How to choose the right hat?

Thinking of getting into headwear? First of all, you'll need to experiment a little and do some research. Not all hats will suit you, on the contrary: shape, color, season and occasion are all parameters to be taken into account in your choice. Take a look at our Ibeliv summary and choose your hat like a chef!

To find your way around our guide, we first need to agree on a definition of the basic vocabulary.

• The crown is the central part of the hat. It can be round, split, oval, diamond-shaped or teardrop-shaped, and can be more or less high or wide, depending on the type of hat.
• The band surrounds the crown. It's often in a different color and can be a way of standing out: play with its width, color and material. Sometimes, a small chain or ribbon can serve as a band in an original way!
• The edges can be wider or narrower, and can sometimes be flared, or curved upwards or downwards.

With these few words in mind, let's get down to choosing the right hat for you!

To make your choice from the infinite number of hat styles, you first need to select it according to your own morphology. A beautiful hat can make you look strange if it's too big, and a hat you wouldn't have even considered could be just the thing.

There are several criteria to consider: first and foremost, the size of your head, which you'll need to measure and compare with a brand-specific size guide. However, at Ibeliv, our range of hats is one-size-fits-all, and features patented technology that adjusts the size of the hat according to your head size. The next factor is your height, which influences the width of the brim (the smaller you are, the wider the brim needs to be, and vice versa), and finally, the shape of your face.

See our short guide below.

Your face is... oval

Do you have an oval face? Congratulations! We don't have any advice to give you: all types of hats go with this face shape. You'll just have to select the hat that's right for you, based on your individual features, your height, and your style! Wide or short brim, the choice is yours.

You have a square face

A square face is angular, and exudes strength. To avoid hardening your features, prefer a hat with a rounder, softer shape, to bring balance between your headgear and your face. A hat with a rounded crown will suit you perfectly. A bob, a long-brimmed hat or a Fedora will emphasize your features and add softness; opt for Ibeliv'sANDAO, light and original.

Your face is... round

Unlike a square face, your face exudes softness. So if you don't want to disappear into your hat, we recommend the exact opposite of the tips above! Give your face a longer, more angular appearance by choosing hats with more pronounced shapes. The choice is yours: long-brimmed fedoras, top hats, cloche hats like the cloche hat, trilby hats - all of these styles will give you character.

You have a heart-shaped face

If you have a heart-shaped face, the goal is to find a hat that doesn't accentuate the length of your face. Avoid hats that are too soft, so as not to exaggerate the features of a narrow jaw. A hat with a clean, rigid brim will emphasize your morphology to best effect: a cap, a cowboy hat such as the PLAYA, a Fedora or a long-brimmed hat.

You have a diamond-shaped face

If you have a diamond-shaped face, it's best to opt for a hat that doesn't invade your face: a hat worn too low will give the illusion of a longer face. So choose a hat with a crown that's not too deep, such as a Fedora like Ibeliv's LUBEMAN, or a boater hat.

Your face is... oblong

If your face is longer than it is wide, we'll try to balance out this difference. Here, the aim is not to insist on length, but rather to shorten the face for a little harmony. A hat with a shallow crown and wide brim can help: fedoras and cloche hats are your best bet.

You thought you were ready to choose your hat? There are other parameters to consider. Color, for example! Do you know the undertones of your skin tone? Colorimetry allows you to select the colors that suit you best. To do this, look at the veins on your wrists:

• If they're green, you probably have a warm complexion. So opt for warm, soft colors: brown, orange, straw-colored.
• If they're blue, you probably have a cold complexion. Blue-gray tones are perfect for you: think icy.
• If they're green and blue, you probably have a neutral complexion. And in that case, anything goes! Just look for a contrast between your skin and your hat.
• At Ibeliv, our hats are all available in several color ranges: make your choice according to your preferences and skin tone.

It's also important to match your hat to the season. Combine business with pleasure, and choose your headgear according to the climate and temperature outside! For simplicity's sake, we've divided hat types into two sections: spring/summer, and autumn/winter.

Autumn/winter

Even in the colder seasons, hats are a must. In autumn, and especially in winter, what we look for in a hat is something that warms and protects us from the elements. Wool, felt and leather are all suitable choices.
What's important is that it's insulated and lined, so as to retain warmth and keep out the chill; to this end, a hat with an integrated earmuff can help you get through the winter. If it rains or snows frequently in your area, it may also be worth opting for a water-resistant hat to keep you dry in all circumstances!

Spring/summer

When temperatures warm up and the sun comes out, it's essential to choose a lighter, breathable fabric. The aim here is to protect you from the sun's direct rays, so you don't get too hot! When it comes to materials, opt for linen, RAFFIA, straw, cotton and bamboo. A wide-brimmed hat, and even better, one that partially protects against UV rays, will be your best friend for protecting your face and eyes. A hat made from natural RAFFIA from Madagascar combines elegance, lightness and protection from the sun. Opt for its airy fibers for summer, and trust Ibeliv for your head.