Section: Building Your Wardrobe - Blog

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While we certainly don’t want to impose fashion rules on you, we’d like to see men’s hats make a comeback. While most men’s accessories emphasize functionality over style, hats channel your inner sartorial spirit. Setting aside function, wearing a hat separates you from the crowd and can even make you look taller. What’s not to like about that?

Not at the Drop of a Man's Hat

Merited American poet, Carl Sandburg, wrote: 'All politicians should have 3 hats - one to throw into the ring, one to talk through, and one to pull rabbits out of, if elected.' By quoting this statement, in no way do we advocate that wearing hats is the sole province of politicians. Far from it!

From our perspective, we don't think every man needs a wardrobe filled with various assortments of men's hats. However, hats are useful in the right circumstances or occasions.

For instance, if you reside in rainy places like Macquarie Island or Tully, select rain hats to complement your raincoats or overcoats. On the other hand, if you spend hours in the Australian Outback's heat, opt for a lightweight, breathable man's hat that makes you feel cooler and more comfortable.

Typically, you'll probably place functionality ahead of style when you purchase a man's hat for yourself, but since you also want a hat that makes you look good, ignore style at your own risk.

Hats Off to Men's Hats

Men's hats offer you several benefits:

Utility: The right hat protects you from the elements, while it enhances your appearance. Setting aside protection from the elements, a good hat can conceal the fact you're having a bad hair day (or even a no-hair day!)

Additionally, hats offer a charm of their own and convey respect for others. Tipping your hat to a lady or doffing it at a funeral, where you're probably wearing a somber men's suit, sets you apart from others by distinguishing you as a man of manners and dignity.

Distinctive: Wearing a fedora hat is uncommon. However, when a man's hat is worn properly and with confidence - with a tuxedo or dinner suit, for example - you usually create a favourable impression on others.

Look Taller: Wearing hats creates the illusion of added height. In a crowded room, what makes someone stand out? Obviously, a taller man is noticed faster than a shorter one. Further, increased height commands authority and respect in a first encounter and leaves a lasting impression in people's minds.

Throwing Men's Hats into the Ring

Hats are usually worn at outdoor events such as track and field events, while travelling on public transport, and in building lobbies or elevators. However, proper etiquette requires their removal in the following circumstances:

• Entering homes
• In the workplace
• During meals
• To show reverence (i.e. meetings with religious leaders or during the Waltzing Matilda)

Since men's hats give you a distinctive look, some people might consider you to be aloof or distant. Thus, whether you choose to wear a hat or not is situational. Only you can be the best judge of the situation and of whether a hat would be appropriate or inappropriate.

If you'd like help matching accessories such as hats to your other wardrobe items, all you need do isschedule a personal styling session with one of our fashion experts. We'll have you looking damn good in no time.

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