Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I read an article recently that men's hats are making a comeback? Is that true?

Signed,

Lidded Lad

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Dear L.L.,

When did men's hats go out of style? In one version or another, hats have been a stead-fast accessory for men (and women) since time immemorial. Most fashion archivist would agree that hats were created out of necessity, primarily to keep the head cool and protected. However, today's use of hats is one part fashion, one part function with an emphasis on the fashion portion.

The resurgence you and the article are probably pointing towards is the rise in male celebrities topping off their outfits as of late for identity protection and of course, the cool factor. Remember Ashton Kutcher's obsession with trucker hats in 2003? Legions of fans took to the cap craze like lemmings to an Ed Hardy-Von Dutch sea. Today, the only persons not aware of its decline in popularity seems to be the cast of 'Jersey Shore'.

Today's trendy topper for men is the fedora which can currently be seen on just about every major male celeb, with Justin Timberlake, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and Hugh Jackman leading the pack. Other popular styles to not go unmentioned include: the pub cap, the newsboy cap, the ivy "driving" cap, the porkpie and of course, the baseball cap. (A hat glossary below will help you identify any styles you can't remember off the top of your head.)

Most of the hats mentioned are currently in the fashion queue, but each style remains only as popular as its captive audience. Even if the style you settle on isn't in-style according to Hollywood at the moment, it doesn't matter. Once you find the style that suits you best, you come to realize that hats can dress up or down any outfit; can be worn year around, keeping your head cool in the summer and warm in the winter; and with so many variations in the form of styles, materials and design flourishes, its nearly impossible to not find one that suits you. Hats are like a cup of coffee on the go: although you're fine without one, its always best to put a lid on it.

This website is great for its extensive and affordable hat selection, but also its "Hat University" which not only provides a glossary of hats, but a sizing chart, a section on care, cleaning and even has a section for hat etiquette. Consider this your guide to putting your best fit forward.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com