When it comes to hat fashions, the options seem to be endless: you have sombreros, baseball caps, straw hats, wool hats and so, so much more. In that sea of hat options, you have 2 choices that have not just survived, but have thrived: the Pork Pie fedora hat and the Classic fedora. The two hats fall under the same general family of fedora-style hats, but have some nuanced but crucial differences in how they are worn, who’s wearing them, and the overall style they bring to a look.
In this post, we’re going to dissect the differences between both and see what truly defines the Pork Pie Fedora Hat as well as the Classic Fedora, and how their distinctive elements and sartorial history translate in today’s time.
What Is a Pork Pie Fedora Hat?
The Pork Pie Fedora Hat is a flat-topped, short-brimmed hat with a center crease crown. This style has been popular with a number of subcultures, past and present such as with the jazz musicians, mod scene in 1960s and with street style in present day.
Key Features:
- Flat Crown: The classic fedora has a rounder crown, but the pork pie’s crown is flat and low.
- The Brim is Narrow: Pork pie hats typically have a narrow brim of around 1-2 inches. It is worn with the back brim flipped up and the front brim either flat or downturned.
- Signature Crease: Its signature crease all the way around the crown. This gives a more formal profile, than the traditional fedora.
- Baby Fedora: Porkpie hats are usually smaller and less over-the-top than their fedora cousins.
The Pork Pie Fedora Hat Through History
- Origins: The history of the pork pie hat originally dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and started as more of a working-class style. It took its name from previous hats such as the bowler, but its sharp look and versatility made the pork pie a hit.
- Cultural Phenomenon: A pork pie hat is more than just a hat, it is a cultural icon! Both jazz musicians and entertainers popularized the style, cementing it as a signature in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Contemporary Revival: Modern day, the pork pie hat has undergone a resurgence particularly within alternative fashion communities and with retro-inspired dressers.
What Is a Classic Fedora Hat ?
Hat Style The Classic Fedora, or as it is sometimes referred to, the Fedora, is one of the most universally recognized hat styles. A style that most would consider to be both elegant and versatile, silk is largely associated with old Hollywood, gangster movies, and other dressier events.
Key Features:
- CROWN DIMENTIONS: The vintage style fedora is 4.5 in crown depth and has a 1 3/4 in brim. With an indented crown, it gives you a more modern and unique look.
- Broad Brim: The classic fedora brim width is wider than that of the pork pie hat, generally in 2-3 inches. The brim is traditionally worn down in upturned fashion.
- Tapered in the back: The classic fedora is also more tapered on the sides, for a clean tailored look.
- Soft Stretch: You will be surprised at the customization this fedoras offer in terms of the fit on your head, so you can wear it tilted back or forward. Perfect for casual and more formal occasions.
History of the Classic Fedora
- Origins: The fedora dates back much further, becoming fashionable in the 1890s and being worn by both men and women. The hat was adopted by the upper class, with actresses and royalty choosing it for stylish outfits.
- Hollywood Influence: You couldn’t watch a 1930s or 1940s film without seeing the classic fedora—Donned by silver screen royalty, such as Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant. It was considered a sign of elegance and refinement.
- Modern Times: These days, the fedora is still a sharp and stylish accessory, great for casual and formal occasions alike. It’s very popular in the spring and the autumn, and it is a very stylish option for many different occasions.
Distinctions and Comparisons Pork Pie Fedora to Classic Fedora
Though the two hats are of the same family, there are some core differences in how they are constructed, their aesthetic, and history. Let’s put them head to head:
Shape and Structure
- Pork Pie Fedora Hat: The pork pie hat also has a flat, smaller crown had a crease on top. The crown is lower on your head and the fit is often a bit more snug than the traditional fedora.
- Classic Fedora: The classic fedora is slightly rounded and has a taller crown with a soft pinch on the sides. The crown is a bit taller, so it has an overall more stylish and elegant look.
Brim Width
- Pork Pie Fedora Hat: The brim is narrower, generally between 1 and 2 inches. It typically has a characteristic domed back and dished front.
- Classic Fedora: The classic fedora usually has a wider brim (2 to 3 inches), and is usually worn with the brim turned down a bit.
Style and Fit
- Pork Pie Fedora Hat: The pork pie is generally considered more contemporary and aggressive. It’s commonly seen in more informal settings — with the brim curving either slightly up or flat. It comes in a more tailored, narrower fit.
- Classic Fedora: A classic fedora is usually dressier and more fancy. It is adaptable and suitable for casual and formal wear as well slightly more relaxed fit.
Cultural Significance
- Pork Pie Fedora Hat: The pork pie hat is a shape that has become a fashion statement in the world of street wear, and is now offered in our rain fabrications for Fall/Winter. It is widely appreciated in niche subcultures and regarded as a strong statement.
- Classic Fedora: The classic fedora hat is a traditional men's style of hat that is highly associated with traditional masculinity, old time Hollywood, and formal events. It’s indicative of class, style, and elegance, favored by celebrities, working professionals, and individuals who want something that will be in their wardrobe for years to come.
How Do You Wear a Pork Pie Fedora Hat
The pork pie hat has been adopted by fashion-conscious dressers, particularly those who wish to subtly make a style statement. Below are some styles of wearing the pork pie hat:
- Casual Look: Shirt, jeans, and leather jacket on as a streetwear style with the pork pie.
- Vintage Look: Wear with a patterned blazer or a well tailored coat and embrace a trendy retro look. And it’s especially suited for a 1920s style ensemble.
- Jazz Style: If you’re going for a classic jazz musician look, go with a slim (but not skinny) black suit, a vest, and some spit-shine shoes. The perfect topper will be the pork pie hat.
How to Wear a Classic Fedora
Here, we are showcasing classic fedora styles to suit a more dressier look in your wardrobe, be it casual/formal. Here are some styling tips:
- Semi-Formal: Pair your fedora with a suit and a tie. The cocktail hat sits well with formal wears, bringing added glam factor to your style.
- Casual Aesthetic : Match your fedora with a tailored jacket – or even a sweater – for a look that is more laid back, yet still polished.
- Stylish look : Pair it with a fitted tshirt and a blazer over it, a great way to show off the fedora, and top off your outfit with your favorite cocktail dress, coat, leather jacket, skirt, or high heels.
Which Hat Is Right for You?
Selecting from a pork pie fedora and a traditional fedora depends on your style, the circumstances and the way you prefer to represent yourself.
Pork Pie Fedora Hat:
- Best for: The heady and audacious or anyone who wants a more petite version of the old, edgy hat.
- Occasion: Casual outings, streetwear fashion, vintage events, or art shows.
- Personality: Artistic, trend setter, rock star or individual.
Classic Fedora:
- Best for: Anyone who needs a classic headpieces that goes from casual to formal.
- Occasion: formal meetings, weddings, cocktail parties, etc.
- Personality: Classic, sophisticated and elegant or a traditional man or woman.
FAQ Section
Is it okay to wear a pork pie hat to a formal event?
Although the pork pie hat is usually associated with a more relaxed look, you can wear it with touches of form and fun at semi-formal or with-themed occasions, particularly anything vintage or retro. But for extremely formal affairs, a traditional fedora is your best bet.
How to look after my pork pie fedora?
To preserve the form of your pork pie hat, do not squish down your hat or lay it flat for storage. Store it in a cool, dry location, and dust or dirt gently with a soft brush.
Do women look good in a pork pie fedora?
Yes! The pork pie hat is a style for both men and women, thus far there have been many women who have also taken an interest in the fashionable style. It can be worn multiple ways to fit with a woman’s wardrobe, from a vintage dress to modern street style.
Can only men wear classic fedoras?
Fedoras in the classic sense are actually unisex. Although it's a hat that for many are associated with menswear, women have always worked the fedora in their wardrobe for a more modern and polished look.
How can I tell which fedora looks right on me?
Your head size and personal style should guide your selection of a fedora. A traditional fedora will give you a little more wiggle room while the pork pie hat has a smaller profile and fit. It just comes down to trying them on to see which flatters your head shape and style more.
Can a fedora be worn with casual clothes?
Absolutely! The pork pie fedora and classic fedora can be worn casually with t-shirt and jeans. The trick is to balance the rest of your look to the hat’s elegance.
Conclusion
The Pork Pie Fedora Hat vs the Classic Fedora The Pork Pie Fedora and the Classic Fedora both have deep roots, and along with that comes a strong cultural identity, and when you wear one you’re expressing yourself and what you believe in. The pork pie hat is very bold, compact, modern and not for everyone, while the fedora is a timeless, classic design for both casual and formal wear. Ultimately, the best hat for you is a matter of personal style, the context, and how you want to look.
Whichever hat you choose, both have a certain appeal that can help you to take your outfit to the next level.