Straw Hats vs. Felt Hats in Summer
Straw Hats vs. Felt Hats in the Summer: Which One Should You Wear?
When summer temperatures start climbing, one of the most common questions we hear at Topped Hats is:
“Can I still wear a felt hat in the summer, or should I switch to straw?”
The answer depends on where you’re headed, how you’ll be wearing it, and the look you’re trying to achieve. While straw hats are often considered the traditional summer choice, felt hats still have a place in warm-weather wardrobes when styled correctly.
Let’s break down the differences.
Why Straw Hats Rule the Summer
Straw hats were designed with warm weather in mind. Their lightweight construction and breathable weave allow heat to escape while keeping the sun off your face and neck.
Benefits of Straw Hats:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Increased airflow and breathability
- Excellent sun protection
- Ideal for outdoor events, ranches, beaches, and travel
- Perfect for long days in the summer heat
Whether you’re attending a wedding in Jackson Hole, spending a weekend at the lake, heading to a concert, or enjoying a Kentucky Derby event, a quality straw hat offers both style and practicality.
At Topped Hats, we love elevating classic straw hats with custom bands, feathers, branding, and one-of-a-kind details that make each piece uniquely yours.
Can You Wear Felt Hats in the Summer?
Absolutely.
The old rule that felt hats must be packed away after spring is becoming less relevant, especially in today’s fashion world.
Many felt hats can still be worn during summer months, particularly:
- For evening events
- Indoor gatherings
- Photoshoots
- Weddings
- Elevated fashion looks
A lightweight fur felt hat in a lighter color can make a stunning statement year-round.
When Felt Hats Work Best in Summer
If you’re attending a cocktail party, upscale event, rehearsal dinner, or wedding, a felt hat often creates a more polished and sophisticated look than straw.
Lighter shades such as ivory, sand, silverbelly, and bone tend to feel more seasonally appropriate than darker colors during the warmer months.
Style Considerations: Straw vs. Felt
Choose Straw If:
- You’ll be outdoors for extended periods
- Temperatures are above 85°F
- You’re traveling, boating, ranching, or attending daytime events
- Comfort is your top priority
Choose Felt If:
- You’re dressing for an elevated occasion
- Most of your time will be indoors
- You’re attending an evening event
- You’re looking for a more refined fashion statement
Our Favorite Approach: Both
The most versatile hat collections include both straw and felt options.
A beautifully crafted straw hat is your summer workhorse—perfect for everyday wear and outdoor adventures.
A custom felt hat remains a timeless statement piece that transitions effortlessly from season to season.
At Topped Hats, we believe your hat should fit your lifestyle, not a calendar. Whether you’re reaching for a breathable straw hat for a summer afternoon or a custom felt hat for an elegant evening event, the right hat is the one that makes you feel confident the moment you put it on.
Find Your Perfect Summer Hat
From classic straw cowboy hats to bespoke felt fedoras, every Topped Hat is designed to tell a story. Our collection features handcrafted details, custom branding, curated hat bands, and one-of-a-kind finishes that make each piece uniquely yours.
Whether you’re headed to a wedding in the Tetons, a weekend in Texas, or a sunset dinner on the coast, we’ll help you find the perfect hat for the season.
Ready to create your own custom hat? Contact Topped Hats or visit one of our traveling hat bar events across the country.
