10 Iconic Hats Worn by the Most Stylish Men in History

Forget what you've heard about shoes making the man. In the annals of fashion history, it's the hat that has often crowned the most iconic of looks. From the rakish tilt of a Fedora to the casual slouch of a Newsboy Cap, the hats men choose say much about their persona, their style, and sometimes, their defiance of the norms. In this exploration, we delve into the stories of 10 iconic hats and the legendary men who donned them, paying special homage to the distinctive headgear that became as synonymous with their wearers as their contributions to culture and style.

Learn about iconic men's hats

• John Lennon wore a Newsboy Cap.
• Discover stylish hats worn by famous men throughout history.
• Explore hats like Frank Sinatra's Fedora and Pharrell Williams' Vivienne Westwood Mountain Hat.

1. John F. Kennedy's Homburg

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was not just known for his charismatic leadership and stirring oratory but also for his impeccable sense of style. Among his sartorial choices, the Homburg hat stands out. Traditionally, this hat features a single dent running down the center of the crown and a brim fixed in a tight upward curl. JFK's adoption of the Homburg, often seen during official outdoor ceremonies, signaled a blend of authority with elegance, cementing its status as a symbol of presidential poise.

Insider Tip: JFK specifically favored a dark gray Homburg, which he paired with tailored suits, projecting an image of youthful vigor and modern sophistication. This was a marked departure from the more traditional headwear of preceding presidents, underscoring JFK's role in ushering a new era for American style and politics.

2. Frank Sinatra's Fedora

Frank Sinatra, the Sultan of Swoon, was rarely seen without his signature Fedora. This hat, with its indented crown and wide brim, became as much a part of Sinatra's identity as his velvety voice and blue eyes. Sinatra's choice of hat wasn't just about style; it was about attitude. The Fedora, often tilted to one side, became a symbol of the singer's smooth, nonchalant approach to life, love, and music.

Insider Tip: Sinatra often matched his Fedora with sharp suits, a move that influenced men's fashion by promoting a look of sleek, understated elegance. His preference for Fedora colors and styles varied, but the link between the man and the hat never waned, proving that sometimes, the hat indeed makes the man.

3. John Lennon's Newsboy Cap

When pondering the question, "What hat did John Lennon wear?" one is immediately drawn to the image of the legendary Beatle in his Newsboy Cap. This cap, with its paneled crown and buttoned top, became synonymous with Lennon during the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period of intense creative and personal transformation for the artist. Lennon's choice of the Newsboy Cap was emblematic of his embrace of a more casual, approachable style, a far cry from the mop-top haircuts and matching suits of The Beatles' early days.

Insider Tip: Lennon's Newsboy Caps were often in earth tones, complementing his penchant for military surplus and denim, and embodying his shift towards a more peace-oriented, introspective lifestyle. This hat, while casual, signaled Lennon's nuanced approach to personal style, blending comfort with a statement of identity.

4. Fred Astaire's Top Hat

Fred Astaire, the epitome of elegance in motion, often sported a Top Hat, elevating it to an accessory of graceful sophistication. Astaire's dance routines, characterized by their fluidity and precision, were often complemented by his sartorial choices, with the Top Hat becoming a fixture in many of his most memorable performances.

Insider Tip: Astaire’s ability to incorporate the Top Hat into his dance routines, using it as a prop as much as a fashion statement, showcased his genius for blending style with performance art. His preference for pairing the Top Hat with tailcoats and polished Oxfords has left an indelible mark on the world of formal menswear.

5. Johnny Depp's Trilby

Johnny Depp, known for his chameleonic roles and equally versatile personal style, has often been seen in a Trilby. This hat, with its narrow brim and indented crown, speaks to Depp's bohemian aesthetic. It's a piece that hints at a bygone era while perfectly complementing Depp's eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary fashion.

Insider Tip: Depp’s Trilby choices often lean towards weathered textures and muted colors, aligning with his penchant for layered, textured ensembles. This hat serves as a subtle nod to Depp's enigmatic persona, blending casual defiance with a keen sense of style.

Real-Life Iconic Hat Story

Maria's Fedora Fiasco

I remember attending a vintage fashion event where everyone was dressed to impress. Maria, a stylish friend of mine, decided to wear a classic fedora hat similar to the one famously worn by Frank Sinatra. As soon as she walked in, heads turned, and she exuded confidence like never before.

Throughout the evening, many people approached her to compliment the hat, and she found herself engaged in conversations about the iconic style. Maria's choice to wear the fedora not only made her stand out but also sparked interesting discussions about the history and significance of such hats.

This experience made me realize the power that iconic hats have in not only elevating one's style but also serving as conversation starters that connect people through a shared appreciation for timeless fashion pieces.

6. Samuel L. Jackson's Kangol Cap

Samuel L. Jackson's association with the Kangol Cap has made this headgear a contemporary icon. The cap, known for its kangaroo logo and snug, stylish fit, has become a signature piece for Jackson, reflecting his cool, confident demeanor both on and off the screen.

Insider Tip: Jackson often opts for the Bermuda Casual style, a choice that showcases his unique blend of laid-back style and sharp dressing. His preference for pairing the Kangol Cap with modern, tailored outfits has helped redefine casual headwear as a statement of personal style.

7. Pharrell Williams' Vivienne Westwood Mountain Hat

Pharrell Williams made headlines when he appeared in the oversized Vivienne Westwood Mountain Hat. This bold fashion choice, reminiscent of the hats worn by early 20th-century mountaineers, showcased Pharrell's fearless approach to fashion. The hat, with its broad, circular brim and towering crown, became an instant pop culture sensation, synonymous with Pharrell's innovative and playful style.

Insider Tip: Pharrell’s choice to pair the Mountain Hat with casual, contemporary attire, from denim to tailored suits, underscored his ability to blur the lines between streetwear and high fashion, making a case for individualistic expression through bold accessory choices.

8. LL Cool J's Fitted Cap

LL Cool J, a pioneer in the fusion of fashion and hip-hop, brought the Fitted Cap to the forefront of urban style. This snug, baseball-style cap became a staple in LL Cool J's wardrobe, symbolizing the blend of athletic wear with street style that characterized the hip-hop fashion movement of the late 20th century.

Insider Tip: LL Cool J's preference for wearing his Fitted Cap slightly tilted became a trend within the hip-hop community, a subtle yet powerful statement of identity and belonging within the genre's cultural landscape.

9. Justin Timberlake's Pork Pie Hat

Justin Timberlake's adoption of the Pork Pie Hat marked a significant moment in the singer's style evolution. This hat, with its flat crown and narrow, upturned brim, exudes a blend of retro cool with modern sophistication. Timberlake's choice of the Pork Pie Hat, often paired with suits or casual wear, signaled a mature, refined approach to personal style, drawing on historical influences while remaining firmly planted in contemporary fashion.

Insider Tip: Timberlake’s frequent use of the Pork Pie Hat during public appearances and performances has helped revive interest in this classic style, demonstrating the enduring appeal of vintage-inspired menswear in the modern wardrobe.

10. Brad Pitt's Flat Cap

Brad Pitt's penchant for the Flat Cap speaks to the actor's laid-back yet discerning approach to fashion. This cap, with its rounded top and stiff brim, provides a touch of traditional British working-class roots to Pitt's ensemble, blending effortlessly with his casual yet polished aesthetic.

Insider Tip: Pitt often chooses Flat Caps in neutral tones, integrating them into a variety of looks, from casual daywear to more formal attire. This choice underscores the versatile appeal of the Flat Cap, making it a subtle yet impactful addition to a man's wardrobe.

In the realm of men's fashion, hats are more than mere accessories; they are declarations of identity, snapshots of a moment in style, and sometimes, bold statements of defiance. The stories of these iconic hats and the men who wore them remind us that fashion is not just about clothing; it's about character, and perhaps more importantly, about the courage to express that character in the face of convention.

Common Questions

Who designed the iconic hat that John Lennon wore?

John Lennon's famous hat was designed by Mary Quant.

What style of hat did John Lennon often wear?

John Lennon was frequently seen in a round, flat-top hat.

How can I find a similar hat to John Lennon's?

Look for "Beatles-inspired" hats online or in vintage shops.

What if I can't find the exact hat John Lennon wore?

You can always opt for a similar style or design.

How did John Lennon's hat influence fashion trends?

John Lennon's hat became a symbol of 1960s counterculture.

Who else in the music industry has been inspired by Lennon's hat?

Musicians like Pharrell Williams have been seen wearing similar hats.