A recent study found that 11% of Americans wear hats every day; how crazy is that? Now that summertime is around the corner, it’s time to get your hats ready. After all, hats are a popular accessory this time of year due to their sun-shielding features. However, how do you style a hat? 

Don’t worry, with this guide; you can find out! We’ve investigated it all, from a t-shirt and jeans to a summer dress. That way, you can learn what to wear with your hat today. 

Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s an in-depth look at how to style a cotton hat.

1. T-Shirt and Jeans   

It’s simple, it’s classic, and it can’t be outdone. T-shirts and jeans are the perfect ensemble to wear with a cotton hat. You can throw on a plain tee; graphic t-shirt even go a little bit more formal with an off-the-shoulder design or a polo tee. As for the jeans, you can rock ripped jeans, acid wash jeans, or flared jeans to spice up the outfit.  

You can wear this outfit to the park, to go shopping, or even to a baseball game. It’s so timeless that it works for any casual occasion.   

However, try not to go too overboard with prints and designs. You want the hat to be a statement piece of your outfit. If you try to pull too many designs into one outfit, it will just look chaotic and cluttered. 

So instead, try to make your outfit as simplistic as possible. If you do want to add other accessories besides the hat, add a necklace or a bracelet. 

Sneakers are a popular choice for shoes, next to sandals and boots. Just keep in mind that you want a shoe that will blend in with your outfit rather than stand out, so try to avoid heels, crocs, or dress shoes. That way, your outfit works together as a cohesive piece. 

2. A Crop Top and Jean Shorts  

If you love the classic t-shirt and jeans combination but not the summer heat, don’t worry; we have another option for you. Just throw on a crop top and jean shorts instead. It’s the same concept, except with a crop top and shorts, you’re able to be more active and stay cooler during the summer season. 

If you want to have fun with the outfit, you can tie a jacket around your waist to add extra detail and dimension to your attire. You can even accessorize your outfit by adding large earrings or a necklace. 

For shoes, wear sneakers, flip flops, crocs, or even sandals. Wear more casual shoes rather than boots or heels since more of your leg will be showing. Casual shoes will blend into your outfit, whereas loud boots or heels will take attention away from your hat.  

3. A Tank and Cargo Pants  

People often complain that jeans are too tight and constricting. If you don’t like tight-fitting clothes, then this styling option is certainly for you. Try pairing your hat with a large tank and baggy cargo pants. It’s not only comfortable, but it will help you be able to move around since you’re not uncomfortable all the time. Plus, lets talk about the pockets. Cargo pants are known for their many pockets which will help you store many items that you’ll need for a summertime activity. 

For example, you can put sunglasses, your wallet, phone, as well as chapstick, and a insect repellent in your pockets. Depending on how deep the pockets are, you might be able to carry an on-go the sunscreen and even a compact foldable towel. Being able to store many items can be a great asset when you’re at the beach, fishing, or out with friends.  

Not to mention, it’s great for work as well. The hat will also be able to protect you from the sun and act as a great heat shield. 

As for shoes, this outfit looks better with more casual shoes than with formal footwear. Try to wear shoes like sneakers, sandals, or crocs. After all, this outfit is meant for efficient activity, so wear shoes you know you can easily move around in. 

4. Overalls with a Plain Tee

Overalls are the perfect working outfit to wear out and about. Whether you’re working out on the farm or cruising in the countryside, they are great for the summer weather. All you need to do is pair your overalls with a plain tee, and you’re good to go. 

Since the blue denim allows the hat to stand out, you don’t have to worry about your clothing clashing. For shoes, you can wear anything you want, whether it be crocs, boots, sneakers or sandals. 

Overalls go with it all, so don’t be shy to rock a pair or two every once and a while. They’ll showcase your rustic and country lifestyle while maintaining a chic look.  

5. Wear a Solid Color Outfit with Complementary Color Hat

Simplistic styling is key when wearing any hat with colors. To let the hat stand as the centerpiece of your outfit, wear an entire outfit of a solid color. Meaning you can wear a brown top and khaki pants, or a blue t-shirt and denim shorts; just make sure they are the same color. 

Then add a complementary color hat to add depth and dimension to your outfit. You could add a blue hat to your brown outfit or a black hat to your blue outfit. The idea here is to play with colors to make your outfit more interesting and pleasing to the eye. 

However, when you’re settling on an outfit choice, try to think ahead about how the color will impact you. You see, black is widely considered to be one of the worst colors to wear during the summertime due to its ability to absorb heat. 

So before you wear black, consider if you’re going to be comfortable in the heat. Whereas white is great to wear to in summer heat; however, it’s easily stainable and can be sheer if wet.  

Try to play with colors like green, blue, red, and grey. Make an outfit out of the clothes you have simply by their colors, then pair it with a hat that stands out like our YNOT hat

6. Sleeveless Hoodie and Gym Shorts  

Are you looking for a more sporty look? Well, look no further than a sleeveless hoodie and a pair of gym shorts. You can easily be active in these breathable and comfortable pieces.

Now, if a sleeveless hoodie makes you uncomfortable, you can wear a breathable tank top or a mesh shirt. The point of these items is they should be loose, stretchy, and athletic wear items that you can do almost anything it. 

With these clothing items, you can garden, mow the lawn or take up running. But wait, there’s more, you could enjoy the summer by playing a game of basketball, football, or going to the beach. 

These items, paired with a rodeo ball cap, make for the perfect summer activity outfit. They shield you from the sun while maintaining a maximum range of motion so you can do anything you want. 

Some gym shorts have anti-chafing technology as well as reflective mechanics that will help you be seen at night. That way, whether you’re working day or night, you are protected. 

7. Shirt and Bike Shorts   

Another sporty look you can rock is a long t-shirt with a pair of bike shorts and, of course, your hat. This sporty look is perfect for working out or completing a strenuous activity; however that doesn’t mean it’s not trendy. With the hype of bike shorts on the rise, more people are wearing them to go out to the stores or to run errands.  

That means they’re great for any summertime activity. Since they allow you to move without chafing, you can move freely without any pain or discomfort. Some bike shorts even come with padding, which can help those that like to go on long bike rides in the summer.  

As for shoes, you should wear sneakers, crocs, sandals, or even flip-flops. Any type of casual shoe will go great with this look.  

If you want to spice up your outfit, you can wear large earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet. Just try not to go overboard. 

This casual outfit is supposed to be casual, simple, and understated. If you add too many accessories, it can overpower the outfit and make it look cluttered.  

8. A Shirt and Leggings  

If you don’t like the shortness of bike shorts, don’t worry, we have another option for you. Instead of wearing gym shorts or bike shorts, wear leggings. With the increasing demand for athleisure wear, there are many different types of leggings fit for every body type and exercise duration. 

You can find yoga leggings, capris leggings, wide-leg leggings, and so much more. Pair your leggings with a long t-shirt and your hat, and you’re ready to go. Your hat will shield you from the sun, while your leggings will help with your body’s temperature control. 

For shoes, any casual footwear will work. That means you can wear sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, or even crocs. Now, this outfit is perfect for any casual occasion, including running errands, working out, and even gardening. 

9. A Summer Dress 

What better way to dress in the summer than with a flowy summer dress? To ensure you stay cool in the sweltering heat, the dress should be mid-length or shorter.   

Generally, summer dresses are worn with a floppy hat; however, a rodeo ball cap adds a sporty aesthetic that’s perfect for the summertime. So put that floppy hat aside and pull out one of your old ball caps to maintain a trendy appearance. 

Now, try not to clash the styles between the design of the dress and the colors of the hat. Instead, try to match the dress and even your shoes, if possible, to the colors of the hat. That way, your outfit flows from head to toe.  

For example, if your dress is white, select a white hat like the all-white rough stock flatbill from our YNOT shop. It will make your outfit look more cohesive and less like you threw on a hat just because. 

For shoes, you can wear either casual sneakers or dress it up with a pair of wedges. If you want to accessorize your outfit a little more, pull out a fun pair of sunglasses or a long necklace. Just don’t forget to put on your hat; it serves not only as a great accessory but as sun protection in the warmer months.  

Use These Outfits To Learn How to Style a Cotton Hat Today  

Styling a cotton hat can be challenging, but thanks to this guide, you have a little cheat sheet. Start with a t-shirt and jeans, and slowly make adjustments from there.

If you are too hot, wear a crop top and some jean shorts or a tank and some cargo pants. If you want to be active, pair your hat with overalls, a sleeveless hoodie and a pair of gym shorts, or a shirt and bike shorts. 

You can even dress it up with a summer dress. The possibilities are endless, so be creative with your wardrobe and have fun with your styling. We at YNOT are here to help inspire you to live your best life. 

To check out cotton hats and more ideas for men’s and women’s outfits, shop today. We look forward to helping you!

May 17, 2022 — Ashlie Abbott

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.