Women's Headwear: berets, caps, bucket hats and hats

The shapes of the brim

• Berlets and flat caps, with Kangol as a reference.
• Baseball caps, snapbacks and trucker caps.
• Bobs for the sun and nice days.
• Hats and beanies.

The Kangol beret, 504 or 507?

The 504 from Kangol is a flat cap with a small visor, round and close to the head. The 507 takes the same design, but is slightly wider: it sits a bit further back and allows more volume for the hair.

The brand offers them in wool for winter, in openwork Tropic knit for summer, and in Furgora, its soft and fluffy blend. Kangol actually takes its name from three fibers: silk, angora, and wool.

The women's cap

A women's cap for baseball, faded and soft like the Clean Up from 47Brand, breaks up a too-smart outfit and protects from the sun. The colours of MLB teams, like the New York Yankees, have made it a streetwear classic.

At New Era, the 59FIFTY is tailored to your exact head size, while the 9FORTY is adjustable at the back.

The bob and the hat

The women's bob protects the face and neck from the sun and can be folded into a bag. Made of cotton for the beach, in knit or stripes for the city, it adds a casual vibe to a summer outfit.

The hat, made of woven bamboo like the Mowbray from Kangol, goes well with a long dress or a linen shirt.

Which shape suits the face?

A round face benefits from wearing a cap with a long visor or a beret worn at an angle, which elongates the features. A long face balances well with a bob or a hat with a wider brim.

These guidelines are just suggestions: the essential thing is to feel comfortable and to try on several shapes in front of the mirror.

Finding your size

Measure your head circumference with a tape measure, keeping it a finger-width above the eyebrows and ears. Compare this to the size chart: berets and hats are often sold in S, M, L or XL.

If giving as a gift, it's better to choose an adjustable model that fits most head sizes.

Wearing a beret with style

The beret is worn slightly back to expose the forehead, or tilted to the side for a more Parisian look. Let some strands fall forward or to the sides to soften the silhouette.

With a straight coat, a turtleneck, or a denim jacket, it adds a retro touch without overdoing it.

Cap and long hair

With long hair, pull a ponytail through the back opening of an adjustable cap: it stays better in place and leaves the neck clear. A curved visor cap frames the face better than a flat visor.

Headwear for the seasons

In summer, openwork knit, cotton, and bamboo allow breathing. In winter, wool and Furgora keep you warm. The baseball cap, it, can be worn all year round, with a t-shirt or a coat.

Giving a beret or cap

A beret or a cap makes a great gift, as long as you choose the right size or an adjustable model. For an unknown head size, opt for a cap with an adjustable closure, or a slightly stretching knitted beret. A neutral colour, such as black, navy, or camel, matches most coats.

For someone who loves colours, a cap in a baseball team's colours or a beret in a bright shade becomes a signature accessory. The Kangol and 47Brand styles are easily recognizable at first glance.

Caring for a beret or a cap

Brush a wool beret dry, and wash a cotton cap by hand in lukewarm soapy water. Let it dry on an upturned bowl to help it keep its shape. Avoid the washing machine, as it distorts the brims.

Completing the outfit

To go with it, check out the scarves and gloves for women in winter, or all women's accessories by type.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to wear a beret with short hair?

Slightly tilted to the side, without pulling it down on the forehead: it highlights the neck and cheekbones.

What’s the difference between a snapback and a trucker cap?

Both have adjustable snaps at the back. The trucker also has a mesh back, which is more breathable for summer.

How to choose the size of a Kangol beret?

Measure your head circumference and compare it to the size chart. If you are between sizes, the larger one is generally more comfortable.

Can a bob be worn in the city?

Yes, in solid colour or stripes, paired with jeans and a t-shirt or a loose shirt.

How to wash a cap?

By hand, in lukewarm soapy water, then air dry on an upturned bowl to maintain the cap's shape.