Finding the Right Hat

Milliners not only make hats, but they also help people fulfill a vision for their special occasion. When I start creating custom millinery work, I need to be able to design for myclient’s clothing and appearance. What they are wearing will influence their hat style choice and so will their face shape. Knowing which hat styles best suit which face shapes can help us create a look customized to be as flattering as possible.

Heart

People with heart-shaped faces  are wider at the forehead and narrow toward the jawline. Because this face already has a wide forehead, you don’t want to pick a large crown or brim, as it will make the forehead look wider and the chin smaller. Medium brims and wearing the hat with a slanted brim can help add width to the lower face. Cloche and pillbox styles are great for this shape, as well.

Oblong

An oblong face is longer than it is wide. A deep crown or upward flared brim or saucer style hat will help cover the forehead and break up the length of the face. Pointed crowns and narrow brims should be avoided, these styles will emphasize the length of the face. Wide brims and cloches are good suggestions for this shape.

Oval

Oval faces are wider at the cheekbones than at the forehead or chin. Any style of hat will look good on an oval-shaped face, although you may want to stay away from a crown that is narrower than the cheekbones.

Round

A round face is as wide as it is long. Sharp lines, asymmetry and a slanted rim are all features you can use to minimize the roundness of the your face. The crown should be wider than the face and use features that add height to the hat to slenderize the face. Tall, rounded crowns or wide crowns or brims should be avoided.

Square

Square faces have a strong jawbone and wide cheekbones and forehead. Using curing lines and round shapes can help soften the client’s features. Asymmetrical and slanted brims can help as well. Stay away from boxy or structured hats with angles. 

There are, of course, more features to consider than just the shape of a client’s face. Their hairstyle and figure, as well clothing, must also be considered. The hat is the finishing touch and the highlight of the wearer’s ensemble. My clients are spending money and time to prepare for a memorable event and have decided to invest in a handmade, custom millinery design. I make sure to consider all of her features and needs. Always striving to build my reputation as a quality bespoke milliner.