The Best Hats for a Bald Head
Hats have always been synonymous with a bald head, although the reasons behind this close affinity have varied considerably over the course of the last two generations. Historically, for example,...
Hats have always been synonymous with a bald head, although the reasons behind this close affinity have varied considerably over the course of the last two generations.
Historically, for example, bald men were liable to wear hats in order to hide their premature hair loss. After all, baldness carried an unfair and significant social stigma in previous generations, with many wearing hats and donning wigs to disguise conditions such as male pattern baldness from others.
This no longer exists in progressive society, however, with baldness now perceived by many as a sign of virility, strength and dominance. This has been borne out in a number of studies, some of which have highlighted the fact that bald men are increasingly likely to secure leadership positions in the workplace.
So, if see a bald man wearing a hat in 2018, this is most likely being leveraged as a fashion accessory or barrier against excessive heat and cold. This has placed a greater emphasis on the type and style of hats worn by bald men in the modern age, as they look to accentuate rather than hide their brand new look.
In this article, we’ll consider the best hat styles for bald men, while asking why they suit hairless scalps.
The Aviator Hat
We start with a classic hat that has a distinguished history, with its name offering a unique insight into its origins and purpose.
Aviator (or bomber) hats originated at the beginning of the 20th century, during the first wave of cockpit aeroplanes and so-called manned flights. At this time, the cockpits installed in planes were completely open, so pilots looked to don hats that were capable of keeping the eyes and head warm while in flight.
Aviator hats were designed to fulfill this need, low brim and elongated ear flaps providing excellent protection against cold and windy conditions. These garments are also typically manufactured from fleece or faux fur, making them ideal for insulating the scalp and the face of all who wear them.
While pilots may have replaced aviator hats with helmets in recent times, bald men have picked up the baton and embraced these garments as their own. They’re particularly popular with this demographic during the winter, as bald men look to protect their scalps from the elements and prevent the onset of cracked, dry or damaged skin.
So, although they may not be the most fashionable hat choice for bald men, they’re undoubtedly the most practical and capable of delivering genuine value for money. This is particularly true if you invest in a hat at the lower end of the price spectrum, with aviator garments available for between $25 and $200 depending on material and branding.
Interestingly, the Ushanka (which is a Russian winter hat that has been based on the classic aviator) has also become a popular fashion accessory among female celebrities in recent times. Both Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner have sported these hats, despite having an abundance of hair and flowing, luscious locks!
The Flat Cap
Unlike aviators, flat caps represent a classic fashion accessory that can be worn in any season or prevailing weather conditions.
However, while you can invest in iterations that are produced using thick and high quality wool, the lack of ear, cheek and neck protection makes them most suited to spring and summer wear.
A true, timeless classic, the flat cap originated in the 14th century in Northern England and the heartland of Southern Italy. It is thought to have reached the U.S. shortly after, following the arrival of Irish immigrants in New York and similar cities.
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Get Your TrialCompatible with both casual and formal clothing, it adds considerable versatility to your wardrobe as a bald man, while its unique shape adds volume to your scalp and works to accentuate chiselled facial features.
These enduringly popular hats show little sign of going out of fashion, with a number of the world’s most stylish celebrities wearing them with distinction.
Former Manchester United and England star David Beckham is an avid wearer of flat caps, for example, while the Prince of Wales is also partial to this accessory.
Most fascinatingly, flat caps are among the most affordable type of hat available on the current market, priced at between $15 and $120 on average. Once again, much will depend on your preferred brand, with Stetson and Christys among the most expensive designers.
The Baseball Cap
In many ways, the classic and borderline retro baseball cap takes the best qualities of our first two hats and melds them in a flexible and ultimately cost-effective fashion accessory.
With its iconic, simplistic and ergonomic design, the baseball cap provides a timeless sense of style while also offering adequate protection against the threat of heatstroke and sunburn.
It can also provide excellent protection against the cold, thanks primarily to its typically tight fit and unique shape.
These benefits are particularly appealing to bald men, who must always be wary of how extreme temperatures and weather conditions impact on their scalp.
Like flat caps, baseball caps also boast diverse and universal appeal, as they can be worn to compliment every conceivable outfit aside from formal weather.
You’d certainly go a long way to find a cooler or more fashion-conscious hat in 2018, music stars such as Jay-Z and Kanye West also sport these hats regularly, so any bald man who wears them is certainly in exalted company.
The Fisherman Beanie
Now we come to a winter classic, and one that has embraced by bald men throughout the ages!
The so-called ‘fisherman’ beanie is often referred to using a number of colloquial terms, from tuque to the enduringly kitsch knit cap, but regardless of this it is revered as the single most popular type of winter headwear in the UK.
Usually made from fleece or cotton and featuring folded brim covers for the ears, this type of beanie hat first emerged during the 18th century for fisherman, hunters and outdoor workers who were regularly exposed to adverse outdoor conditions.
While this remains the case in typically cold countries such as Norway or Finland, elsewhere in the world they’ve grown into essential fashion accessories that just happen to provide an immensely practical purpose.
It stands to reason that this type of hat should be particularly popular among bald or shaven headed man, thanks to the protection that it provides against the cold. It’s unique design also boasts a distinctly rugged and outdoorsy aesthetic, which is ideal for bald men with beards and a similar fashion sense.
The fisherman beanie is also one of the most fashionable hats available, with stylish celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher and the shaven headed Joe Budden seen sporting them regularly.
The Fedora
Last, but by no means least, we come to one of the most iconic and enduringly popular hats to have ever graced the UK.
We’re talking about the classic fedora, of course, which first originated in Britain in the 1890s and achieved widespread popularity after Prince Edward began to don one during the early 1920s.
At the heart of the fedora’s unique appeal is its incredibly stylish design, which is distinctly formal in nature and the perfect adornment when heading out suited and booted. In fact, it’s uncompromising in terms of its formality, creating a bold and yet eye-catching accessory for high-end outfits.
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But why is this type of hat particularly popular among bald men? Quite simply, it provides outstanding coverage of the scalp, while the surrounding brim also protects the forehead from excessive heat or sunlight. It also fits comfortably to the scalp, allowing for extended us and helping you to avoid irritation over time.
Ultimately, if you want to provide protection for your head while maintaining a formal and stylish look, the fedora is the hat for you. If you don’t believe us, just look at how Michael Jackson and Bryan Cranston (or should that be Walter White) have rocked this look in recent times, and then see exactly how you feel!
In terms of price, there’s quite a large value range associated with fedoras, with the cheapest brands available for around $25. However, you typically get what you pay for in terms of quality and design, and those in search of the best hats should stretch towards the higher, $400 end of the market.
The Last Word
So there you have it; our five top tips for the best hat styles to suit bald or shaven-headed men!
The type of hat that you choose is deeply personal, of course, and you should always select an option that suits your unique budget and sense of style.
Don’t be afraid to use this post as a guide, however, as you look to identify the perfect accessory for your look!
