Well protected into the cold season
· Updated: · 4 min read
WHAT MEN ARE WEARING ON THEIR HEADS
Be bold with hats and caps – that’s the motto for autumn and winter 2019. But which hat trends for men are in vogue? We spoke to a professional about this season’s trends and the fascination with headwear.
As soon as autumn arrives in Hamburg and the water isn’t just lapping at the keel but also pouring down from above, you start to see them more and more around town: stylish hats and smart caps not only protect your hair or keep your head warm, but also perfectly complete the look for both men and women. Uwe Rathje immediately starts raving when asked about these practical accessories: “Once you’ve got into this scene, you can’t do without them – hats and caps are addictive,” says the owner of “Rockhats”. According to Uwe, customers leave the specialist shop in the Schanzenviertel with a whole new sense of self: “Good headwear can underline and highlight your personality.”
The hat highlights
The only question that remains is: what are this season’s hat trends for men? “Right at the forefront is the pork pie – that’s the hip hat,” reveals Uwe. With its flat, plate-shaped crown and a narrow, slightly upturned brim, it’s all the rage across all social classes – “from motorcyclists to jazz musicians, the pork pie has a broad fan base,” as the expert reveals. This style (pictured on the left on the head of US musician Todd Wolfe) is currently enjoying a revival: actor Gene Hackman wore it in the 1971 thriller classic “The French Connection” whilst hunting down drug dealers, and later won an Oscar for the role. The pork pie also plays a central role in the hit series “Breaking Bad”, as it can be seen on the head of the crystal meth manufacturer “Heisenberg”. Incidentally, the hat is named after an English meat pie due to its similar shape.
“Currently in second place is the trilby,” says Uwe. This variation on the classic fedora – a felt hat with slightly indented sides – is a striking eye-catcher thanks to its narrower brim, which is turned up steeply at the back (shown on the right in the photo). From Sean Connery as James Bond to the Blues Brothers, Frank Sinatra and Jan Delay, this hat style is one of the most famous in the world.
Whether it’s a pork pie, a trilby or another style – there’s one thing all hats should be able to do: “They must be durable and crease-resistant. Nobody carries their headwear in a hatbox anymore, as was once customary. Hats also have to be able to withstand being thrown into the car now and then,” says Uwe. Another hallmark of quality is weatherproof construction; especially in wet and cold weather, the head should be kept warm.
From Hollywood to Hamburg
As well as hats, Rockhats also focuses on caps; flat caps are particularly on-trend at the moment. These slim-fitting flat caps are enjoying a real renaissance, having been appreciated almost exclusively by pensioners and hunters just a few years ago. Brad Pitt has played a major part in this image makeover: for over ten years, the actor has rarely been seen in public without his chosen headwear – admittedly, it really suits him. The flat cap was invented at the start of the last millennium, as classic, tall hats proved less than ideal in open-top cars due to the wind catching them. The nickname ‘Schiebermütze’ comes from Berlin: in the capital, they were worn in the 1930s by foremen, known in the gruff Berlin dialect as ‘Schieber’.
Stylish in any weather
Once you’ve decided on a hat style or a suitable cap, the next tough choice is already upon you: which colour shall it be? From plain-coloured pork pies or trilbys to flat caps with bold patterns, a wide range is on offer. “Many men opt for styles in black or charcoal grey; checked patterns are also popular for caps,” says the expert. As a general rule: “There are no conventions; everyone can combine hats and clothing however they like.” Small details such as a colour-coordinated scarf can, however, help to create distinctive features and thus perfect the look.
Well-equipped and well-protected, you’re ready for the cold season. By the way: you can also try on the latest men’s hat trends at the salon in HafenCity.
