What to Look for in a Quality Hat for Men
If you’ve ever stood in front of a rack of hats and thought, “Why are some of these $15 and others $50?”—you’re not alone. But not all hats are created equal, and when it comes to choosing one that fits your lifestyle, the details make all the difference.
Whether you're heading into the mountains, spending a weekend at the lake, or just want something that holds up better than a fast-fashion impulse buy. This guide will help you understand what really makes a quality hat for men.
Fit Comes First
One of the easiest ways to tell a good hat from a bad one? Fit. A well-fitting hat should feel secure without being tight and sit just right without needing constant adjustments.
- Low profile hat: These sit lower on the head and work great for a more understated look. Explore our Low Profile Hats for styles that won’t overwhelm your face.
- Mid and high profile hats: These offer more room and structure—especially great for taller crowns or trucker-style fits. Our Trucker Hats include both mid- and high-profile options.
- Adjustable closures: Snapbacks and strapbacks ensure a better fit over time, and allow one-size-fits-most flexibility.
If you're unsure where to start, the Mountain Hats collection includes bestsellers in each category.
Materials That Go the Distance
A quality hat is built to last, not just look good on Day One.
- Cotton/polyester blends: Lightweight, breathable, and durable—perfect for mountain towns and summer days.
- Performance fabrics: Our Water Resistant Hats use nylon and poly mesh that dries fast and holds up to the elements.
- Corduroy: An underrated favorite. Rich texture, high durability, and a classic look you can wear all fall. Check out our Corduroy Flat Bill Hats for more.
Also pay attention to how the hat is made—reinforced stitching and structured panels make all the difference when it comes to long-term wear.
Style that Matches Your Life
We’re not about trendy gimmicks. A great hat for men should feel timeless, with just enough personality to reflect your style.
- Leather patch hat: Clean, bold, and built for guys who value design with meaning. Our Leather Patch Mountain Hats are handcrafted in Colorado and stitched (not glued) to last.
- Flat bill hat vs curved bill: Flat bills like those in our Flat Bill Hats collection offer a more modern vibe, while curved bills are traditional and go with everything.
- Subtle, earthy colors: Navy, charcoal, olive, and tan—versatile shades that can go from trailhead to downtown without skipping a beat.
Weather-Ready Performance
From sun to rain to the unexpected swim, a great hat has your back.
- UPF-rated materials like those on the Richardson 256 rope hat (as seen on our Mountain West) offer sun protection without bulk.
- Water-resistant brims and crowns: Our Rope Hat Snapbacks are a favorite for lake days and paddleboarding.
- Breathable backs: Mesh keeps things ventilated. Look for hats in our Water Resistant Trucker Hats collection if airflow matters to you.
Signature Craftsmanship
At Outer Wings, every hat starts with intention. Our leather patch hats are more than a logo—they're a badge of adventure.
- Real leather: We laser engrave every patch ourselves, using genuine veg-tanned leather for a timeless look.
- Stitched by hand in Colorado: No shortcuts here—our hats are built for those who live their lives outdoors.
- Clean design: We avoid loud branding so the details can speak for themselves. Just check out our best-selling Lost Pine Hat.
Three Outer Wings Hats That Nail It
1. American Flag Hat (Richardson 115)
A patriotic leather patch hat on a durable Low profile trucker. Breathable mesh back, curved brim, and classic everyday fit.
🛒 Shop the American Flag Hat
2. Mountain West (Richardson 256)
Our go-to for summer hikes and bluebird days. Lightweight, breathable, and features a flat bill with rope detail and water-resistant fabric.
🛒 Shop the Mountain West Hat
3. Lost Pine (Richardson 115)
A favorite for low-profile fans, this hat has our compass pine design on real leather and is offered in both Small and M/L sizing.
🛒 Shop the Lost Pine Hat
Ready to Find Your Fit?
When you’re ready to upgrade from average, we’re here for it.
👉 Explore our best leather patch hats for summer
👉 Shop breathable rope hats
People Also Ask
What makes a good quality hat?
A combination of comfortable fit, durable fabric, breathable construction, and thoughtful design. Real leather patches and stitching matter too.
Are leather patch hats worth it?
Absolutely. They offer a premium, rugged style that holds up over time—especially when sewn (not glued) onto high-quality hats.
Which hat style is best for outdoor activities?
Trucker hats with mesh backs or rope hats with water-resistant fabric, like our performance-focused Imperial Rope Hats.
