Hat lexicon - everything you need to know!

Pinch/Pinch

The so-called "pinch" refers to the way in which the hat is pressed or folded at the sides or crown to give it a certain shape. There are different types of pinches that are common in hats and have a significant impact on the look and character of the particular model. Many types of hat can be recognized by their characteristic pinches. One example of this is the Fedora, which often has a so-called "C-Crown" or "Teardrop" pinch, where the crown is pressed together at the sides to create the typical shape.

Crown/Crown

The term "crown" refers to the part of the hat that covers the head and significantly influences the shape and style of the respective model. The design can be supplemented with various embellishments, such as ribbons or ornaments, to customize the hat and give it a certain style.

Various crowns at a glance

The choice of crown is a crucial aspect when selecting a hat. To find the hat that suits your personal taste, it's worth taking a look at the most common styles (from left to right).The flat crown can be found on the classic Fedora, for example. The round crown is, among other things, the hallmark of the bowler hat and, as the name suggests, curves evenly over the head.The best-known example of a high crown is probably the top hat. Although these crowns are also usually flat, in contrast to the flat crown they are considerably higher, and the pinch crown is characterized above all by the pinch, which significantly influences the style and character of a hat model. The pinch can be found on some Fedora models.

Hatband/ribbon

A hat band is a decorative or functional band that is wrapped around the base of the crown of a hat. Depending on the type and style of hat, the hatband serves different purposes. In addition to decoration, brand recognition and tradition, the functionality of the hat band also often plays a role. In some cases, it can be used to adjust the fit of the hat. For example, an elastic hatband can contribute to wearing comfort by offering a certain degree of adjustability. Hat bands are a versatile way to emphasize or adjust the style of a hat and allow plenty of scope for individual design.

Sweatband

The sweatband of a hat is a strip of soft, absorbent material (e.g. cotton) that is attached to the inside of the hat on the underside of the crown, directly along the brim. The main function of the sweatband is to absorb moisture that may occur during wear. This prevents sweat from entering the hat or running down the forehead and eyes when worn.

Lining

The lining refers to the material that lines the inner part of the crown. Among other things, it is used for wearing comfort, moisture absorption and the design of a hat. In some models, such as the top hat, the lining also contributes significantly to the structure of the hat and provides more stability. The lining can be made of different materials, but the most commonly used are silk, cotton and satin. In high-quality hats, the lining is often elaborately designed and not only contributes to the overall appearance of the hat, but also emphasizes the craftsmanship of the manufacturer.

Brim/Brim

The brim is the horizontal extension of a hat that extends around the bottom of the crown and can vary greatly in length and shape from model to model. Its primary purpose is to protect the wearer's head and face from the elements and not only keeps out the rain, but also offers a certain amount of protection from the sun. The width and shape of the brim often indicate the model, brand and intended use of a hat - for example, sun hats have a particularly wide brim to provide as much shade as possible. Below we show you a few of the most popular style variations.

Various brims at a glance

Straight brims are considered a classic. They stand out evenly around the crown and can vary greatly, especially in width, while curved brims have the edge of the brim bent upwards or downwards to give the hat a characteristic shape. This type of brim can be found on cowboy hats, panama hats and pork pie hats, for example.Asymmetrical brims are, as the name suggests, uneven or asymmetrical in shape and are mainly used on fashionable hats to create a unique and avant-garde appearance.