To wear a cloche hat, pull it down level and low, so the brim sits just above your eyebrows and the crown hugs your head, then keep your hair and outfit simple so the hat does the talking. A cloche is the most close-fitting of the classic hat shapes, which means the way you position it matters more than with almost any other style. This guide covers fit, hair, outfits, colours, occasions and care, using the two 100% wool cloche hats Hopoye sells for £24.
01What is a cloche hat?
A cloche hat is a close-fitting, bell-shaped hat with a small downturned brim that sits low on the head. The name is the French word for bell, and the shape became the signature hat of 1920s fashion. It has stayed in wardrobes since because it does one thing very well: it frames the face and finishes an outfit without needing a big brim.
For wider background on the shape, see this general overview of the cloche hat. If your 1920s look leans towards menswear, our Peaky Blinders style hats guide covers the baker boy and flat cap side of the era.
02How should a cloche hat fit?
A cloche should sit low and level: crown snug to your head, brim a finger or two above your eyebrows, and the back low at the nape rather than perched on top. Because the shape is so close-fitting, a cloche worn too high or too far back loses its outline and can look like an upturned bowl. Both Hopoye cloches are one size, so it is worth checking your measurement first.
-
1Measure your head. Wrap a soft tape measure around your head just above your eyebrows and ears, then compare it with our UK hat size guide.
-
2Put it on from the front. Hold the hat with both hands and lower it from your forehead back and down, rather than dropping it on from above.
-
3Set the height. The brim should sit a finger or two above your eyebrows, low enough to feel deliberate.
-
4Check it side-on. In a mirror, the brim should run roughly parallel to the floor. A very slight tilt is fine; a dramatic one belongs to a beret.
-
5Sort hair and trim. Tuck or sweep your hair, then turn the bow or veil to the side you prefer.
03What should you do with your hair?
Keep hair sleek and close at the sides, and let the length fall behind your shoulders or show at the nape. Volume at the temples pushes the hat up and out of shape.
| Hair | What works | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Short or bob | Tuck behind the ears and let the ends show below the brim | Heavy volume at the sides |
| Long and straight | Loose behind the shoulders, or a low flat plait over one shoulder | A high bun, which stops the hat sitting low |
| Fringe | Tuck it lightly under the brim, or leave a short fringe showing | Stuffing a thick fringe up into the crown |
| Curly or voluminous | Put the hat on first, then let curls fall around the brim | Squashing curls flat into the crown |
Worried about flattened hair afterwards? Our guide to preventing hat hair has practical fixes.
04What outfits suit a cloche hat?
A cloche works best with streamlined outfits: a tailored or wool coat, a fitted knit, or a simple dress. Because the hat sits low, big collars and bulky scarves can crowd it, so keep the neckline neat.
05Which colour cloche hat should you choose?
Black, Dark Brown and Taupe are the easy neutrals that go with most winter coats; Cream is lighter and softer, and Wine Red is the statement. Both Hopoye cloches come in the same five colours.
Camel, cream, forest green
Works with everything
Black, charcoal, camel
Cream knits, denim, grey
Dark coats, navy, black
Swatches are a guide. Check the product photos for the exact shade.
06Can you wear a cloche hat to a wedding, race day or church?
Yes: a cloche is a good dressier choice for winter weddings, race days and church, particularly the net veil and rhinestone bow style. Always check the invitation or venue for its dress code, as expectations vary.
| Occasion | Which cloche | Styling note |
|---|---|---|
| Winter wedding guest | Net veil and rhinestone bow, in Black, Wine Red or Taupe | Pair with a tailored coat. A close shape is also considerate for the row behind you. |
| Race day | Net veil and rhinestone bow | Check the racecourse dress code. See our race day and wedding hats guide. |
| Church or a formal service | Either style, in Black or Dark Brown | Keep the rest of the outfit understated. |
| Christmas party | Either style, in Wine Red | Festive without looking like fancy dress. |
| Everyday | Velvet bow, in Taupe or Dark Brown | Wear it with a wool coat and boots. |
For more occasion ideas, read our wedding guest hats guide for women or browse the wedding and race day hats collection.
07Cloche vs beret vs fedora vs baker boy: what is the difference?
A cloche is close-fitting and bell-shaped, a beret is soft and flat, a fedora has a pinched crown and medium brim, and a baker boy has a rounded crown with a short peak. Choose a cloche for structured, close coverage and a dressier finish.
| Hat | Shape | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Cloche (£24) | Close-fitting, bell-shaped, small downturned brim | Vintage, 1920s-inspired |
| Beret (e.g. Black Wool Beret £6.99) | Soft, flat, round crown | Artistic, relaxed. See our beret style guide |
| Fedora (£24.99) | Pinched crown with a medium brim | Smart, classic. See our fedora style guide |
| Baker boy | Rounded, soft crown with a short peak | Casual, retro. See our flat cap style guide |
08Which Hopoye cloche hat is right for you?
Hopoye sells two ladies wool cloche hats, both 100% wool, one size, in five colours at £24: one with a velvet bow, one with a net veil and rhinestone bow.
| Detail | Velvet bow | Net veil and rhinestone bow |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | Velvet bow accent | Net veil and rhinestone accent bow |
| Material | 100% wool | 100% wool |
| Colours | Dark Brown, Black, Wine Red, Taupe, Cream (both styles) | |
| Size | One size | One size |
| Price | £24 | £24 |
| Best for | Everyday coats and smarter days out | Weddings, race days and dressy occasions |
09What are the most common cloche hat mistakes?
10How do you look after a wool cloche hat?
Brush off dust, spot clean gently with a damp cloth, never soak it, and let it dry naturally away from direct heat. This is general guidance for wool hats, so follow any care label that comes with yours. Store the hat somewhere it will not be crushed so the shape holds, and avoid squashing the bow or veil. Our full wool hat care guide covers more.
11Cloche hat FAQs
A close-fitting, bell-shaped hat with a small downturned brim that sits low on the head, closely associated with 1920s fashion.
Wear it low and level, with the brim a finger or two above your eyebrows, and keep your hair sleek at the sides.
Most face shapes can wear one when it is worn low and level. For tailored advice, see our face shape hat guide.
Yes. Wear long hair loose behind the shoulders or in a low flat plait, and avoid high buns that stop the hat sitting low.
Both Hopoye ladies cloche hats are made from 100% wool.
Both are £24 in every colour: Dark Brown, Black, Wine Red, Taupe and Cream.
One size. Measure around your head just above your eyebrows and ears and read our UK hat size guide.
Yes, particularly the net veil and rhinestone bow style. Check the invitation for any dress code first.
12The verdict: how should you wear a cloche hat?
Wear it low and level, keep your hair and outfit simple, and choose the trim to suit the occasion. Our recommendation: for one cloche that works all season, take the velvet bow in Black or Taupe; for weddings and dressier days, take the net veil and rhinestone bow in Black or Wine Red. Whichever you pick, measure first.
Two 100% wool styles, five colours, £24.
Shop cloche hats | Winter hats | Wedding and race day hats
0 comments