Few accessories finish an outfit like the right hat — and few occasions call for one quite like a British summer. Whether you have an invitation to a garden wedding, a ticket to Royal Ascot, or a day planned at Epsom or Glorious Goodwood, the hat you choose says as much about you as the suit you wear it with. This guide breaks down the three classic men's styles, when each one works, and how to wear them with confidence.
THE SHORT ANSWERFor most summer weddings and race days, a wool trilby is the safe, stylish all-rounder — smart, lightweight and easy to wear. Want something sharper and more vintage? Choose a pork pie hat. Want a genuine statement that turns heads in the crowd? A wide-brim wool fedora in a rich colour is the one. All three are below, from £9.99.
🏇 The occasions: what each event expects
British summer events sit on a spectrum from relaxed to formal, and your hat should follow suit:
🐎 Royal Ascot & the EnclosuresThe dressiest of the lot. In the smarter enclosures, gentlemen are expected to wear a full morning suit with a top hat — but for general admission and most other race days, a sharp trilby or fedora in a quality wool is exactly right.
🐇 Epsom, Goodwood & the RacesStylish but a little more relaxed. This is the natural home of the wool fedora and the pork pie — a chance to show some personality with colour and brim.
💒 Summer & Garden WeddingsTake your cue from the dress code on the invitation. A neutral trilby or a soft-coloured fedora complements a lounge suit beautifully without upstaging the couple.
☀️ Outdoor all-day eventsIf you will be on your feet in the sun for hours, brim matters — a wider brim shades your face and neck. (For purely casual sun days, see our straw sun hats instead.)
🎩 The three styles, compared
Here is the quick comparison — then the individual hats underneath.
| Style |
Best for |
Vibe |
From |
| Wool Trilby |
Weddings & most race days |
Smart, versatile, understated |
£22.99 |
| Pork Pie Hat |
Races & vintage-inspired looks |
Sharp, retro, characterful |
£9.99 |
| Wide-Brim Wool Fedora |
Statement occasion wear |
Bold, elegant, eye-catching |
£24.99 |
1. The all-rounder — Handmade Wool Trilby
Handmade Wool Trilby Hat (Crushable, Water-Resistant)
From £22.99
A short, neat brim and a classic grosgrain band make this the easiest occasion hat to pull off. It is crushable and water-resistant too, so it survives the journey to the venue and a surprise British shower. If you only own one smart hat, make it this.
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2. The characterful classic — Pork Pie Hats
The pork pie's flat top and upturned brim give a sharp, vintage edge that photographs brilliantly. We stock two: a premium 100% wool version for cooler, dressier days, and a lightweight textured version that is ideal for a warm afternoon in the stands.
100% Wool Pork Pie Hat (Premium)
From £24.64
Structured, smart and made from 100% wool — a refined take on the pork pie for weddings and dressier race days.
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Men's Classic Pork Pie Hat (Lightweight)
From £9.99
Breathable, adjustable and brilliant value at under a tenner — the easy choice for a hot day out, or for trying the pork pie look without the commitment.
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3. The statement — Wide-Brim 100% Wool Fedora
Beige 100% Wool Fedora Hat (Handmade, Wide Brim)
From £24.99
A wider brim and a clean teardrop crown give this handmade wool fedora real presence. It comes in nine-plus shades — from versatile beige, brown and navy to standout royal blue, wine red, teal, orange and light pink — so you can stay classic or make a statement. Sizes XS–XL.
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🎨 Choosing your colour: classic or statement?
Colour is where you set the tone of the whole look:
🤎 Safe & versatileBeige, brown, grey and navy work with almost any suit and slip easily from a wedding to the office. Start here if it is your first occasion hat.
🍸 Make a statementWine red, teal, royal blue and light pink stand out beautifully in summer photos and against a crowd. Pair a bold hat with a more neutral suit so the two do not compete.
📏 Match, do not clonePick up one colour already in your outfit — a tie, pocket square or the band on the hat — rather than matching everything exactly. It looks considered, not costumed.
📐 How to wear it well: fit and etiquette
📏 Get the fit rightA hat should sit comfortably around the middle of your forehead, about two finger-widths above your eyebrows — snug enough to stay put on a breezy course, not so tight it leaves a mark.
🤝 Indoors and greetingsTraditional etiquette is to remove your hat indoors and during a wedding ceremony. Outdoors at the races, keep it on and enjoy it.
🧳 Travelling to the venueCrushable styles like the wool trilby pack down and spring back, which makes them the most travel-friendly choice if you are heading a long way to an event.
❓ Wedding & race day hats: your questions answered
What hat should a man wear to a summer wedding?
A neutral wool trilby is the most reliable choice — smart, lightweight and easy to wear with a lounge suit. If the wedding is more relaxed or outdoors, a soft-coloured wide-brim fedora also works well. Always take your lead from the dress code on the invitation.
What is the difference between a trilby, a fedora and a pork pie hat?
A trilby has a short, sharply angled brim and a smaller crown. A fedora has a wider brim and a taller, pinched crown for a bolder look. A pork pie hat has a flat top and a short upturned brim, giving a sharp, vintage style. All three suit weddings and race days.
Do I have to wear a top hat to Royal Ascot?
Only in the smartest enclosures, where a morning suit and top hat are required for gentlemen. For general admission and most other UK race days, a quality wool trilby or fedora is perfectly appropriate.
Are wool hats too warm for summer events?
Good-quality wool is surprisingly breathable and holds its shape far better than cheaper materials. For very hot days, our lightweight pork pie hat is the airiest option at £9.99.
What size hat do I need?
Measure around your head just above the ears with a soft tape. Our handmade wool fedoras come in sizes XS–XL, and the trilby and pork pie styles are designed to fit most with a comfortable, secure feel.
Whatever the occasion, the right hat is the difference between dressed and dressed-up. Shop the full Wedding & Race Day Hats collection and arrive looking the part.
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