The Definitive Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Fedora Hat: 7 Expert Tips by Handbrim

Searching for a fedora hat (often called a wool felt hat or soft brim hat) that’s both stylish and functional? This ultimate guide walks you through the seven most important factors—from face shape and crown height to material and color—so you can find a hat you’ll love for seasons to come.

We’ve packed this guide with practical tips and style examples, naturally showcasing why the Handbrim Artisan Traveler Fedora is an excellent example of a hat that gets it right.

1. Match Your Face Shape

The right hat balances and enhances your natural features.

  • Round Face: Opt for a hat with a higher crown and a medium to narrow brim to add height and slenderize your face. Avoid very narrow brims which can make the face appear rounder.

    • Example: The Handbrim Artisan Traveler with its mid-high crown and tailored brim perfectly elongates the facial profile.

  • Square Face/Jaw: Soften strong angles with a curved, swooping brim and a softly tapered crown.

  • Oval Face: You’re in luck! An oval face is versatile and can pull off almost any fedora style. Focus on personal preference and proportion.

  • Long Face: Create balance with a wider brim and a lower crown to add width and prevent your face from looking stretched.

Pro Tip: Always check your profile in a mirror. The side view is often where the magic of a great hat happens.

2. Find Your Crown Height

The crown is the body of the hat and dictates its overall presence.

  • Low Crown: Casual, relaxed, and perfect for a low-key, bohemian vibe.

  • Medium Crown: The most versatile and universally flattering. It’s a safe yet stylish choice for most outfits.

  • High Crown: Formal, classic, and full of old-world charm. Pairs beautifully with overcoats and long jackets for a sophisticated look.

Our Recommendation for Fall/Winter: A medium to high crown creates a strong silhouette that stands up well to bulkier layers like coats and scarves. The Handbrim Artisan Traveler features a classically proportioned mid-high crown, making it an ideal companion for your winter wardrobe.

3. Choose Your Brim Width

The brim frames your face and defines the hat's character.

  • Narrow Brim (approx. 1.5–2.5 inches): Urban, sharp, and modern. Excellent for city life and pairing with tailored jackets.

  • Medium Brim (approx. 2.5–3 inches): The gold standard for versatility. Perfect for daily wear, travel, and a wide range of styles.

  • Wide Brim (3+ inches): Dramatic, romantic, and offering superior sun and weather protection. Ideal for travel and making a bold style statement.

Styling for Cooler Weather: If you frequently wear overcoats, a medium-width brim (2.5-3 inches) is your safest bet—it provides presence without competing with the lines of your jacket.

4. Select the Right Material: Why Wool Felt Reigns Supreme

The material determines your hat's look, feel, and durability.

  • Wool Felt: The top choice for fall and winter. It’s warm, soft, and offers a rich, matte texture that looks premium. It’s naturally resilient and provides excellent insulation.

  • Blended/Faux Felt: A budget-friendly option, but often lacks the superior hand-feel, recovery, and longevity of 100% wool.

  • Straw or Cotton: Best left for summer; they don't provide the necessary warmth for colder months.

Why the Handbrim Artisan Traveler Excels: Crafted from high-grade wool felt, this hat is built for longevity and style. Its structured form, clean edge finishing, and quality lining make it the intelligent choice for anyone seeking a hat that is both beautiful and built to last.

5. Master Color and Pairing

The right color ties your entire outfit together.

  • Neutral Foundation: Camel, taupe, charcoal gray, and black are incredibly versatile, pairing seamlessly with wool coats and knits.

  • Seasonal Accents: Deep shades like burgundy, forest green, or dark brown can add a sophisticated pop of color and depth to a neutral outfit.

Pairing Suggestion: A camel fedora with a dark brown coat and an ochre scarf creates a cohesive, warm-toned ensemble. For a sharper, urban look, a black hat is unbeatable. The Artisan Traveler’s palette of camel and rich browns is particularly photogenic against autumn backdrops.

6. Appreciate the Details & Craftsmanship

It’s the small things that elevate a good hat to a great one.

  • Brim Edge: A well-bound edge resists fraying and maintains its shape over time.

  • Hatband & Embellishment: A simple, classic ribbon is timeless. A feather or pin can add personality, but avoid anything too ostentatious.

  • Sweatband & Lining: A comfortable, breathable inner band with a sizing ribbon allows for a perfect, customizable fit.

The Handbrim Difference: The Artisan Traveler features a hand-finished brim and a secure, elegant hatband, showcasing the dedication to detail that discerning buyers look for.

7. Nail the Fit and Care

Protecting your investment ensures it lasts for years.

  • Getting the Size Right: Measure around the widest part of your head with a soft tape measure. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing up and using the internal adjuster for a perfect fit.

  • The Right Feel: A fedora should feel snug but not tight. Remember, cold weather can cause slight contraction, so a little room is beneficial.

  • Essential Care Tips:

    • Storage: Always use a hat stand or stuff the crown with tissue to retain its shape.

    • Cleaning: Gently brush off dust with a soft-bristled brush, following the nap of the felt.

    • Refreshing: To remove wrinkles, use a garment steamer at a distance or light steam from a kettle, then gently reshape with your hands.

Designed for Real Life: The Artisan Traveler includes an easy-to-use sizing ribbon, making it an excellent choice for online shopping and ensuring a comfortable, secure fit for all-day wear.

Why We Recommend the Handbrim Artisan Traveler Fedora

Throughout this guide, the Artisan Traveler has been our example for a simple reason: it embodies the ideal balance of form and function.

  • Premium Material: Made from high-quality wool felt, it ensures warmth and a luxury feel.

  • Thoughtful Design: Its classic traveler aesthetic is both timeless and practical, pairing effortlessly with everything from a casual sweater to a formal coat.

  • Versatile Palette: Its core colors—camel, deep brown, and black—are chosen specifically for their easy integration into a sophisticated autumn/winter wardrobe.

Your Quick Fedora Checklist (Before You Buy!)

  1. Confirm your face shape and its ideal crown/brim proportions.

  2. Choose wool felt for the best fall/winter performance and durability.

  3. Pick a neutral color that complements the primary tones in your wardrobe.

Ready to find your perfect fedora? Explore the collection that combines artisan craftsmanship with timeless style.

Back to blog

Leave a comment