A hat is not just an accessory. It is the final accent of a silhouette, the silent punctuation of a strong style. It is not chosen lightly, nor is it tried on absentmindedly. It deserves a presence—yours—fully assumed.
Before putting it on your head, prepare yourself as if you were going to an important meeting: be awake, well-groomed, dressed, and have your hair done.
The art of wearing the hat
Start by gently placing it upright in the center of your head, holding it by its edge. The cap should be positioned just above your ears, about a finger's width above your eyebrows.
A well-fitting hat makes all the difference: it should fit comfortably without being constricting. If it's too big, it falls off. Too small, it compresses. The balance is subtle, but essential.
For delicate materials like straw, avoid picking it up by the crown: gentle movements are required to preserve its shape.
The angle makes the style
Worn straight, it asserts classic elegance. But tilted, it becomes bolder, more personal. This is where style becomes a language.
A slight shift, a subtle asymmetry—and there's a new energy, a look that says something about you. " Angles are attitudes ," said Sinatra. And he was right.
Tilt Games
- Straight and centered : a reassuring, dignified and sober classicism.
- Slightly tilted : a whisper of elegance, a touch of calculated nonchalance.
- Strongly inclined : the audacity of an interior theatre, the imprint of a character.
- Forward : mystery, authority, a Bogart aura.
- Towards the back : assumed carelessness, relaxed charm, almost bohemian.
- The Rakish Angle : Slightly offbeat, subtly provocative—a wink in the shadows.
The hat and good manners: a revisited tradition
Once upon a time, a hat said it all. A function. An origin. A season. An honor. A profession. Everyone wore theirs like a coat of arms. But this language faded in the 1960s, swept away by long hair, the sun on the skin, and raw freedom. And yet, a few initiates—artists, couturiers, free souls—kept the flame alive. They gave the hat its voice again. No longer a social code, but a personal manifesto.
Today, the hat imposes nothing. It suggests. It does not classify, it elevates. It hides or it reveals.
Wear a hat indoors?
Traditionally, men remove their hats upon entering. For women, the rule is more relaxed—a legacy of the Middle Ages. Knights removed their helmets as a sign of peace; women, not wearing armor, were exempt.
Exceptions depending on location and occasion
Restaurants & brasseries : Headgear may remain if it is part of traditional attire. Otherwise, discretion is required.
Religious ceremonies : Codes vary depending on the faith. In Judaism, both men and women cover their heads. In Christian tradition, women were once encouraged to cover their hair, while men were not.
Theater, opera, cinema : as a courtesy, the hat is removed, regardless of your rank or seat.
Weddings : The bride is an exception—she can wear anything, including a spectacular hat.
The hat salute: the elegance of a forgotten gesture
A symbol of refinement from another era, the hat salute has not had its last word:
- Doffing : removing one's hat completely, a noble and ceremonial gesture.
- Tipping : to briefly raise one's hat in passing, as a sign of politeness.
- Edge touch : Gently brush the edge with your index finger and thumb, accompanied by a slight nod of the head—subtle, but meaningful.
Only uniforms are exempt from these customs. An officer or pilot, for example, keeps his headdress out of duty.
A style statement
A hat is worn with confidence. At first, you might hesitate. But wear it for a day, two, a week... and soon you won't be able to go out without it. It's the beginning of a new elegance.
It's not the hat that intimidates you. It's the way others look at you—or your own. But the greatest luxury is being yourself. And every day you dare, you affirm that truth.
You'll start by trying it on "just to see." Then you'll adopt it. Then you'll forget about it... Until one day you go out without it—and you feel naked.
Then you will know: the hat has become a part of you.
Paired with a suit, it elevates your look. With a bolder outfit, it makes you a true style icon. The hat is the final piece. The one that isn't added: it crowns you. A well-chosen hat will last a lifetime.
Wear it as you would a rare perfume—with conviction, and never forcing it.
