# Dressy, non-pretentious headwear for men
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [April 20, 2011, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103 "2011-04-20T17:27:18Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/21 "2011-04-20T21:07:23Z")
> [@Palooka](#):
>
> You can’t wear a hat with a suit but without an overcoat. That’s just how it is now.
You mean like [this](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tvovermind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/NUP_133287_0315.JPG&imgrefurl=http://tvovermind.zap2it.com/tv-news/white-collar-1-01-pilot-promo-pics-and-synopsis/9541&usg=__o6h3OH3WhzS4wVWUHK1f-MBb8g4=&h=541&w=360&sz=162&hl=en&start=45&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=hZbWPLml3nc1eM:&tbnh=132&tbnw=88&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dusa%2Bnetwork%2Bwhite%2Bcollar%26start%3D36%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D18%26tbm%3Disch&ei=tUqvTdqYE4LbgQf99K3nDA)or like [this](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tvverdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/White-Collar-02.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.tvverdict.com/2009/11/09/white-collar-fills-the-friday-void/&usg=__fEnOhRRJH1s_FdE2Ss-8xYw_awU=&h=600&w=400&sz=73&hl=en&start=71&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=4OSsOgkI-oi-XM:&tbnh=135&tbnw=90&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dusa%2Bnetwork%2Bwhite%2Bcollar%26start%3D54%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D18%26tbm%3Disch&ei=1EqvTcStEYTZgQeQxr2JDQ)? That’s just a suit jacket, right, not an “overcoat?” If so, I didn’t know it wasn’t the done thing. Someone should inform Mr. Bomer as well.
---
### Author:  [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/22 "2011-04-20T21:09:26Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#):
>
> I’m mainly talking about a hat I’d wear outdoors with a suit, without an overcoat. I can deal with some cold when wearingt a shirt and jacket. Going outside when it’s chilly without a hat or hair is unpleasantly cold.
>
> I see how it might be surprising to think of 50s hats as flashy and look-at-me, but since they’re so uncommon today, especially on twenty somethings like me, they might be seen as such. Also, as has been mentionned, the fact that hipsters wear them can make them quite likely to be seen as look-at-me-I’m-fashion-forward signs of flashyness which is not what I want at all.
You have your answer. You can’t forego the overcoat unless you forego the hat, as well. You could get away with a top hat, but only if your suit has tails.
---
### Author:  [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/23 "2011-04-20T21:14:47Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#):
>
> I see how it might be surprising to think of 50s hats as flashy and look-at-me, but since they’re so uncommon today, especially on twenty somethings like me, they might be seen as such. Also, as has been mentionned, the fact that hipsters wear them can make them quite likely to be seen as look-at-me-I’m-fashion-forward signs of flashyness which is not what I want at all.
I do know what you mean. I’ve even been referred to as “the guy who wears a hat” because it’s still not common. It took some getting used to seeing them on myself, and I had to get past the thought of it being a weird thing to do these days. But the bottom line is, I like hats and I like wearing hats, for both practical and sartorial reasons. I guess I was hoping to encourage you into thinking along the same lines.
[Here I am in one of my straws](http://www.nouilles.info/sdpix/19867.html). As you can see, I’m of a different generation, but from my youth into recent times men just didn’t wear hats, so I’ve been a bit of a maverick. However, a well-chapeaued maverick. 🆒
---
### Author:  [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/24 "2011-04-20T21:29:35Z")
> [@Palooka](#):
>
> You can’t wear a hat with a suit but without an overcoat. That’s just how it is now.
> [@rachelellogram](#):
>
> You can’t forego the overcoat unless you forego the hat, as well.
Says who? That certainly wasn’t the rule back when it was common for men to wear hats, and I question that it is now. My reaction is FTS (forget that stuff), I’ll wear a hat with a sport coat, suit jacket, waist-length jacket, or just a shirt. It will be appropriate for the outfit and weather, of course, but it’s possible to want protection from sun or rain when it’s too warm for an overcoat. The photos linked in post #21 look fine to me.
---
### Author:  [@Jenaroph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenaroph)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/25 "2011-04-20T21:34:55Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#):
>
> Also, as has been mentionned, the fact that hipsters wear them can make them quite likely to be seen as look-at-me-I’m-fashion-forward signs of flashyness which is not what I want at all.
If people other than hipsters start wearing more hats, they won’t be just a hipster thing anymore.
---
### Author:  [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/26 "2011-04-20T21:45:04Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#):
>
> Says who? That certainly wasn’t the rule back when it was common for men to wear hats, and I question that it is now. My reaction is FTS (forget that stuff), I’ll wear a hat with a sport coat, suit jacket, waist-length jacket, or just a shirt. It will be appropriate for the outfit and weather, of course, but it’s possible to want protection from sun or rain when it’s too warm for an overcoat. The photos linked in post #21 look fine to me.
I wouldn’t say it’s on par with a _per se_ faux pas, but it’s not lawyerly at ALL. Besides, he’s talking about wearing a hat because his ears are cold, not wearing hats for the sake of wearing hats. If it’s cold enough to wear a hat, then it’s not too hot to wear a dress coat. If it’s raining, he can carry an umbrella.
The only hat I think with a chance of looking professional without a long coat is a top hat, and they’re horribly dated and would require a tux with tails to pull off anyway.
---
### Author:  [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/27 "2011-04-20T21:50:02Z")
A traditional fedora is perfectly fine with a standard business suit. There’s no reason you would have to also be wearing an overcoat or a topcoat or a raincoat.
In my view, a regular fedora is much less flashy than a driving cap or an ascot cap. Those things just scream “sporty.”
Actually, there’s another option – a [walking hat](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.shopirishtreasures.com/images/walking%2520hat.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.shopirishtreasures.com/index.php%3Fmain_page%3Dproduct_info%26cPath%3D66%26products_id%3D201&usg= __cuChX7jIi6qORCeDS470SLGtEQ0=&h=399&w=600&sz=193&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=YJMvr58i0ZcAiM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=227&ei=21SvTcvWL6LfiALXl52vBA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dwalking%2Bhat%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1R1GGGL_en___ US402%26biw%3D742%26bih%3D246%26tbm%3Disch0%2C124&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=152&vpy=-46&dur=409&hovh=151&hovw=227&tx=165&ty=231&oei=y1SvTazkB8bg0QH-iMmPAw&page=1&ndsp=3&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&biw=742&bih=246). Those are almost unnoticeable.
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### Author:  [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/28 "2011-04-20T21:51:35Z")
> [@acsenray](#):
>
> A traditional fedora is perfectly fine with a standard business suit. There’s no reason you would have to also be wearing an overcoat or a topcoat or a raincoat.
>
> In my view, a regular fedora is much less flashy than a driving cap or an ascot cap. Those things just scream “sporty.”
>
> Actually, there’s another option – a [walking hat](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.shopirishtreasures.com/images/walking%2520hat.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.shopirishtreasures.com/index.php%3Fmain_page%3Dproduct_info%26cPath%3D66%26products_id%3D201&usg= __cuChX7jIi6qORCeDS470SLGtEQ0=&h=399&w=600&sz=193&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=YJMvr58i0ZcAiM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=227&ei=21SvTcvWL6LfiALXl52vBA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dwalking%2Bhat%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1R1GGGL_en___ US402%26biw%3D742%26bih%3D246%26tbm%3Disch0%2C124&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=152&vpy=-46&dur=409&hovh=151&hovw=227&tx=165&ty=231&oei=y1SvTazkB8bg0QH-iMmPAw&page=1&ndsp=3&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&biw=742&bih=246). Those are almost unnoticeable.
My boss just chastised one of the sales staff for wearing one of those yesterday. Well, not quite chastised: just told him not to wear it when he goes on a field call.
---
### Author:  [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/29 "2011-04-20T22:13:39Z")
You could wear a fedora, which apparantly is appropriate for [Washington lobbyists](http://www.madcowprod.com/02072006.html), albeit ones that have been convicted.
You could wear a yarmulke, which now come in [fashionable styles](http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2004320978_fashyarmulke02.html). I don’t know whether it will keep your head warm, but no one will think you’re pretentious-- at least not until they find out you aren’t Jewish.
Or just move to [Wisconsin.](http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll285/Hedwig2008/?action=view¤t=ObamaCheesehead.jpg&newest=1)
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### Author:  [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/30 "2011-04-20T22:20:09Z")
Ask your boss, and then he’ll be happy. It sounds like that’s your goal.
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### Author:  [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/31 "2011-04-20T22:28:48Z")
One of [these](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/1957556361_e65f0fa084.jpg) might be the ticket. The black and white pattern means it will go with any basic black suit. The great thing about them is, they’re made out of a very light felt-like material, and they can be easily folded up and put in a pocket when you’re indoors (you don’t have to worry about setting it down and forgetting it.)
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### Author:  [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/32 "2011-04-20T22:35:30Z")
Bwaaah!
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### Author:  [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/33 "2011-04-20T22:47:59Z")
I personally favour the cowboy hat, although it’s a little out of place in Nottingham…
You should be fine with a trilby or fedora, and if you want to avoid looking hipster, just make sure you get one with more than an inch of brim, the trendy ones are the very narrow ones.
---
### Author:  [@Palooka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palooka)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/34 "2011-04-20T22:56:26Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> You mean like [this](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tvovermind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/NUP_133287_0315.JPG&imgrefurl=http://tvovermind.zap2it.com/tv-news/white-collar-1-01-pilot-promo-pics-and-synopsis/9541&usg=__o6h3OH3WhzS4wVWUHK1f-MBb8g4=&h=541&w=360&sz=162&hl=en&start=45&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=hZbWPLml3nc1eM:&tbnh=132&tbnw=88&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dusa%2Bnetwork%2Bwhite%2Bcollar%26start%3D36%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D18%26tbm%3Disch&ei=tUqvTdqYE4LbgQf99K3nDA)or like [this](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tvverdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/White-Collar-02.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.tvverdict.com/2009/11/09/white-collar-fills-the-friday-void/&usg=__fEnOhRRJH1s_FdE2Ss-8xYw_awU=&h=600&w=400&sz=73&hl=en&start=71&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=4OSsOgkI-oi-XM:&tbnh=135&tbnw=90&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dusa%2Bnetwork%2Bwhite%2Bcollar%26start%3D54%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D18%26tbm%3Disch&ei=1EqvTcStEYTZgQeQxr2JDQ)? That’s just a suit jacket, right, not an “overcoat?” If so, I didn’t know it wasn’t the done thing. Someone should inform Mr. Bomer as well.
Yeah, like those pictures. It’s not normal. That’s probably why they dressed him like that for their TV show. Buddy here needs advice for the real world.
You can’t wear a hat without an overcoat because you’ll look ridiculously old-fashioned. Old-fashioned to the point that no one is accidentally that ignorant of fashion, so buddy must be trying to make a statement. May as well put a rotary phone on your desk and get some browlines or wear some Chuck Taylors with the suit.
Wear an overcoat and all of your problems go away 'cause you can wear almost any hat mentioned so far. I think you should just stoically tolerate the mildly unpleasant weather. That’s what I do so I can look tough, which is very fashionable.
---
### Author:  [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/35 "2011-04-20T23:30:19Z")
> [@Harmonious\_Discord](#):
>
> Ask your boss, and then he’ll be happy. It sounds like that’s your goal.
My boss dresses badly. I wouldn’t take his advice about this topic.
I care about making a proper impression on actual/prospective clients and other people I’ll have to interact with and whose cooperation (and positive impression of me) can be useful to me. Lawyering has a lot to do with making a good impression and looking the part.
Plus, I just dislike the clash between the suit and the knit hat.
---
### Author:  [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)
#### Post date: [April 20, 2011, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/36 "2011-04-20T23:35:55Z")
Well, you can’t expect to be able to read everyone’s minds. Regardless of what you settle on, there will be some client or potential client out there who finds a reason to take exception to your sartorial choices. They will just never tell you.
And, frankly, given the audience that you’ve defined, I suspect that the SDMB is not going to mirror very accurately the opinions of those you’re trying to please.
Given the level of conservativeness you have implied, My guess is that by shaving your head, you’ve committed a far worse faux pas than you could by choosing any kind of traditional businessman’s headgear.
---
### Author:  [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)
#### Post date: [April 21, 2011, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/37 "2011-04-21T00:20:36Z")
> [@acsenray](#):
>
> Well, you can’t expect to be able to read everyone’s minds. Regardless of what you settle on, there will be some client or potential client out there who finds a reason to take exception to your sartorial choices. They will just never tell you.
The ones who take exception to his sartorial choices are much more rare than the ones who will object to his flashy choices. The flashy-clothes objectors won’t voice their dissent either, that’s why it’s important not to wear anything that will make them doubt his social competence.
> [@](#):
>
> And, frankly, given the audience that you’ve defined, I suspect that the SDMB is not going to mirror very accurately the opinions of those you’re trying to please.
You don’t have to share his tastes in order to recommend what he’s looking for.
> [@](#):
>
> Given the level of conservativeness you have implied, My guess is that by shaving your head, you’ve committed a far worse faux pas than you could by choosing any kind of traditional businessman’s headgear.
The legal profession seems to be a breeding ground for people who make bad hair style choices. He’ll fit in just fine.
As for the question in the OP, have you looked into ear warmers? I’ve seen a lot of fashionable lawyers wear them. Otherwise just wear a weird looking, but warm hat outside and take it off when you’re around clients.
---
### Author:  [@Jockstrap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jockstrap)
#### Post date: [April 21, 2011, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/38 "2011-04-21T00:56:36Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Is there any headwear I can wear with a suit that will keep my head warm while also fitting with a suit?
I suggest hair. I think it’s still in fashion.
---
### Author:  [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)
#### Post date: [April 21, 2011, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/39 "2011-04-21T01:04:56Z")
About my lack of hair/shaving: I didn’t want to part with my hair. I saw it quitting so I fired it. It looks better than the horseshoe.
Lakai,
My ears aren’t that cold. It’s really the rest of the head that is.
---
### Author:  [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)
#### Post date: [April 21, 2011, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dressy-non-pretentious-headwear-for-men/579103/40 "2011-04-21T01:13:26Z")
> [@Lakai](#):
>
> , that’s why it’s important not to wear anything that will make them doubt his social competence.
>
> You don’t have to share his tastes in order to recommend what he’s looking for.
The point is that we as a group don’t have knowledge of the point if view of his clientele that’s better than his own judgement.
> [@](#):
>
> The legal profession seems to be a breeding ground for people who make bad hair style choices. He’ll fit in just fine.
As a member of that profession my view is that as far as hair hoes, the best description of lawyers is that their hairstyles are indistinctive and unremarkable. They generally don’t rise to any kind of level that can be characterized as good or bad.
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