How To Wear A Fedora

What a question. On your feet? Nope. On your hands. Wrong again. We’re being silly now. Of course the only place to wear a fedora hat is on your head. Love it or loathe it (we hope you love it) the fedora hat is here to stay. Many moons ago, when more formal dress codes and hat wearing were commonplace, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone of style leaving home without one. Since then, this versatile headpiece has cemented itself as one of the most popular hat styles for both men and women. It's more formal than a baseball cap and flat cap, so it's easy to dress up, and easy enough to dress down - but better than that, it will elevate your outfit in ways no other hat can. For a country twist, some people like to wear a fedora with a feather.

What is a Fedora Hat?

So, just what is a fedora hat, where do fedora hats come from and what are fedora hats made of? It’s good to have a true understanding of any style before exploring if it’s right for you. 

The fedora was introduced in the 1890s by a French hat maker, Victorien Sardou. It was named after the title character in Sardou's play, ‘Fedora’, which premiered in 1882. The play was a hit, and the hat soon became a key piece for men in France and other European countries.

This hat rose to prominence in the late 19th century, when women were expressing themselves more through fashion than ever before. The fedora evolved from the wide-brimmed hats and bonnets of the Victorian era. It was also a practical choice, as although it had a short brim, it provided good protection from the sun and rain.

Since then, the fedora hat has become a classic. It is characterised by its wide brim, creased crown, and pinched front, and has become a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and style.

At Joules, our fedoras are made of wool, but they can be made of cashmere, rabbit or beaver felt. They can also be made of straw, cotton, waxed or oiled cotton, hemp, linen or leather.

What’s The Difference Between A Fedora Hat And A Trilby Hat?

The main difference between a women’s trilby hat and a women’s fedora hat is the size and shape of the brim. A trilby typically has a shorter and more narrow brim that is sharply upturned at the back, while a wide brim fedora is generally more level all the way around. Additionally, fedoras often have a taller crown than trilbies. In terms of style, trilby hats are often seen as more trendy and casual, while fedoras are considered more classic and sophisticated.

What To Wear With A Fedora Hat

A fedora is a seasonless accessory meaning it can be worn and styled all year round. But the question of what outfits to wear with a fedora hat and the colour will still likely change depending on the weather and the time of year. To give you styling inspiration, we’ve put together a few different ways to style your fedora for each season.

What To Wear With A Fedora Hat In Winter

When the weather gets colder, a fedora comes into its own. Opting for deep earthy tones such as a green fedora hat will complement the season and ensure you look your most stylish when heading outside. As ours are crafted from wool they’ll keep your head warm and are a great alternative to beanie hats in the winter. To create a cold-weather ensemble using your fedora as the focus, a collared jumper, layered over a padded gilet or winter coat will create the perfect combination of practical and stylish. Complete the lower half of the outfit with a pair of leggings or jeans and finish with boots or ankle wellies for when the ground is muddy and wet.

What To Wear With A Fedora Hat In Spring

Spring in Britain is famous for its unpredictable weather where a rainy day can soon pass and turn into sunshine. So, a fedora hat in spring remains a versatile choice. The wool construction may not be entirely waterproof, but can certainly fend off a spring shower or two and opting for a wide-brimmed style will shelter your face from driving rain. Likewise, if you get a sunny spell, it’ll keep you cool too. When it comes to styling your fedora in spring, choose neutral shades such as lighter greens or browns. Layering is essential in this season, so ensure every one is well-considered. A striped long sleeve top makes the perfect first layer, while our sweatshirts for women will be on hand for extra warmth. And no spring outfit is complete without a lightweight raincoat on standby!

What To Wear With A Fedora Hat In Summer

You might think a fedora loses its appeal in the summer as more traditional sun hats and caps take centre stage. But a fedora remains a sensible (and stylish) choice for the warmer weather too as a wide brim fedora will keep the sun off your head and out of your eyes. If you’re wearing a fedora hat in summer, consider a lighter colour palette of cream, oat or even a pastel pink, as these will complement all manner of outfits. The beauty of wearing a fedora in the summer is they’re easy to style. Team with one of our floaty dresses for an effortless yet put-together look. We love styling our fedora’s with one of our women’s blouses and a silk scarf to create a classic ensemble.

What To Wear With A Fedora Hat In Autumn

It might be a year-round accessory, but if we had to choose a favourite time of year to sport a wool fedora hat, it would be autumn. Green, brown and rich burgundy hues are authentically autumnal, so choosing a fedora in one of these colours is a great way to blend in with the season. From crisp walks in the countryside to exploring local market towns, this staple accessory looks great for all occasions. The styling options for autumn are endless, and a fedora will be the perfect finishing touch. Team it with a women’s fleece jacket for a contemporary look or with one of our gilets and a pair of women’s wellies for a traditional take on country dressing.

SHOP WOMEN'S FEDORA HATS