Hats The New Black in Fall Runway Fashion

Did you notice a lot of hats on the fall 2024 runways? Hats never really go out of style, but in the fall of 2024, they came back in a big way. You could say hats were the new hair, with fashion houses like Prada, Altuzarra, and Missoni opting for headwear that ranged from fanciful to sleek and iconic.

Hats have been seen everywhere on the fall runways. It began in New York at Tommy Hilfiger's New York City-themed show, which had plenty of logo-stamped baseball caps and striped beanies. Later, Anna Sui introduced many a statement paperboy cap.

The trend could be part of the resurgence of Y2K fashion when women's and men's hats infiltrated the mainstream. Remember Britney Spears' leather conductor hat at the 2002 MTV Awards? Aguilera also made a statement in a slanted white flat cap. Hats were regularly included as a part of outfits, a sort of look-defining staple for self-expression.

In 2024, we see the love of hats returning with a nod to maximalist trends taking place in the greater world of fashion and design. Colour is key. Prada's hats, for example, were a technicolour wonder in shades of emerald greens, mauves, and chartreuse. The lady-like pillbox also made waves, and we've curated a few of our favourite hats for men and women this season.

Women's Hat: Wool Classic Beatrice

Beatrice is a graceful, understated hat with a rolling brim and stacked crown. Architectural in form but soft in feel, it comes in multiple jewel-toned colours, including maroon, grey, black, and blue. Warm and cozy, this cloche-style cap is made from 100% boiled wool and includes tuckaway ear flaps and a medium-length brim for the right amount of weather protection.

Men's Hat: Nappa 418

In 2024, men's hats reflect simple creativity without being overstated. Case in point, the elegant Nappa 418 comes in a stunning shade of cognac, along with the more classic options of black and brown. Nappa leather is reputed for its water resistance—a must on the rainy west coast! Handmade in Italy with a quilted cotton lining, the Nappa is where comfort and style meet in the world of men's hats.

Women's Hat: Wool Classic Lauren

Inspired by those snazzy, jazzy little pillbox hats, the Canadian hatmaker at Lillie and Cohoe has put a slant on the cuffed pillbox through the judicious use of asymmetry. The result is the Wool Classic Lauren, a modern pillbox style crafted of cozy wool and cashmere with a satin lining that makes it super soft and comfortable while a slant accentuates gorgeous eyes and cheekbones.

Men's Hat: Goorin's Farm Hats

Ballcaps were back this season in a big way—but not just any ballcap. In tune with all things a little bit extra in 2024, celebrities are donning what's been dubbed the premium ballcap. These are ballcaps with extra niceties, exemplified by Goorin's Farm Hat Collection. Look for additional design details like beautifully patterned linings, high-quality fabrics, and a soft cotton twill headband for added comfort.

Unisex Cap: The Wesley

According to @databutmakeitfashion on Instagram, the popularity of cowboy hats soared by 19% online after Beyoncé released the artwork for her song, "Texas Hold' Em," where she dons a black Western-style hat. This look has steeped into the autumn runways and can be captured with classics like the Wesley Fedora, which puts a modern twist on the cowboy classic with a medium brim felt finish and a leather cord accent.

Roxann's Hats of Fort Langley

Hats always have been and always will be about personal expression. In 2024, economic challenges have left more fashion houses and shoppers wondering how to capture self-expression and style in a budget-friendly way. The hat has been a convenient answer, ushering in a new age of expressive headwear—sometimes pragmatic, sometimes outlandish, but always on point.