Fedora Crown Shapes Guide
When shopping for a fedora, many people only want to focus on the brim. After all, the fedora’s brim can come in many different styles, yet it is an integral part of the classic hat’s signature look. However, a fedora’s crown is just as important. And, contrary to popular belief, there are many different fedora crown shapes to choose from.
So, what are some of the most popular fedora crown shapes available to consumers? How do crowns affect the look and feel of a fedora? Finally, where can you find high-quality fedoras with a wide range of crown shapes?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at exactly what function a hat crown serves.
What Are Hat Crowns?
A crown functions as the “body” of your hat. This is true of any kind of hat, including fedoras. When you put on a fedora, the crown is the part that covers the top of your head. Crown variations not only change the way your hat looks, but they also change how it feels to wear.
There are a wide variety of fedora crown options, but when it comes to the height of the crown, there are essentially only two types: the High Crown Fedora and the Low Crown Fedora. As the name implies, the High Crown Fedora is a tall crown fedora hat, with a body that sits higher off of the top of the head. Tall fedora hats are larger and, therefore, easily draw the eye.
Alternatively, the Low Crown Fedora is a short fedora hat that sits much closer to the top of the head. This can draw more attention to the brim and is often a more casual look. In any case, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. Some fedora owners prefer high crowns while others prefer low ones. It’s completely up to you!
However, the options don’t just stop with the crown height. There are also unique styles related to the overall shape, as well as the individual indentations on the crown. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular and distinctive fedora crown shapes and styles!
Open Crown Fedora
The open crown fedora is, in many ways, the standard crown shape for a fedora hat. Why? Because these crowns are completely round and unchanged from their original shape. The round crown fedora has become a popular option for both men and women in recent years, as it can be worn as is or reshaped to suit your preferences.
At Bellissimo Hats, we offer several open crown fedoras, including the Alpha Long Hair Fedora. Unlike most fedoras, the Alpha features long, soft fur felt that can keep your head comfortable and warm. However, open crown fedoras come in many different styles, so even if you don’t want a long-hair fedora, you still have plenty of options at your disposal.
Telescope Crown Fedora
Like the open crown, the telescope has a round boundary at the base of the crown where it meets with the brim. However, the top of the telescope crown is very different. It features a flat top and a telescope crease, which forms a flared edge at the top of the hat. Telescope crown fedoras can have a wide range of brim options.
Additionally, the telescope crown is not just limited to a flat top or a completely symmetrical shape. For example, the Black Stud Fedora and Fox Fedora feature flared edges on both sides of the crown, as well as a telescope crease that covers the entire crest of the hat. These asymmetrical telescopic creases are especially common in fedoras, whereas symmetrical, linear creases are more common in the Pork Pie Hat.
Teardrop Crown Fedora
The teardrop crown fedora (sometimes written as “tear drop crown”) is one of the most distinctive and popular options of all fedora crown styles. Often known as the C crown, the teardrop crown fedora has a deep crease on the top of the crown, with the pointed area of the crease at the front of the hat. Most teardrop crowns also feature side indentions for ease of handling.
The front of the crown often descends at an angle in the front, giving the teardrop fedora an even more unique look. The teardrop design can be combined with relatively low crown hats, like the Duke Fedora, or relatively high crown hats, like the Jones Fedora. Similar to the telescope crown, teardrops can also work well with different kinds of brims (turned up, turned down, flat, wide, etc).
Diamond Crown Fedora
The diamond crown fedora combines features of both the telescope and teardrop crowns. The crown retains the telescopic crease around the top edge. However, rather than having a teardrop shape, the body and crest of the crown are shaped like a diamond, with extended points at the front and back of the hat. Most diamond crown fedoras do not have any side indentions, and unlike the vast majority of fedoras, the front of the crown rests higher than the back.
The diamond crown fedora has been around for decades, though its popularity has increased in recent years due to its inherent versatility. The prominent crown and stingy brims make it a simple addition to most outfits, particularly for men. It can accompany you at both casual and formal events, making it one of the most adaptable fedora crown designs.
Center Dent Fedora
The center dent (or “centerdent”) fedora is aptly named, as it features a long, thin dent along the center of the crown. Consequently, the pinched crown has high edges on either side, as well as side indentions. The center dent is commonly used with wide, slightly descended crowns. However, they are versatile enough to work with various features and brim sizes.
For example, El Cap Fedora features the signature pinched crown with a beautiful band and 3” raw-edge brim. Alternatively, The Gent Fedora comes with a feather adornment and flat brim. Finally, the NYC by Bellissimo is notable for its stingy, 1 5/8" brim.
Cattleman Crown Fedora
The cattleman crown fedora comes in many different shapes and sizes, though it is commonly associated with more traditional “cowboy” hats, despite some prominent differences. Unlike the famous 10-gallon hat, the cattleman’s hat is generally smaller and more refined, with a distinct cattleman crease along the center of the crown.
The cattleman hat shape is distinctive for its deep crease and high edges along each side. In essence, the cattleman’s hat features a stronger version of the standard center dent crown. Additionally, most cattleman crown fedora’s are complemented by large brims that turn upwards at the sides.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, fedoras come in many different shapes and sizes. While it is easy to get caught up in the exact shape and size of the brim, fedora crown shapes are equally important. In fact, the design of your fedora crown can have just as much impact on the visual appeal and comfort of your hat as the brim. So, the next time you’re shopping for a fedora, make sure to keep the shape of the crown in mind!
We hope you found this fedora crown shapes guide useful! If you’d like to buy a high-quality fedora hat to add to your collection, be sure to check out Bellissimo Hats today!