The hat through the ages
For a long time, a hat was more than just an accessory – it was a message . Whether the royal crown, the top hat for the aristocracy, or the flat cap for the working class, every head covering told the story of its wearer, his profession, his status, his personality. This universal "hat language" was understood immediately!
In the 1960s, hats lost some of their significance as status symbols. Trendy hairstyles, summer tans, and a newfound sense of freedom displaced them as a staid symbol of conformity. However, some creative minds recognized their potential and breathed new life into old styles. Entirely new everyday hats were invented, such as the baseball cap and the pork pie hat, and classic hats were modernized to make them more suitable for everyday wear.
The Renaissance of the Hat
Today, hats are making a big comeback! Freed from rigid rules, they have become the ultimate expression of freedom and personality . A good hat is a true statement and a piece of living tradition. And don't worry if you think you "don't have a hat face"—we milliners are happy to help you find the perfect style and wear it with elegance.
Your personal style booster
A hat is the finishing touch to any outfit. It provides the final polish and can elevate even the simplest look. A high-quality hat is an investment for life! And having a few different hats for various occasions in your wardrobe adds a great deal of character.
Hats beautifully frame your face, adding intensity and depth . They accentuate your features with colors and textures that enhance your natural radiance. But only the right way of wearing them will bring out the best in your headwear!
Breaking in the hat: Styling tips for beginners
The right mood : Only try on hats if you already feel comfortable with the rest of your outfit. A hat significantly changes your appearance, and it's normal to feel a little strange in it at first. Take your time to get used to it – ideally shaved, made up, and well-rested.
To put it on straight : Hold the hat by the brim and place it horizontally on your head. The crown should sit just above your ears and about a finger's width above your eyebrows.
The right size : A good hat fits snugly, but not too tightly. If it's too big, it looks odd and will blow away in the wind. If it's too small, it will slip up and quickly look silly. Take the time to find the perfect size by measuring your head circumference – it makes a huge difference!
The tilt is key : While it's tempting to wear a hat straight, a hat doesn't always look its best without the right tilt. The perfect angle is what gives your look energy and personality. Experiment with different tilts to find your own personal style.
Classic ways of wearing clothes and their "language"
Especially on the head
The hat sits neatly centered, no more than 1 cm above the eyebrows and 1 cm above the ears. This look is very neutral, exudes confidence, but is also rather understated.
Slight incline
From a straight position, the hat is tilted slightly. This way, it rests on one ear, while the other side rises accordingly. This adds a touch of drama to her appearance and makes it look more dynamic.
Casual and decidedly quirky
Now things get really dramatic. The pronounced tilt indicates that this is someone very self-confident with "stage presence." Not for everyone, but dandies and showmen love this seat.
The "gangster" leaning forward
The eyes are deep in shadow, almost completely obscured by the hat. The wearer appears aloof or even aggressive. A look straight out of a mafia epic. Or perhaps for cool movie heroes.
Leaning backwards, the casual style
This style of wearing clothes is also called "Irish style". It appears casual, relaxed, and open. There's also a certain wit to this style, suggesting a humorous character.
The Rakish Angle
It's a mixture of a slight backward lean and a slight tilt. Its expression is mischievous, cheeky, and decidedly casual. Famous wearers of this style include Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra.
As you've probably noticed, we've shown different people wearing the same hat. The language of hats remains universal, but the character of a face—whether through accessories like glasses or lipstick, a particular hairstyle or beard, special clothing, or even the wearer's head shape and complexion—can make the same hat look different on different people. This should also be taken into account when choosing your hat.
Choosing the right hat
Although the ways of wearing hats are generally valid for many types, they also vary depending on the hat's shape. A top hat is worn directly over the ears, and the wider the brim of a hat, the more it influences how it can be worn. The design language of hats themselves is vast, but it's worth experimenting to find your perfect hat.
Let us advise you and together we'll find the perfect hat for you. We at Altenburger Hat & Costume have never met a person who didn't look great in a hat. We can assure you of that.
Browse our categories and explore our range of classic hats and hat styles , or contact us directly with your questions about our hats.
