If you’ve ever tried on a baseball cap or winter beanie and thought, “Nope, hats just aren’t for me,” then let me play stylist-therapist for a moment. Because I believe that anyone can wear caps. The real trick isn’t your face shape, age, hairstyle, or confidence level. It’s the understanding that caps aren’t all created equal (just like every item of clothing), and the right shape, material, and proportions can make all the difference in how you feel wearing one.
Quote of the day: “Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” Harper Lee
The idea to write about this subject came when our own crew member, Valerie, showed up for our photoshoot sporting a baseball cap. Now this wouldn’t be momentous except for the fact that Valerie confided to me that she NEVER wears baseball caps, yet somehow liked this one.
Most of us grew up thinking a cap is a cap. But just like jeans, handbags, and even socks, there are variations in structure, silhouette, and details that totally change the vibe.
So I wanted to consider the points of how to wear caps, especially the two most wearable winter styles: baseball caps and winter beanies.
These can be fabulous additions to your outfit, whether your hair just won’t behave or you want that effortlessly cool finishing touch.
Let’s be honest: sometimes hats get a bad rap. Maybe they feel too sporty, too youthful, too casual, or too attention-getting. But caps aren’t about hiding. They’re about style + function, which is a magical combination.
Well, I lied…they can be about hiding. It’s just part of life when bad hair days come around. I’ve talked about ways to counteract a bad hair day, and hats are high on the list.
It’s only smart to have tricks on the back burner that will cover you when those days occur.
So even if you don’t wear them often, having a couple of go-tos in your wardrobe is nothing less than brilliant.
Pro tip: Like anything in fashion, it takes time to get used to seeing yourself in a new silhouette. We all go through this! I remember thinking I wasn’t “a hat person,” and now I’m the one telling everyone else to try them.
So start with curiosity, not criticism. Try on different shapes, materials, and colors. Take a selfie (the smart trick for every outfit) and give yourself a moment to adjust.
We all know baseball caps, but few people realize how much they vary. When learning how to wear caps, start by noticing these key details:
Pro tip: You can take a flat brim and mold it to be curved…most brims are cardboard.
Pro tip: You can wear a silky scarf over your hair with these to keep your hair healthier. Just like sleeping on a silky pillowcase is beneficial.
I’m not going to list all the material because baseball caps come in so many varieties, in this day and age. Suffice it to say, you can find your favorite texture (think velvet or sequins) or print (think plaid), or even material (think tweed or leather) if you search.
Pro tip: Don’t want to search? Reach out, and I’m happy to ‘shop’ for you.
If you’re new to wearing baseball caps, start with a curved brim and a low or mid crown.
Winter caps can feel bulky or shapeless, so choosing the right style is essential.
Again with the materials. While most beanies are “knitted”, there are a variety of yarn sources (think wool vs acrylic) and thickness of yarn.
Pay attention to how thick the knit is because thicker doesn’t always mean better. A super chunky beanie can feel overwhelming, while a thin knit might not give the structure you want.
Try them all and take photos.
A pom adds height and playfulness. No pom reads sleeker and more polished. Neither is “better”; it’s a personal preference or mood option.
I hear the same resistance all the time:
“Ugh, I don’t look good in hats.”
“I wish I could pull that off.”
“No way, I feel silly.”
Let me lovingly counter: No one looks good in a hat they haven’t gotten used to yet.
The first time you see yourself in something different, tell your brain to say, “New!” not “bad.”
Pro tip: Just like much of the content I share in my emails, our brains only know what you tell them. So tell it something positive, not negative.
Try this:
It’s amazing what happens when your eye adjusts.
Pro tip: Want to make it more you? Consider adding extras. I’ve been known to pin brooches on my beanies or tie a skinny scarf around my baseball cap.
Caps aren’t cheats. They’re tools. Fabulous, fashionable ones.
Now your hair can make a difference in how to wear caps, too.
Do you let it hang out under the cap or stuff it all up underneath the cap?
My answer? Try it both ways. It can make the difference in looking fine vs looking fabulous.
Need fun and positive content? Make sure to sign up for my emails. You also get my free eBook when you sign up, but that’s not the best part.
The best part is you get a daily dose of positive energy.
Learning how to wear caps isn’t about following rules. Instead, it’s about discovering which silhouettes feel good on your head and in your style. Experiment with brim shapes, crown heights, knit thicknesses, materials, colors, and little details. Don’t give up after the first try.
Because I truly believe there’s a cap out there for everyone. And once you find your perfect style?
You’ll wonder why you ever waited this long to wear one.
Did you like what you just read?
Consider buying me a coffee as a thank you. The best gift you can give a content creator is the gift of sharing or supporting. You could share this article on Facebook, or Pinterest or even email it to a friend. Thank you so much for your support!!
The post How to Wear Caps: Why Shape, Style & Material Matter More Than You Think appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
