Bowler Hat Vs Fedora. The Difference (With Pictures)

The hat is a perfect stylish addition to your wardrobe makes you stand out from the crowd. Designed to protect your head from the scorching heat of the sun, hats are known for their excellent stylish appeal. But the most prominent question that arises concerning the hat is how to identify the type?

One such contrast is linked to Bowler hat vs. Fedora Hat. However, one can easily identify which is which by just having a closer look, but for those who do not know the structure identifying the difference might be difficult.

So, let us explore the difference by comparing the Bowler hat vs. Fedora and see which hat is more suited for which occasion.

The Main Difference

Comparing and contrasting the Bowler hat vs. Fedora starts with understanding these hats’ features, structure, style, and material. So, the main difference between the Bowler hat and Fedora hat is as follows:

Difference 1: Material Used

Fedoras are designed from felt, leather, or various straws ranging from paper braid to actual seagrass. At the same time, the Bowler hat is designed from hard felt. Additionally, organic straw, straw mixed with other textiles, natural fabrics, and synthetic textiles are also used to make Bowler hats.

Difference 2: Structure And Style

The crown of a fedora is 4.5 inches deep, and the brim is 2.5 inches wide. Brims can be made with considerably more breadth. Both the front and back of the crown are pinched, and the top has a dent inward. The majority of fedoras have a wide grosgrain hatband. A bowler hat has a slightly elevated brim and a rounded crown. The height of the crown is approximately 5 inches. A leather band is sewed onto the hat’s interior, where it hits the forehead, to complete the look.

Which One Is More Formal, Bowler Hat or Fedora?

The debate of Bowler hat vs. Fedora hat is linked to finding which hat is more formal. While the origin of both hats suggests that these hats are designed for semi-formal to formal events, it is important to know which is a more appropriate option.

The Bowler hat is considered a formal hat was worn by businessmen, financial officials, and other city gents from the initial time. Additionally, this hat has been worn by Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Choreographer Bob Fosse, Laurel and Hardy, and various others.

So, if you are looking for a perfect formal hat that is classic and elegant, then the bowler hat is indeed the best choice to make.

What Is a Bowler Hat?

A bowler hat is characterized by a rounded crown and slightly elevated brims. It’s suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions. It is a descendant of Tophat and is sometimes referred to as the latter’s cousin. These hats became so closely identified with horse racing that they earned the ‘Derby.’

These hats are usually tight-fitted. Bowler hats were first popular among working-class men, but by the 1900s, they had evolved into an unofficial uniform for businesspeople, traders, financiers, and bankers. These, however, fell out of favor in the 1970s and are currently highly stylish.

Amazing facts About Bowler Hat

• The bowler hat, also known as a billycock, bob hat, bombin (Spanish), or derby, is a type of headgear worn by men (United States),
• It’s a hard-felt hat with a rounded crown first designed in 1849 by London hatmakers Thomas and William Bowler.
• Charlie Chaplin donned a bowler hat to his morning attire as part of his’ Little Tramp’ character.
• The brims of bowler hats are slightly elevated upwards.
• The brim is 2 inches broad, and the crown is shallow and rounded.
• A grosgrain ribbon is generally wrapped around the crown.
• Female British police officers also use Bowler hats as part of their outfits.

What Is a Fedora?

The soft brim and pinched crown are two of the most distinctive elements of a Fedora. Apart from that, the crown height is 4.5 inches, and the crown dents vary depending on the Fedora style. In addition, despite its softness, the brim is very large, measuring 2.5 inches across. The top crown is offered in open, center dent, round, or teardrop shapes.

Fedoras can be made out of wool or wool substitutes such as cashmere or felt and summer textiles such as cotton, linen, or hemp. The Fedora hat is commonly made of felt.

Amazing facts About Fedora Hat

• In late-19th-century France, it was a hat worn by females.
• The Prince of Wales donned a Fedora for the first time in 1924, and it immediately became a masculine fashion standard.
• A ribbon or even a bow is almost always present on the crown of a man’s fedora.
• A snap brim is typical of fedoras.
• Fedora hats are available in three different edges: raw, folded, and ribbon.
• Wool and its alternatives, like cashmere, are the most popular fabric for Fedoras.
• One of Fedora’s best qualities is that it’s quite practical.

Bowler Hat vs Fedora

Comparison Properties	Bowler Hat	Fedora
Uses (for)	These hats are more linked to formal events but used for semi-formal too.	It’s suitable for both formal and semi-formal events.
Ideal For	It was used by businessmen, traders, and others and eventually started as unisex hats.	It began with a concentration on women, but as time went on, it extended to include men.
Distinct Feature	It has a shallow round crown, a wide brim, and .a grosgrain ribbon around the crown.	It has a ribbon around the crown and a bow on the side.
Gained Popularity	It gained popularity in the mid-1800s when professionals started using it.	In the 1800s, it was very popular among women.
Material Used	It is mainly made from hard-felt fur but can be made from other breathable materials.	It’s made of wool, cashmere, cotton, linen, or hemp.
Belongs To	It was designed by the London hat-makers Thomas and William Bowler.	It’s a piece of headgear that caught the eye at a show in France.
Types and Styles	There are no specific types and styles of this hat.	This hat isn’t produced in a certain style, but it uses traditional methods.
Weather	It is best for all seasons but preferred for winters.	It’s a hat for all seasons, but it’s especially useful in colder climates.
Care and Maintenance	It is easy to maintain and can be hand washed at home only.	It’s really simple to look after and maintain.
Foldability	Since it is made from hard felt, it is difficult to fold.	In comparison to other hats, these are simple to fold.
Fit	These hats are comparatively tight as they are linked to the formal look.	These hats offer a tighter fit for a more professional appearance.

What Are Bowler Hats for?

Bowler hats are best for casual or semi-formal situations like horse racing and everyday use. It was initially worn by businessmen, traders, financiers, and bankers as a part of their attire and was popular for a formal look. These can be worn by both men and women, and they come in a variety of styles and colours. However, as the popularity of this hat has waned over time, these are becoming harder to come by. Known to suit both the casual and formal look, this hat is a perfect headgear for various occasions.

What Are Fedora for?

Fedoras are quite popular as a formal and appealing hat. Fedoras are appropriate for both formal and informal occasions. As a result, these are created of attractive and costly materials to complement the occasion. They look great with tuxedos and elegant outfits. To provide adequate shade, Fedora’s wide brim is pulled lower towards the front. These hats offer a complementing look to the entire formal outfit. Additionally, Fedoras are usually decorated with a ribbon which makes them a great choice for casual to semi-casual occasions.

The Best Bowler Hat

The Best Fedora

Final Thoughts

Bowler and Fedora hats have an antique look to them. They’re appropriate for both formal and semi-formal occasions. These hats are designed to provide the wearer a traditional and beautiful look while remaining extremely comfortable and lightweight. If you’re going to an exceedingly affluent event, both are appropriate, but the bowler hat is preferable. If you want to go for a more informal and retro style, though, a fedora hat is the way to go. If you attend to the Derby races, you might even blend in by wearing a bowler. Because fashion is always changing, don’t be afraid to give these a try; you never know, you might be the one to bring them back.