At the present time of athleisure, streetwear, and rather minimalist choices for men, a tuxedo with hats isn’t something people can come across casually. If you follow this type of accessorizing strategy, it is usually because you are to attend a formal event, where such an elevated style works exclusively — from weddings to operas and horse races.
Without a doubt, this outfit is all about uniformity. To stay on the safe side if you are going to wear such a combo for the first time, remember the key word to keep in mind — conservative. Stick to the solo symbolism in how you are dressed.
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Hat with a Tuxedo: Is It Acceptable?
Source: Cotton-Blend Velvet Tuxedo Jacket & Deluxe Morfelt Top Hat in Heather Grey
A tuxedo with hats isn’t a new idea, especially in the historical context. While certain fashion elements are on the eternal look of ups and downs in society, this story is slightly different. It would be wrong to say that hats and tuxedos are at their peak nowadays. Still, they work together and bear cultural significance in several scenarios.
From a vantage standpoint, hats in formal attire can be practical seasonal solutions and elevate your means of self-expression. You will certainly look dapper without going overboard with your understanding of the event’s dress code.
Debunking the Myth: Why Hats Can Work with Tuxedos
Source: Shawl-Collar Cotton and Linen-Blend Velvet Tuxedo Jacket & Prince Phillip Top Hat in Pecan
Can you wear a hat with a tuxedo? Absolutely! Although this strategy is currently underestimated, its appeal will make your image unforgettable:
- A well-selected hat can elevate your style and introduce a touch of sophistication.
- If you want to stand out among other men wearing standard formalwear, a proper hat will come in handy. Its vintage charm will easily transition your outfit to old-world elegance.
- It will serve as a stylish yet bold fashion decision nowadays, even though it brings back the fame of hats and tuxedos with the same look.
Historical Context: Hats as a Formal Accessory
Source: Straight-Leg Wool and Silk-Blend Tuxedo Trousers & Deluxe Pork Pie Hat in Black
Headwear has long been a crucial part of the global fashion history. Trilby, flat, visor, fedora, and other types of caps and hats are just a few examples of their diversity. The evidence of these wardrobe elements dates back 30,000 years ago.
The classic illustration of hats as a formal attire accessory is a top hat, which emerged and reached its popularity peak in the late eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth centuries. It was a go-to choice for men mostly but could be worn by women, too, — it was a standout cabaret wardrobe feature of actress Marlene Dietrich.
For more tips on creating the perfect formal look, explore our guide on suit colour combination—a great complement to styling a tuxedo with a hat as discussed in this article.
Modern Etiquette: When and Where to Wear a Hat with a Tuxedo
Source: Cotton-Blend Velvet Tuxedo Jacket & Classic Derby Hat in Kelly Green
To understand what hat goes with a tuxedo, let’s clarify the appropriateness of such an unparalleled combination. A lot of accessories serve as a testament to their lasting legacy in the market. New designs of top hats and others will make your outfit chic, but you should also remember to follow the hat etiquette guidelines:
- A tuxedo and a hat have to match in terms of style and feel comfortable to be worn outdoors — it is a mauvais ton to be in a hat, especially a top style, indoors.
- Don’t outshine the stars of the target event. Choose hats of appropriate sizes and styles to accessorize your tuxedo for a wedding or another formal event.
- If you want to add any embellishments to the hat, make sure they are attached to its left side.
- Let’s not forget about taking and getting the best shots — such outfit components shouldn’t block the view and hide a part of your face in photos.
Types of Hats to Wear with a Tuxedo
Source: Silk and Linen-Blend Tuxedo Jacket & Stratoliner Milan Fedora
Take into account the event you are going to attend and sparkle in this look. A wedding tuxedo with hats won’t be the same as a suit you might put on to visit a charity event. You can surely raise the bar with bold and unexpected decisions like flower patterns on a black tuxedo with a black and white hat — brainstorming ideas can lead to brilliant results.
Top Hats: The Classic Forma Choice
Source: Gregory Slim-Fit Satin-Trimmed Wool Tuxedo Jacket & Classic Top Hat in Black
Let’s start with a simple solution — a tuxedo with top hats. If you want to highlight the sense of formality in your look, the general black palette of colors with a crispy white dress shirt as an accent will certainly be a standout image to opt for. For cooler seasons, multi-layering with a scarf and a black wool or charcoal cashmere full-length coat will be a crafty addition.
Fedoras: Adding a Touch of Old-School Cool
Source: Satin-Trimmed Wool-Gabardine Tuxedo Jacket & Deluxe Black Fedora Hat
These premium hats come in a wide range of aesthetic attributes. You can add more playful notes to your style with a single and simple move — just snap the hat’s soft brims down or up to achieve the desired vibe.
Unlike top hats, these look sassier, if you may. It is crucial to pick up the right size, hue, and fabric — a perfect fit of a black or creme fur felt fedora, for example. You can get old-school vibes by wearing a dark brown tuxedo with a brighter brown necktie and hat to personalize this fashion journey.
Bowlers & Derbies: A Quirky and Distinguished Option
Source: Shawl-Collar Cotton-Velvet Tuxedo Jacket & Tall Derby Bowler Hat
These two types of hats are pretty close in terms of their statement looks. They present a bigger field of vision with a rounded crown and brims. The latter is flatter and broader in the case of bowlers — that’s the main distinguishing feature. A tuxedo with hats of this caliber can be extremely versatile:
- a charcoal suit with a classic striped pattern:
- an elegant black or navy silk tuxedo with a bowler;
- the combination of a violet and black suit and a hat, etc.
Cowboy Hats: For a Western-Inspired Wedding
Source: Double-Breasted Shawl-Collar Wool Tuxedo Jacket & Rodeo 10X Straw Cowboy Hat
This type of headwear seems to shine with casual vibes, but that’s not the only aesthetic value it offers. A tuxedo with cowboy hats will strike a gorgeous balance of chic and elegance without overwhelming your image with formal details. It is a great choice for men who want to look stylish and bold at the same time.
For more ideas on perfecting your formal look, explore our guide on tie colors—an ideal complement to the tuxedo and hat combinations discussed here.
Other Hat Styles for Specific Occasions: Newsboy Caps, Beanies
Source: Cotton-Velvet Tuxedo Jacket & Logo-Appliquéd Monogrammed Canvas Flat Cap
If you wonder what hat goes with a tuxedo if you aren’t restricted by the formal event’s dress code, why not try something different? A newsboy cap is an excellent fashion to elevate the image’s masculinity within the smart-casual lines.
A beanie and a tuxedo is an off-duty style that will work for casual settings as well. On top of bringing out your sophisticated taste, it allows for multiple fashion experiments:
- an olive suit with a light denim shirt, a monochromatic trio of gloves, an overcoat, and a beanie;
- a plaid black and white tuxedo with a navy Henley shirt and a hot yellow or pink beanie, matched with a pair of black leather brogues and a grey overcoat;
- a velvet tuxedo with a bright turtleneck underneath, multilayered with a camel overcoat and paired with grey sneakers;
Matching Your Hat to Your Tuxedo
Source: Virgin Wool-Twill Tuxedo Jacket & Latte Milan Fedora
Selecting what hat to wear with tuxedos becomes a breeze once you know what nuances to pay consideration to. Let’s get straight into the topic.
Color Coordination: Black Hat with Black Tuxedo and So on
Source: Shelton Velvet Tuxedo Jacket & Folklore Flat Brim Hat
A hat with tuxedos doesn’t necessarily have to be a monochromatic ensemble. Variations are possible, especially if you play with unusual choices like beanies for an easy-going and refreshing feel to this formal outfit. Nonetheless, all-black, all-navy, and all-grey looks are worth your appreciation and attention.
Materials Matters: Felt, Straw, Wool
Source: KINGSMAN & Double Bogey Raffia Straw Hat
Felt hats will bring out a Western fashion vine on the surface They stand out in terms of durability and seasonal practicality. In comparison, straw alternatives are lightweight and breathable, nailing it for summer outdoor events. Wool caps are stylish headwear to honor British tradition and adapt your outfit to the chilly climate — a top hat is a great style here.
Tuxedo Style: Peak Lapel, Notch Lapel, Shawl Collar
Source: Cotton-Blend Velvet Tuxedo Jacket & Eureka
Start by analyzing what combo you need — a wedding tuxedo with hats in the Western style or a season- and age-appropriate image for business purposes. Here are a few options to consider:
- A peak lapel tuxedo — upward-pointing lapels are both sharp and traditional accents to pair with black fedoras for an authoritative and classic appearance.
- A notch lapel tuxedo — that’s the suit we are accustomed to seeing on red carpets, namely, the one with a V-silhouetted cut. Bowlers and derbies are worthwhile matches in this case, helping you elaborate on refined images with personalized elements.
- A shawl collar tuxedo — no breaks for rounded and smooth lapels are great for eveningwear. Try this suit in tender colors, including cream and white options with a straw hat for a summery yet sophisticated touch.
Occasion: Formal Events, Weddings, Themed Parties
You can opt for a hat to wear with tuxedos whenever you go — you just need to master the art of handling this combo for formal and smart-casual daily occasions. As a rule, the ideal introduction of such attire will be at weddings, horse races, operas, charity fairs, and themed parties.
Tuxedo with a Hat: Styling Tips and Inspiration
Source: Newport Embroidered Linen and Cotton-Blend Tuxedo Jacket & Pismo Cowboy Hat
Although a tuxedo with hats is a traditional formal attire option for men, you are free to experiment and get inspired by other fashionistas’ creations. Play with colors, textures, and patterns — wear a hat as a harmonious part of the image.
Going out shirtless isn’t something anyone can do, but selecting monochromatic ensembles in pastel or bright hues can turn you into a breakout style star of the event. Jewelry pieces, watches, and other accessories will contribute to your bold button-down look.
Celebrity Examples: Famous Figures Rocking the Tuxedo: Hat Combo
If you wonder how to execute a glorious look, you can get inspired by the outfits stars select for visiting the Grammys and other red carpet events. A hat with tuxedo-wear can be chic and modern with the right style in mind — Terrence Howard, Post Malone, Adal Loreto, Mickey Rourke, Robert Rodriguez, John Osborne, Jeremy O. Harris, George Birge, and many others.
Outfit Ideas: Different Hat Styles for Various Tuxedo Looks
Source: Theobald Cotton Tuxedo Jacket & Classic Derby in Ivory
Your list of options isn’t restricted to a black tuxedo with a black top hat only. You are welcome to experiment with different accessories and styles to make it work and highlight your handsomeness:
- homburgs for extra elegance;
- flat caps for an effortlessly cool look;
- bowlers for those who want to accessorize modern and slim-fit tuxedos;
- fedoras for aficionados of classic accents and polished looks;
- suave panamas to complement your light-tinted suit at a summer party;
- of course, top hats for a chic ensemble.
To make your look ideal, wear the right pair of socks and shoes. Say “no” to casual things — opt for derbies and traditional loafers with formal socks to match your tuxedo.
For a modern twist on classic formalwear, check out our guide on turtle neck suits—a perfect complement to the tuxedo with hat styling tips discussed here.
Dos and Don’ts: What to Avoid When Wearing a Hat with a Tuxedo
Source: Wool Tuxedo Trousers & JW Marshall
From what hat goes with a tuxedo to what suit to put on becomes an unknown area for men interested in rocking this stylish idea. It is a glorious appearance for black-tie and formal events, but knowing how to pull off such a sleek and dapper image comes first:
- Avoid wearing a standard suit. Satin facing on tuxedo trousers and jackets will work exclusively with a silk top hat, for instance, introducing unique charm to your image.
- Stick to time-tested strategies so as not to suffer because of a material hazard you cause by combining too many or unmatchable fabrics within the same outfit. Classic hats can be composed of synthetic materials, wool, and silk, whereas tuxedos come in a greater variety of textiles — rayon, wool, linen, cotton, velvet, and others.
- Other wardrobe elements of your image matter more than it might seem at first. For example, a traditional button-up dress shirt is a must, but it shouldn’t be any piece — a focus on quality and aesthetics is crucial.
- Given the historical perspective, tuxedos and hats when worn together are associated with the black palette of colors. In practice, that shouldn’t necessarily be your case. Why not select an alternative color if it works for the event’s theme? That’s how you modernize the image and make it feel slightly edgy without losing its classic and somewhat vintage appeal.
- While modern settings allow for the use of regular ties for men, it is another story when you combine a tie, hat, and tuxedo within the same outfit. It is better to choose foolproof variants — a bow tie for error-free efficiency.
Common Questions and Expert Answers About Hat with Tuxedo
Source: Satin-Trimmed Wool and Mohair-Blend Tuxedo & Gangster Fedora Hat in Black
As a rule, people are no longer accustomed to wearing a tuxedo with hats of any caliber. That’s why getting to know more in theory before practice is a must. While it is normal to elevate your suit with a hat, caution and attention to detail are needed.
Can you wear a baseball cap with a tuxedo?
Source: Silk Tuxedo & Baseball Cap
Nuances matter in this case. If you are having a party with your friends, where your dress code should be unexpected and intriguing, such controversial combinations may work. However, a baseball cap with a tuxedo can’t be dealt with seriously when it comes to a more formal and fancy event.
What hat goes best with a wedding tuxedo?
Source: Slim-Fit Grain de Poudre Silk Tuxedo & Deluxe White Fedora Hat
Let’s dig into the most common answers to these questions and unwind their genuine power:
- One of the greatest choices is a navy or black homburg. It will introduce more charm to your image and make it less formal.
- Fedoras may be inappropriate because of their too-casual aesthetics. Naturally, that’s not the case when they match the target wedding’s dress code.
- Top hats are more challenging to implement into a harmonious look, especially for guests. Let them shine together with white-tie situations.
Are there any cultural considerations for wearing a hat with a tuxedo?
Source: Hampton Slim-Fit Grosgrain-Trimmed Wool-Twill Tuxedo & JW Marshall Straw Flat Brim Hat
This combination is rather associated with European and British menswear. Although it isn’t a style you will easily see at any event, you can imagine some individuals pulling such an outfit off during formal horse races and weddings. In Jewish tradition, for instance, men say “yes” to their special religious and cultural symbol — a kippah, also known as yarmulke.
A perfect hat is a crucial consideration, and some may be preferred over others — top hats don’t rank high on the list of the most popular designs. Check the target event’s dress code specifics to spot any cultural phenomena to honor and understand whether covering your head is a good idea at all.
Conclusion
Can you wear a hat with a tuxedo? The answer is straightforward, but it isn’t as simple as ABC to wear such images for formal settings. It isn’t that you take any type of hat and tuxedo and put them on together. All the elements of your outfit should match perfectly in terms of size, style, and color.
Follow our guide’s tips and considerations to be a confident user of this outfit idea. Have you ever tried it on? Share your experiences with us in the comments below. Have fun wearing a tuxedo with a hat at your formal event.
