try out the caps for yourself and be personally fitted. This brand is ideal for those who want to make a statement with their headwear.
3. Stetson
If you are looking for an all-American look and brand, Stetson is an excellent choice. This hat maker has been at the forefront of Western wear since 1865. The brand sells everything Western, from the quintessential cowboy hat to more casual and relaxed iterations. It also has bucket and safari hats for those who want to explore outside the brand’s bestsellers.
Stetson hats are known for their durable material that lasts for years to come. The hats are specifically designed for outdoor use and come in a variety of brim sizes from 2.25 to 5 inches. Stetson also offers hats in a variety of materials, such as cotton, felt, nylon, silk, linen and wool. Along with high-quality hats, the brand also possesses strong values to benefit its staff and the community.
4. Lock & Co. Hatters
The Lock & Co. Hatters is the world’s oldest hat shop and one of the oldest family-owned businesses globally, dating back to 1676. It is also the oldest running shop in London, known for its high-quality products. Tried and tested over time, this brand is known as the epitome of luxury and tradition. It is also dedicated to sustainability, including the environmental and social impacts of hat production.
Lock & Co. Hatters’ hats, from bowlers to fedoras, are so well-made that the company has been granted a royal warrant by the British royal family, specifically by the late Prince Philip. Lock & Co. Hatters offers custom-made services to customers worldwide, so if you want to have a piece of history, you can’t go wrong with buying one of their hats for yourself.
5. Bailey 1922
For those who prefer a more urban and trendy style, hats from Bailey 1922 are the ideal choice. The brand is known for its old Hollywood glamour and premium materials. It offers a variety of hat styles and materials, along with a range of hat care products. Bailey 1922 also offers hat size and face shape guides to help prospective customers make a more informed decision.
One of its featured, specialized products is LiteFelt, which enables wool to be both shape-retaining and water-repellent, while simultaneously remaining lightweight. As for summer headwear, RainDura hats use a special yarn that is woven through the straw. With the same features as LiteFelt, these hats are also moisture-wicking and comfortable in hot weather.
6. Akubra
Akubr is a globally recognized Australian hat brand. Its hats are renowned for ruggedness and are capable of withstanding various environmental elements. Whether you’re in the desert, at sea or braving the mountains, these hats will provide you with shade in style. Akubra hats are said to last a lifetime.
Since 1876, Akubra has been serving men’s fashion by providing hats that are both durable and capable of elevating even the most casual wear. Detailed size and care guides provide additional information to help you get the most out of your new headwear. The brand emphasizes function-first designs, making its hats a great choice for individuals who purchase them for practical use.
7. Borsalino
Italy is well-known for its luxury fashion houses, and Borsalino stands among them. The brand has mastered the Italian art of sprezzatura — the art of effortless elegance — since its foundation in 1857. Its hats do not have to be flashy to be recognized as one of a kind. The premium quality of the materials speaks for itself.
Borsalino is renowned for its luxury fedoras, which are both sturdy and lightweight. It also delights hat lovers worldwide due to its unique and distinctive colorway, from deep, rich reds to vibrant turquoise. The brand’s hat lineup offers craftsmanship, refinement and personality all in one.
Comparing the Best Online Hat Shops
Dive deeper into what differentiates one brand from another, including the type of hats each brand is known for and its price range.
| Brand | Price Range | Known For | Unique Selling Point | Best for |
| Penner’s Inc. | $ | Panama hats, fedoras, Western hats | Curated collection of high-quality men’s hats | Men who value quality, individuality and refinement |
| Goorin Bros. | $$ | Fedoras, truckers, flat caps | Bold statements and modern graphics | Men who love street style and casual, youthful looks |
| Stetson | $$ | Iconic American hats and fedoras | Quintessential cowboy hat maker | Men who use their outdoor hats for everything and are inspired by cowboy styles |
| Lock & Co. Hatters | $$$ | Bowler hats | Luxurious material and royalty-approved | Men seeking durable and luxurious hats |
| Akubra | $$$ | Durable hats for outdoor use | Durability and adventurous lifestyle | Men looking to bring the glamour and style of Old Hollywood to the 21st century |
| Bailey 1922 | $ | Fedoras, trilbies, caps | Sophisticated old Hollywood look | Men who like adventures and need protective, versatile hats |
| Borsalino | $$$ | Classic luxury fedoras | Soft and lightweight fashion house hat | Men who want to embody the relaxed fit of quiet luxury |
How to Choose the Right High-Quality Hat
The world of hats can be intimidating, considering the vast array of options available. Additionally, a style that works for one person might not work as well for another. Choosing the right hat is all about knowing yourself. Here are some key considerations to help you shop for high-quality men’s hats online.
1. Know Your Intention
Ponder what you look for in a hat. How do you want to wear your hat the most? Is it for special occasions, or will it elevate everyday casual wear? Are you more experimental with your outfits, or do you prefer to add a conversation-starter baseball cap to complete your look? These questions help narrow down what style and brand best suits you.
2. Consider The Weather
Would you like your new hat to complement your outfits during vacations? Or do you want to spruce up your daily look? Summer hat styles include baseball caps, boater hats, Panama hats and bucket hats. They are typically made of lightweight and breezy materials, helping your head to cool off from the heat. On the other hand, materials like felt and leather are typically reserved for colder seasons. Beanies, berets, and aviator hats are perfect for this season.
3. Match Your Hat To Your Face Shape
Examine how your hat will complement your face shape, whether it is more oval, round or square. Certain styles may look better with your proportions than others, so try on many different hats to help you determine which one looks and feels best for you. For instance, curved brims may create balance for angular faces, while hats with high or pinched crowns can elongate a rounder face.
Also consider the hat’s size. Measure the hat’s brim width and crown height. You don’t want the hat to be so big that it covers most of your face or so narrow that it becomes uncomfortable to wear. Pay close attention to hat size guides. Fortunately, most high-quality hat brands offer custom-fitting options, enabling you to have your hat tailored specifically to your needs.
The Anatomy of a High-Quality Hat
Shopping online can be tricky since you can only view photos of the products, making it difficult to assess their actual quality. Knowing what to look for can help you make informed purchasing decisions, ensuring you get the value for your money. Here are three telltale signs of a high-quality men’s hat, whether you are examining its listing online or holding it in your hands.
1. Hat Structure
One of the easiest giveaways of a high-quality piece compared to a fast fashion item is its integrity. Is the hat holding its shape and structure well? Due to the cheap materials used in the production of mass-produced hats, they tend to be floppy or marred by wrinkles. High-quality hats are sturdy and durable. If you feel like the hat will be destroyed with one rain shower, chances are it is of poor quality.
2. Hat Materials
Each fabric or material used will have its own unique characteristics. Fur felt, for example, is known for its velvet softness and incredible resiliency. Even if you fold and roll it up in your luggage, it will eventually regain its original shape. In the summertime, true high-quality Panama hats should be soft and silky and not scratchy. If you hold it up to the light, the hat should show little light passing through due to its tight weave.
Some men prefer to purchase hats from companies that value sustainability in their operations, which includes the use of ethically sourced fabrics. These may consist of organic cotton, merino wool or hemp fabric. These materials can minimize environmental impact.
3. Stitching
Like clothes, you can also examine the hat’s stitching to determine its quality. The stitches should be clean, tight and straight to indicate durability. Overlapping stitches can create an even stronger bond. If there are any signs of fraying stitches before the hat is even purchased, then it is unlikely to hold up for a long time.
You can also look at the hat’s embellishments — including any bands, feathers or metal accents — to judge its quality. These should be securely stitched onto the hat so they do not risk falling off or becoming snagged.
Finding Your Signature Hat
Investing in a high-quality hat is one of the best ways to elevate your personal style for both daily wear and formal events. To make your investment worthwhile, look for brands that offer high-quality hats that will last for years, even a lifetime. There are numerous excellent options available online, ranging from curated collections by Penner’s Inc. to the luxurious Italian craftsmanship of Borsalino.
Ultimately, style is enhanced by the wearer’s confidence. Next time you wear a hat, another gentleman might be inspired to buy one just like yours.
