Tips from the Hatter: How to Wear a Fedora Hat

    A NOTE FROM MAXWELL, LOCK'S HATSMITH, ON FEDORA HATS

    At Lock & Co., we really like a fedora hat for its timeless elegance, but how much do you know about them?

    What does a fedora hat look like?

    Maxwell:  A fedora hat, also known as a snap-brim hat, is a type of hat that has a shallow indented crown and a pinch near the front.  It also has a round brim that is wider than the narrower-brimmed trilby hat. 

    How do you wear a fedora hat?

    Maxwell: Because of the soft brim of the fedora, it can be worn completely angled down, turned up or, most traditionally, up in the back and down in the front in the elegant and classic “wave” shape. The ability to adjust the brim to the wearer's personal preference earned it the nickname "snap brim” and the same fedora can give the wearer several different looks, depending on the occasion or outfit. 

    If you don't already know your head size, wrap a soft tape measure around your head, 2 cm above the ears, around the widest part of the back of your head, and across the middle of your forehead. The size of the fedora you require will be determined by the measurement taken (whether in centimeters or inches). 

    A well-fitting fedora will not drop onto your ears and will sit comfortably above your brow without leaving a mark or feeling tight on your head. If you're not sure what size fedora hat to get, or wish to receive advice about a particular style, call one of our hatters and they'll be happy to help. Contact us.

    Our selection of luxury fedora hats have timeless silhouettes and classically crafted proportions, allowing for plenty of choice, but the certainty of style.

    SIMILAR ARTICLES

    Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.

    View all

    • How Should a Flat Cap Fit?

      The right fit is essential for both comfort and style. A well-fitting flat cap should feel secure without being tight, sit correctly on your head, and complement your face shape.

    • What Is a Flat Cap?

      A flat cap is a rounded, soft-crowned hat with a short, stiff brim at the front. First appearing in Northern England in the 14th century, flat caps became embedded in British and Irish life after a 1571 law encouraged their wear among men of the working classes. By the late 19th and early 20th century, they were worn by everyone from labourers and farmers to gentlemen at leisure. Today, the flat cap retains its heritage charm while being embraced as a versatile style in both town and country.

    • How to Wear & Style a Flat Cap

      A flat cap is one of the most versatile hats you can own. Whether you are dressing for a weekend walk, a day in the city, or a smart country wedding, the flat cap adds effortless polish while remaining comfortable and practical. Here is everything you need to know about wearing one with confidence.

    • How to Care for & Clean a Flat Cap

      Flat caps are designed to last for years, but proper care is key to maintaining their shape, colour, and quality. Different materials -wool, tweed, linen, leather - require slightly different cleaning approaches.

    • How to Fold, Store & Pack a Flat Cap

      Flat caps are travel-friendly by design, but a little care goes a long way in keeping them looking sharp - whether you are storing them at home or packing them for a trip.

    • How to Measure Flat Cap Size

      Getting the right size is the key to a perfect fit. Here’s how to measure your head accurately and choose the right flat cap size.

    • Trending Flat Cap Styles in 2025

      Flat caps remain a staple in 2025, evolving with fresh cuts, new fabrics, and seasonal colour shifts. Here are Lock & Co.’s most notable trends this year, drawn directly from what’s in stock now, with styling tips and product examples to match.

    • What is a Fedora Hat?

      The fedora has long been a symbol of timeless elegance, structured yet soft, refined yet versatile. At Lock & Co., we have shaped the evolution of this iconic silhouette for generations, bringing modern craftsmanship to a classic form.

    • How Should a Fedora Hat Fit?

      At Lock & Co., a well-fitting fedora should feel like a natural extension of your personal style, secure yet comfortable, structured yet wearable. It should sit neatly on the head, complementing your silhouette without ever feeling forced.