What hat to wear with a linen suit?

• Jul 1, 2011

• #1

Indy_Rhodes

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Sheffield, England

Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere, but....

I have a wedding to attend and will wear my linen suit.

What hat would be the most suitable to accompany this look? I have both a brown and charcoal grey fedora - but feel that these are a bit too 'wintery'. My preferred choice would be a straw homburg as worn by Poirot - I love that look - but I just cannot find one like it anywhere (especially here in the UK). I may have to fall back on a Panama, but would prefer to be a bit different.

So...any suggestions as to the straw homburg? Or alternatives? Many thanks!

 

• Jul 1, 2011

• #2

hatophile

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I think the straw homburg would look very nice, there was a gentleman pictured in this forum wearing one last year, looked great. Absent that, the Panama for sure, or maybe a linen cap. I agree the felts might look too wintery, especially in those colors. A light colored, lightweight fur might be OK, especially if it's foul weather.

 

• Jul 1, 2011

• #3

Yeps

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A boater is always a classic look.

 

• Jul 1, 2011

• #4

hatophile

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Yeps said:

A boater is always a classic look.

Click to expand...

He has a good point! Plus there should be some available in the UK.

 

• Jul 1, 2011

• #5

monbla256

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Indy_Rhodes said:

Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere, but....

I have a wedding to attend and will wear my linen suit.

What hat would be the most suitable to accompany this look? I have both a brown and charcoal grey fedora - but feel that these are a bit too 'wintery'. My preferred choice would be a straw homburg as worn by Poirot - I love that look - but I just cannot find one like it anywhere (especially here in the UK). I may have to fall back on a Panama, but would prefer to be a bit different.

So...any suggestions as to the straw homburg? Or alternatives? Many thanks!

Click to expand...

The all time classic Optimo creased Panama, with a nice pug hatband in a color similar to the tie worn (hand tied Bow ties work well with this whole look ) would be both a classic and different look IMHO

 

• Jul 1, 2011

• #6

Fletch

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A hat lighter than the suit looks good. A light panama or milan is very versatile.

A hat darker than the suit probably won't look so good. Exception: coconut straw, which is typically one, classic color. It would be fine with tans or seersuckers, but is really too informal for off-whites.

I find a wide brim to be show-offish at a social event. That makes a panama tricky, because most of them are on the wide side.

A guy dressed like this would write his own ticket if he had an outsized personality. Ironically, if he were shy, soft-spoken or even easygoing, he'd be taken for a peacock.

 

Last edited: Jul 1, 2011

• Jul 1, 2011

• #7

fmw

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Since you want to be a bit different how about something like Peter Ustinov wore with his linen suit.

 

• Jul 1, 2011

• #8

RBH

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monbla256 said:

The all time classic Optimo creased Panama, with a nice pug hatband in a color similar to the tie worn (hand tied Bow ties work well with this whole look ) would be both a classic and different look IMHO

Click to expand...

 

• Jul 2, 2011

• #9

Indy_Rhodes

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Sheffield, England

Excellent advice, and suggestions. Many thanks. I must say, fmw, that the sola topi is a bit of an idea! So many hats, so many choices...

 

• Jul 2, 2011

• #10

D

danofarlington

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Absolutely an Optimo-creased Panama hat.

 

• Jul 3, 2011

• #11

laotou

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http://www.sunbody.com/index.cfm/product/456_6/homburg.cfm

 

• Jul 3, 2011

• #12

Oldsarge

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Oh my! That's just the ticket. Poirot would be pleased.

 

• Jul 4, 2011

• #13

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dogrocketp

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You've neglected to say what color the suit is, and what color shirt & tie. Remember, this is to be the day for the bride and groom. We all should always look well, but blend in and not stand out. That being said, I would wear a boater or panama in the fedora style, and probably not white. That would stand out. I would not wear a Centro Fino Panama. That would stand out. Sorry, Dan. It's a very fine hat, but I think a little too fine for the occasion.