Felt, wool or raffia hats

Which hat to choose according to the season?

From October to March, wool and felt keep you warm and maintain their shape in light rain. In good weather, it's time for breathable materials: raffia, woven plant fibres, and airy knits. The same style of hat often comes in both a winter and a summer version.

Short brim or wide brim?

The short-brimmed hat, slightly raised at the back, has a city look: it pairs well with a coat, jacket, or shirt. The wide brim offers better protection for the face and neck from the sun, whether at the beach, in the countryside, or on a terrace. Between the two, a medium brim suits most face shapes and is suitable for both city wear and vacations; on a slimmer face, a brim that's too wide can overwhelm the silhouette.

Felt, wool or raffia: which material?

Felt, dense and smooth, maintains its shape and can handle light rain. Wool, more flexible, resists creasing during travel. The raffia hat, woven, allows air circulation and remains lightweight; however, it does not fare well with water and can crush easily.

How to wear a hat?

Worn straight for a simple style, or slightly tilted to the side for more character. In winter, a dark hat complements the line of a long coat; in summer, a light raffia hat pairs well with a dress, linen shirt, or shorts.

How to find the right size?

A hat isn't adjusted like a cap: it is chosen based on head circumference, measured above the forehead where the hat will sit. If you're between sizes, go for the larger one; a foam strip placed under the inner band can compensate for a slight difference.

How to care for a hat?

Brush the felt in the direction of the nap with a soft brush. A damp hat should dry in the air, away from a radiator, and not be crushed. Raffia can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. Store it in a box or on a hook, away from dirt. To restore volume, steam from a kettle can soften the felt temporarily for reshaping.

What other headwear to try?

For more flexibility, try bobs; for rounder and brimless styles, consider berets. Two other head accessories that sit somewhere between a hat.

When to find discounted hats?

Felt and wool are usually available during Black Friday and winter sales, while raffia can be found in summer sales: for a sale hat, the material indicates the season.

Check the page Black Friday in November, the Sales page during the sales, and the discounted accessories page in between the two. Fast delivery and best price guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hat or bob for the beach?

The bob folds up into a bag and handles sand well; the wide-brimmed hat offers more protection but travels less easily. For a whole day in the sun, the wide brim wins.

How to travel with a hat?

Wear it on your head during transport, or place it in a suitcase filled with soft clothing, with the brim flat. A wool hat travels better than a raffia one.

What to do if a felt hat gets wet?

Shake it, blot off excess water, and let it dry at room temperature. The felt will regain its shape while drying, as long as it’s not heated.

Can a men's hat be worn by a woman?

Yes, many hats are unisex. The only thing that matters is the size: a model that is too big will slip down over the eyes, regardless of its style.

How to stop a hat from blowing away?

Choose the right size, wear it snugly on your head, and hold it by the brim in strong winds. A cord under the chin, on some summer models, can help with this issue.