So you want to rock a wide-brim fedora hat? Maybe you're not sure you can pull it off. Whatever the case may be, you know it's time to break up the baseball cap routine and step up your hat game. But unlike baseball hats and flat caps, which keep things pretty easy with their short visors and unobtrusive size, pulling off a wide-brim hat takes a little more thought.

Here's a quick breakdown of the basics to get you started, then get ready to shop the best styles to suit the why and where of wearing your hat.

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Form of a Fedora

As with anything that's been around for a long time, fedora hats have experienced some slight changes over the years. But there are a few signature features that remain the same.

• A flexible and flat brim, usually two to three inches wide, that can be bent slightly upward or downward.  
• A fixed crown that is indented with a center crease and pinched on both sides.
• Wool felt construction...mostly. Fedoras were originally made of animal fur felt, but today they come in a variety of materials including wool felt (the most popular), straw, canvas, synthetic blends, and leather. You can still find fur felt fedoras, but keep in mind that they are pricier and wearing animal fur from beaver, rabbit, mink, or fox can be a turnoff.

Bigger Can Be Better

A wide-brim hat is any hat with a brim that measures three inches or more. Because this sort of hat takes up more real estate on your head, you want to make sure it's proportionate to your face shape and body frame. Even if the hat has a comfortable fit, it might not look right. Take a look at our guides on how to find a hat that flatters your face and how a hat should fit based on your proportions.  

Fashion Meets Function

There's no doubt that the fedora is a timeless piece of headwear. Not only are they a throwback to a bygone era when dapper gentlemen wore them on the daily, but fedoras have also become a go-to staple for stylish men who refuse to remain in a fashion rut. Hollywood A-listers such as Johnny Depp, Bruno Mars, Jude Law, and Rami Malek prove just how versatile the fedora can be whether dressed up or dressed down.

Fedoras are also supremely functional, especially when they have a wide brim. Unlike beanies, flat caps, baseball caps, or other narrow-brimmed toppers such as pork pie hats or trilbies, a wide-brim hat will offer full face and neck protection from the sun, rain, snow, or wind.

Wide-Brim Wool Felt Fedora Hats

Every fashionable man should have at least one wool fedora hat in black, brown, navy, or gray. These neutral colors offer a solid foundation for your wardrobe that will look good with just about anything. Once you have the basics covered, branch out and have some fun with color, pattern, fabric, and embellishments.

Finlay by Stacy Adams

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For an iconic look that recalls the past but keeps things fresh, try the black Finlay wool felt fedora designed by Stacy Adams. The pronounced taper at the front offers a classic look, while the 3 1/4-inch wide brim reveals a more modern twist. Pairable with anything, this one is a must-have for hat-wearers new and experienced.

Everest by Scala

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Nothing masters a wardrobe like a wool felt outback hat. The Everest, by Scala, can be a close companion no matter where you travel - from a festival, your favorite restaurant, or on your next camping trip. This hat is just as versatile as you are.

Wide-Brim Straw Hats

Whether it's a pricey Panama hat made from authentic Ecuadorian toquilla straw or a stylish topper made from sisal straw, a wide-brim straw fedora hat is a warm-weather must-have for every man. Lightweight, breathable, and ever-so stylish, these broad-brimmed toppers add the finishing touch to everything from a casual jeans-and-T-shirt ensemble to a swanky linen suit and tie.

Albuquerque by Scala

A classic look with a bit of country twang, this Scala Classico wide brim outback hat gives you the best of many worlds. Hand-woven Ecuadorean Panama straw with leather band make your outfit a jack of all trades for many occasions, all while keeping your face free from the sun.

Tulum by Scala

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The beach is waiting, and you shouldn’t keep it waiting too long. Grab the hand-crocheted Puerto straw outback hat by Scala, and let those warm spring and summer days embrace you. Crushable, and made of sustainable straw, this hat is a must-have in anyone's closet.

Large-Scale Style

As with anything in fashion, hat styles come and go — what's in one year might be out the next. But the fedora hat is a timeless silhouette that will always be on point. Not only is it among the most versatile headpieces that can be worn for formal occasions and casual outings, but a wide-brim fedora is even better for practical purposes. It protects you against the elements, plus it adds more drama when tipped over the eyes or slanted slightly upward.

Rocking a larger hat style might take some getting used to, but once you give it a shot, it'll level up your style in a major way. Check out our full selection of men's fedoras and don't forget to take a look at our hat size chart so that you pick the perfect size before you buy.