Men are not typically known for their headgear choices. It is not that they do not have choices to work with, it’s just that most men have one or two hats (if that many) and that’s it. They don’t have a closet full of hats to accommodate every possible clothing ensemble. For most guys, it is either a baseball cap or beanie. Some guys have both.
How about you? Do you prefer the baseball cap or beanie? Or maybe something else floats your boat. Whatever. It’s cool. It would be interesting to know which hats you prefer and why you prefer them. Since that’s not possible in this setting, the remainder of this post will discuss what men typically like about different kinds of hats.
The Baseball Cap
The tried-and-true baseball cap is arguably the most recognizable hat in the U.S. It is to modern men what the fedora used to be back in the 30s and 40s. Just about every man has at least one baseball cap in his closet. If nothing else, it gets used for outdoor chores like cutting the lawn and washing the car.
What’s to love about the baseball cap? For starters, the wide brim is not there for looks. It was specifically designed to keep the sun out of your face. The baseball cap was a significant improvement over the hats ballplayers used to wear prior to its introduction.
Baseball caps keep the rain out of your face and give you a place to hang your sunglasses. And if you are actually into the sport, there is no better way to show support for your favorite team than an officially licensed cap.
The Beanie
Beanies are as functional as they are fashionable. For example, you could buy a beanie from the anime based Umai Clothing label and wear it is a fashion statement. A lot of people have done just that. But that does not preclude the beanie from keeping your head warm on those cold winter days. That is the strength of this particular hat.
The shape and cut of your typical beanie make its intended purpose clear. That purpose is warmth. Beanies prevent body heat from escaping through the head. They protect the ears and forehead from biting temperatures that could otherwise cause frostbite. They are thick enough to hold back the wind and still allow an insulating layer of warm air between the head and the inside of the hat.
Other Types of Hats
Maybe you’re not into baseball caps or beanies. Perhaps another kind of hat is your gig. If so, what do you normally wear. Below are some of the hats that have enjoyed a level of popularity in the U.S. over the years:
- Cowboy Hat – The traditional cowboy hat is functional in every sense. It protects the face and neck from the sun. Its wide brim also keeps rain away. And if it’s made of genuine leather, a cowboy hat is both warm and waterproof.
- Fedora – The Fedora dates back to late 19th century women’s fashion. It wasn’t until the early 1920s that male versions of the Fedora came to be. But once they did, they were the toast of the town. There was a time when no man would be seen in public without one.
Other popular hat styles throughout history include the cloche, beret, flat cap, newsboy, and derby. They all bring something unique to the table. The question is, why wear one? Does your hat keep your head warm and keep the sun out of your eyes, or is it more of a fashion statement?
