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At Lock & Co. Hatters, we believe a vintage hat doesn't need to be worn for a special occasion. From fedoras and flat caps to bakerboy and bowler hats, classic styles pair just as easily with jeans, knitwear and trainers as they do with more formal clothing. Discover how to wear heritage hats with your everyday outfit, mix vintage styles with modern pieces and accessories and create a look that suits you.
Although vintage hat types have been a part of British fashion for many years, they don't have to be worn in the conventional way. These days, a traditional fedora, flat cap, bakerboy or bowler can can work just as well with denim, knitwear and trainers as it can with formal clothing. Hats have become more versatile and you no longer need a special occasion to wear one.
The key is to make the hat part of your outfit, rather than building the whole outfit around it. Here’s how to bring classic hat styles into a more relaxed, modern wardrobe.
If you've never worn a traditional hat before, start with a look that suits you and you feel comfortable in. A standard soft brimmed fedora can give an everyday outfit a bit more presence, while a flat cap or bakerboy is a simple starting point.
Think about how you normally dress. If your wardrobe is mostly relaxed, there’s no need to suddenly dress formally just because you’re wearing a hat.
One of the simplest ways to make a traditional hat feel modern is to wear it with contemporary clothing. Don't be scared to mix things up!
Try a wool fedora with a simple coat, knitwear and jeans, or pair a flat cap with a jacket, sweatshirt and boots. A bakerboy works naturally with a relaxed jacket and denim, while a classic bowler can be given a contemporary feel with simple knitwear, tailored trousers or a long coat.
The contrast between an old hat style and modern clothing is often what makes the outfit work.
Your hat doesn’t need to match your outfit exactly. Instead, look for colours that sit comfortably together.
A navy, charcoal or brown hat can work with a range of neutrals, while a hat in a deeper green, burgundy or other rich shade can add colour without taking over the outfit. If your clothes are already patterned or colourful, a more understated hat can bring everything together. Vibrant colours can make a strong statement and can add energy and character to an outfit while still standing out.
Wearing jewellery and scarves with a high-end hat can enhance the look. To add a pop of colour, consider wrapping a scarf around the hat's brim. Alternatively, choose striking
statement earrings to draw attention to your face. Choosing the right accessories can improve the look and make the hat the main attraction of your outfit.
The shape and scale of your hat should work with the rest of what you’re wearing. A wider-brimmed fedora can add a dramatic feel and sit well alongside a structured coat, while a smaller-brimmed style can work with lighter layers. Selecting a hat that complements your facial features and sense of style will give you the confidence to wear it stylishly.
There’s no need to overthink a heritage hat. The best way to avoid looking as though you’re wearing a costume is simply to wear it with clothes that feel like you. Hats don’t belong to one particular era. Hats can be dressed up or down, you can even pair a beanie with a suit or wear a classic hat with everyday casual pieces. Consider choosing colours you genuinely like and that suit you.
Wearing vintage hats with modern clothing ultimately comes down to expressing your individuality and having fun with style! Embrace the unique charm of vintage items while adding your own sense of style. Remember that confidence is crucial; be proud of the way you look and wear that vintage hat.
Wear your hat with something you already own and are comfortable in, like a casual jacket, jeans, or knitwear. Wear what seems natural to you and keep the rest of your outfit simple.
Of course! Bakerboy hats and flat caps work well with denim, sweatshirts, trainers and relaxed jackets.
A heritage hat, like any other hat, should sit comfortably and securely without feeling too tight or loose. It should feel natural to wear, rather than needing constant adjustment. Choose a hat and colour that complement your face and features.
Panama hats, sun hats and lightweight straw styles are perfect for warmer weather, while wool fedoras, flat caps and bakerboy hats are well suited to colder months.
It really depends on the material. For wool and linen hats, use steam from a household kettle and a hard-bristle hat brush, brushing in short strokes to remove dust and dirt. You can also spot-clean with a damp cloth and leave to dry at room temperature.
For Panama hats, use a damp cloth to spot-clean, or gently remove dust and dirt with steam and a soft-bristle hat brush. A clean pencil rubber can also help remove marks.
Store your hat in a cool, dry place and avoid getting it wet unless the material allows it and follow the care instructions for the material.
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
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