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Hat Anatomy: Crown, Brim, and Shapes Explained
Discover the key shapes, measurements, and proportions that define hats.
A hat is crafted from two essential parts that define its character and style: the crown and the brim. The crown, sitting atop, is where the hat comfortably meets the head, coming in a range of shapes and proportions that add unique personality to the piece. Encircling the crown, the brim stretches outward, with its width carefully chosen to suit the style it is designed to embody. Together, the crown and brim form a harmonious silhouette, each detail enhancing the hat's distinctive allure.
BRIM SIZE
Ranging from narrow to extra-wide, the brim dimension is a fundamental element of the hat, as it establishes the harmony and balance of the entire piece.
BRIM EDGE
RAW: left irregular and rough, showcasing the natural texture of the felt as it comes from the mill.
CUT: clean and sharp for a polished appearance.
GROS-GRAIN: with "à la française" finishing for an elegant and distinctive look.
INTERNAL FEATURES
How to choose a hat by face shape
Oval and long faces the fedora is your piece. Opt for a fedora hat with its classic, sharp, and slim crown: it flatters the natural symmetry of oval faces and balances the vertical proportions of long ones, adding timeless style to both. Explore our fedora collection are a good place to start. And if you love taking your hat everywhere, our hobo collection is the must-have travel companion built to fold, pack, and go with you on the road
Square faces a teardrop crown is the natural pick. Its strong, well-structured design complements a squared jawline, sharpening your silhouette rather than softening it. Explore the teardrop crown collection.
Round faces lengthen with taller crowns and asymmetry. A fedora with a pinched crown and medium-to-wide brim adds angle and structure. Start with our fedoras or the sculptural Aureola Axe.
Still unsure? Measure your head circumference with our size guide and, when in doubt, go half a size up drawstring-adjustable hats give you room to fine-tune.
Hat care basics
A well-kept hat lasts a lifetime. Three habits cover 90% of the care a SUPERDUPER hat needs:
Handle by the brim edges, not the crown. Repeated pinching on the same spot will deform the crown over time. When you take it off, set it crown-down on a flat surface — or upside-down on its brim if the brim is wide enough to rest on.
Store away from damp heat. Felt and straw hate humidity plus heat. Keep hats away from radiators, car dashboards, and bathroom steam. A hat box or a breathable shelf is ideal.
Brush, don't wash. For felt, a soft brush in the direction of the nap lifts dust and light stains. For straw, a slightly damp cloth is enough. Never submerge a hat in water unless the care label explicitly allows it.
Read more on our craft and the philosophy behind it in our Making Manifesto.
Ready to find yours? Shop by shape.
Every SuperDuper hat is handcrafted in Florence. Explore the shapes you just read about.
Fedora Shop all fedoras
Teardrop Shop all teardrops
Cattleman / Western Shop all western
Frequently asked questions
What is the crown of a hat?
The crown is the top part of the hat that rests on the head. Its shape — fedora, teardrop, cattleman, or round — defines the hat's personality and silhouette.
What is the brim of a hat?
The brim is the horizontal section that extends outward from the base of the crown. Its width (narrow, medium, wide) shapes both the style and the amount of shade the hat provides.
What are the main hat crown shapes?
The four most common crown shapes are fedora (pinched front), teardrop (tapered drop at the top), cattleman (flat-topped, western-inspired), and round (smooth dome). Each suits different face shapes and occasions.
How do I choose the right brim size?
Wider brims balance larger or rounder faces and offer more sun protection. Narrower brims suit smaller faces and more formal silhouettes. Medium brims are the most versatile.
What are the parts of a hat called?
A hat has four core parts: crown (top), brim (outer edge), sweatband (inner ring around the head), and lining. Decorative elements like hatbands and bows are optional.
What is a hat brim edge?
The brim edge is how the outer rim is finished — raw (cut), rolled, bound in ribbon, or stitched. The edge style affects both the hat's silhouette and its durability.
Which hat shape suits my face?
Oval and long faces pair well with fedora crowns and medium-to-wide brims. Square faces are best balanced by a teardrop crown, whose strong, well-structured design complements a squared jawline. Round faces lengthen with taller crowns and medium-to-wide brims.
Are SUPERDUPER hats handmade?
Yes. Every SuperDuper hat is crafted in our Florence atelier by artisan hatmakers, using traditional blocking and finishing techniques. Read our Making Manifesto to learn more.