Sylvie on Style: Put a Lid on It

June 9, 2010

Men in hats. It’s something I’ve loved from a fairly young age — most probably because both of my grandfathers wore them — and looked quite dapper, might I add (fedoras, by the way). In any case, I’ve been observing (and rather enjoying) the resurgence of men, young and old alike, sporting the ol’ chapeau.

Hats can definitely add character to your look. And that’s when finding the right style of hat comes into play. Listed below are my top 5 pics for hats that are trending at the moment:

The Trilby Hat

Many have mistaken the trilby hat for the fedora, but there is a slight difference. A fedora hat’s brim is typically larger and isn’t sharply upturned in the back. Popularized by the likes of Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson, one can evoke spirits of the past, and wear it Sinatra style, or dress it down with a jeans and a T. However you choose to wear it, this hat oozes a cool, carefree attitude.

The Ivy Cap

The ivy cap, also known as the flat cap, has its origins in the United Kingdom back in the 14th century. Most commonly made from fabrics such as tweed, leather or cotton for the summer, the ivy cap has grown in popularity among the punk & hip hop subcultures. But just about anybody can sport this cap, as it seems to carry a universal mass appeal.

The Cadet Cap

To say that Fidel Castro had a small hand in this hat’s popularity, would be an understatement. What started out as a ‘standard issue’ item for military personnel, has turned into a standard part of the popular wardrobe culture. This hat carries a hint of rebellion and whole lot of attitude.

The Newsboy Cap

As its name suggests, the newsboy cap was a casual cap worn by young newspaper boys in the late 19th and early 20th century. Wealthy golfers of the time, have also been known to wear the newsboy cap. But it’s large, floppy quality has proven to be popular among the artsy crowd as well.

The Porkpie Hat

The porkpie hat got it’s name from its resemblance to a pork pie. It’s similar to a trilby hat, only it’s brim is upturned all the way around. Think, early Run DMC. Jazz/Blues musicians. If you want to give off a funk/slick/hip vibe, this hat’s for you.

So there you have it, fellas. Now there’s no excuse not to give hat-wearing a try! Find your inspiration — then, find your style. Easy-peezy ;).

Curious to know more about Sylvie? Feel free to visit her website at sylviepamphile.com.