Ah, summers. As sweltering as this country gets this season, it can be equally fun if you have a host of summer holidays and activities planned that include margaritas by the pool, on the beach or on a boat. While hats were once a norm today, wearing one to your work might attract some eyeballs. If you have been looking for an excuse to wear hats, summer is the perfect season to try one, with sun protection being at the top of the list. 

“Being a tennis fanatic, a five-panel or a visor cap is a default choice for me during summer days especially. A straw hat would be a close second for me as we love going on safari trips,” says designer Sandeep Gonsalves, co-director of the label Sarah & Sandeep. Celebrities too have hat favourites like actors Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio have been seen in flat caps on many occasions. Back home, actor Ranbir Kapoor loves his baseball and five-panel caps too. Even a simple baseball cap can accessorize the most basic look and is always a go-to for bad hair days designer Sarah S. Gonsalves adds. 

The duo shares their insights on how to best wear headgear, and what options are the best to stay practically stylish this summer: 

Baseball and five-panel cap: These best suit a round and an oval face structure. “The brim of the cap shortens a broad forehead and deep crown and gives the face a definition. It is best styled with casual knit t-shirts and a vibrant pair of sneakers,” says Sandeep.  

The Fedora: The proportioned edges and tapers on these mid-century hats provide a certain extra edge to a look. “The hats should be worn at an angle so that the symmetry of the jawline doesn’t break. This kind of hat can be the perfect accessory to linen shirts paired with denim,” suggests Sarah. 

Bucket hat: This classic hat can be styled with a lot of versatility, making it a common choice among all face structures. It helps soften strong and angular structures of a face. It can be paired with any outfit and makes for a great holiday post accessory. 

The Trilby: An elegant and comfortable choice for men who are just beginning to wear hats. It is similar to the fedora and suits those with a rounded jawline.  

Flat cap: A classic, timeless style from Northern England that’s made something of a comeback with the popularity of hit series, Peaky Blinders. The flat structure of the cap is best suited for people with shorter foreheads and round face types. 

Sports visor cap: These help not only with preventing harsh sunlight, but also give an extra ‘breathable’ factor during extensive play and exercise. People with inverted triangle face structures should avoid such kinds of hats, according to Sarah. 

The boater: Named after their historical connection to Venice’s iconic gondola boats, this laidback style shouldn’t be opted for by people that have a round or oval face, as the shape of the hat mirrors the face, adding width. The brim of the hat should be in check as the chin shouldn’t look diminished in comparison.