8 Terms Everyone in the Hat Industry Should Know

Finding the right hat can sometimes be quite challenging, as there are so many options to choose from. However, what can make your search even more confusing is the terminology related to hats. Knowing the right terms when looking for a particular hat will help you find it much faster and easier, so take a look at this brief glossary of the most essential terms in the hat industry that will help you simplify your hat search.

Brim

A brim is the horizontal part of a hat located near the bottom of a hat. It can be completely horizontal or slightly turned up or down.

Here’s a classic Kentucky derby hat with a wide brim from the Niche Collection.

Snap Brim

Brims that are turned up in the back and down in the front are called snap brims. Snap brims are popular with fedoras, and you’ve certainly seen a lot of those with this particular style.

Here’s one example straight from the Jane Taylor London collection. A casual snap-brimmed fedora for every occasion.

Hat Band

A hat band is a ribbon that encircles a hat. It wraps around the part of a hat that goes around your head, and it can often be decorated with bows or other stylish statement details.

The Daisy hat from Gina Foster Millinery is a perfect example. It’s a chic casual hat with a pheasant feather as a hat band.

Crown

The crown of a hat is the top part of a hat. It can be low or high, and there are actually a lot of crown types, such as round crown, open crown, flat top and various other types with so-called pinches, so they can look like diamonds or teardrops, for instance, when seen from above.

Here’s a black velour hat from Philip Treacy with a round crown and a wide brim, decorated with animal-print hat band.

Want to see more of our black and white collection? Check them out here.

Fascinator

Fascinator hats, also known as cocktail hats, are small women’s hats that are attached to the top of the head with an elastic headband, a clip, or a comb. They can be small with delicate details, such as lace, beads or jewels, or big statement headpieces with feathers, flowers, and veils.

This fascinator hat from Vixen Millinery definitely helps make a statement with its unusual feathers. It attaches via a fabric-covered headband.

Sisal Straw

Sisal straw is a stiff fiber that’s primarily used for making ropes and cords, but it’s quite popular in the hat industry as well. It’s made from the sisal plant that has large sword-shaped leaves, which are perfect for making strong, eco-friendly hats.

Here’s another wonderful design from Philip Treacy. A lovely fedora made of sisal straw with a unique pin on the side.

Sinamay Straw

Sinamay straw is a stiff fabric coming from the abaca tree, which is a banana palm tree native to the Philippines. It’s one of the most popular materials for hats, which is created by processing the stalks of the abaca tree.

Here’s one stunning sinamay straw hat from the Niche Collection featuring feather and quill.

Lining

The lining of a hat is the hat’s interior. It’s used to protect a hat from stains and other elements, and it’s usually satin. Not every hat has a lining. For instance, fascinator hats don’t have it, nor many summer hats that need to stay breathable during hot summer days.

For example, this felt beret hat has a lining underneath to keep your head warm during cold winter days.

By now, you’re a hat terminology expert! You’re ready to go out there and find exactly what you need. Check out the rest of  our collections and choose designs that will instantly turn you into a fashion icon with your newfound knowledge.