There's a common belief that hats only suit certain people. In reality, it's usually a matter of proportion — finding the right brim width, crown height, and overall scale to complement your natural features. Once you understand a few simple principles, the right hat becomes much easier to find.
How to Identify Your Face Shape
Stand in front of a mirror and look at the overall outline of your face. You're looking for which of these feels closest:
- Oval — Gently tapered at the forehead and jaw, with balanced proportions. The most versatile face shape for hats.
- Round — Similar width and height, with soft, curved edges and fuller cheeks.
- Square — Strong jawline with a broad forehead and roughly equal width throughout.
- Heart — Wider at the forehead, narrowing to a pointed or narrow chin.
- Long — Noticeably longer than it is wide, with a high forehead or elongated jaw.
Don't worry if you fall somewhere between two — most people do, and the principles still apply.
The Cheat Sheet
| Face / Frame | Look For |
|---|---|
| Round face | Angular crown, wider brim |
| Square face | Softer crown, curved brim |
| Oval face | Almost anything |
| Heart face | Medium brim, lower crown |
| Long face | Wide brim, lower crown |
| Small frame | Smaller brim and crown |
| Large frame | Wider brim and taller crown |
| Small head | Compact hats |
| Large head | Larger hats with proportionate brims |
These are starting points, not rules. Use them to narrow your options, then trust your eye.
A Note on Proportion
Brim and crown work together. A taller crown can elongate the face, while a wider brim adds width and draws the eye outward. If one element feels too strong, the other can balance it. Scale also matters beyond the face — your overall frame, height, and the way you carry yourself all play a part. A hat that looks proportionate on you as a whole will almost always feel right.
"Does It Actually Suit Me?" — A Word on Confidence
Many people dismiss a hat not because it doesn't suit them, but simply because they're not used to seeing themselves wearing it. A taller crown, wider brim, or different shape can feel unfamiliar at first, especially if you've always worn similar styles — or never worn hats at all. The key is to give yourself time to adjust. Often, what feels "wrong" initially is just something new to your eye. Confidence plays a huge part in how a hat is perceived, and hats are often worn best when the wearer embraces the style rather than overthinking it. Sometimes it's not the hat that needs changing — it's simply allowing yourself the chance to get comfortable wearing it.
Not Sure? We Can Help
If you'd like a more personal recommendation, we're happy to help. Every B.H-Jones hat is made to order, and we regularly work with customers to find the right style, size, and proportion for them. Get in touch via our Custom Orders page and we'll guide you from there.