We’ve all been there: You spot a hat that looks perfect on the shelf, but ten minutes after putting it on, your forehead starts itching, your scalp gets sweaty, or you’re suddenly way too cold. The truth is, the material of a hat is just as important as the style.
So no matter if you’re looking for a breezy straw hat for your next beach trip or for a warm beanie for your next winter hike, the fabric will be the determining factor of how long your hat will last and how comfortable you’ll feel wearing it. Choosing the right hat material is the secret to finding a piece of headwear you’ll actually want to wear every day.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common — and a few unique — materials we use, so you can find the perfect fit for your next adventure (and all the ones that follow).
Winter Warmth: The Beanie Breakdown
When the temperature drops, a beanie quickly becomes your best friend — we all know that. But not all knits are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
Cashmere Beanies
If you’re after the softest feel possible, this is the one to choose. While they’re on the pricier side, cashmere beanies are incredibly lightweight yet impressively warm. Unlike some wools that can feel itchy, cashmere feels like a second skin — so comfortable you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it.
Wool Beanies
For colder days, wool delivers warmth you can rely on. As a natural insulator, it keeps you warm even if it gets slightly damp from snow or rain. That said, it can sometimes feel a bit itchy, which is why many wool beanies include a soft lining for added comfort against the skin.
Performance Blend Beanies
Acrylic, polyester and nylon are the daily drivers. Blending these materials is a smart, cost-effective way to create a hat that’s durable, flexible, and easy to care for — something you can toss in the washing machine without stressing about shrinkage, stretching, or losing its shape.
The synthetic blends also tend to be easier to dye by the manufacturer, offering a variety of different colors, without the fear that it will fade after washing it.
Summer Classics Sun Hats & Straws
Summer hats need to do two things: block the sun and let your head breathe. And you can get both right here at Hat Attack.
Raffia & Straw Sun Hats
Raffia and straw sun hats are the gold standards for airflow. Raffia is a natural fiber that’s strong but flexible, while standard straw gives you that classic, structured summer look. Both raffia and straw get a big thumbs up for hot summer days, as they’re breathable and provide you with a classic warm weather textured look.
Panama Straw Sun Hats vs. Paper Straw Sun Hats
A true Panama Hat is a labor of love, hand-woven from the fibers of the Toquilla palm. Our Panama hats are hand-blocked in our Stamford, Connecticut factory. Here are some additional benefits that come from choosing a Panama Straw hat:
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Breathability: Because it’s a natural leaf fiber, it offers the best air circulation, keeping you significantly cooler in warmer temperatures.
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The feel: It is incredibly lightweight and has a distinct, organic texture that only gets better the more you wear it.
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Investment piece: A high quality Panama strat hat is a classic staple designed to last for many summers to come.
Paper straw, as a substitute for Panama straw, is surprisingly tough given its name. The Paper straw we use for our sun hats is treated to be both strong and flexible. Here are some benefits to choosing a Paper Straw Hat:
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Packable: This is the biggest win for paper straw. While some natural fibers can be brittle and crack, our Paper Straw sun hats are packable, meaning you can tuck them into your suitcase for your travels. Once you arrive, lay their brim flat on a table and they’ll adjust back into their original shape within the day.
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Consistent style: Because paper straw is machine-woven, it offers a very clean, uniform look with consistent colors that match any summer outfit perfectly.
Pro Tip: Which one should you choose?
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Go with Panama Straw if you want a premium, breathable hat for a summer wedding or a garden party.
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Go with Paper Straw if you need a reliable, stylish hat that you can pack in your suitcase without a second thought.
Cotton Canvas and Linings
Cotton sun hats or ones with a cotton lining are perfect for soaking up sweat and feel much softer against your forehead than raw straw. Additionally, they come in all sorts of colors and patterns, as they’re easy to dye.
Fall-Favorites: Hand-Blocked Felt Elegance
When a gentle summer breeze shifts into crisp fall winds and brings a few falling leaves along, you’ll want a hat that can handle sudden changes — or even a light drizzle.
For our fall collection, we focus on hand-blocked styles made right here in the USA. Hand-blocked means the hat is shaped by hand over a mold, ensuring that it holds its silhouette beautifully for years.
Wool Felt: The Classic Structured Choice
Wool felt is a sturdy, reliable cousin of rabbit fur. It’s made of sheep’s wool that has been pressed and steamed into dense, durable fabric.
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Holds it shape
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Offers excellent insulation: it’s a bit thicker than fur felt, which provides a cozy layer of warmth for truly crisp autumn mornings.
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Durable: since it’s naturally resilient, it makes for the perfect hat for daily wear through the entire season.
Everyday Caps: Versatile Styles for the Entire Season
Caps are the ultimate accessory. Here’s how we change the materials to fit your day.
Polyester and cotton caps
Polyester and cotton baseball caps are the daily driver. This blend is breathable, durable and holds its shape even through constant wear.
Paper and cotton lining caps
Caps made of paper and cotton lining are the cool summer twist you’ve been waiting for. Get the airy look of straw on the outside, and breathable cotton lining on the inside.
Wool and Polyester Caps for Fall
Your favorite fall caps are made from wool and polyester. This blend will add a layer of warmth for chilly mornings without feeling bulky or heavy.
Faux Fur Caps
Faux fur baseball caps are perfect for adding a touch of bold style to any outfit. This trendy polyester fabric is all about the soft and fuzzy texture to complete your favorite streetwear look.
Unique Textures: The Statement Makers
Sometimes, a standard fabric isn't enough—you want a hat that people will actually ask you about. These "statement" materials are all about tactile comfort and bold style.
Faux Fur Bucket Hats
The bucket hat is back in a big way, and faux fur takes it to the next level. It’s incredibly soft, lightweight, and gives any casual outfit an instant fashion-forward upgrade.
Sherpa
Think of this as the "teddy bear" of hat materials. Sherpa is thick, cozy, and has a bumpy, tufted texture that feels as warm as it looks. It’s the perfect choice for a "cabin-core" vibe or just staying extra cozy on a chilly afternoon walk.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
What are the materials used to make hats that keep you cool?
To stay physically cool, look for natural fibers like cotton, raffia, or linen. They allow heat to escape your head. If you mean "cool" as in trendy, and Sherpa are the top choices for fashion-forward styles.
What material is a cowboy hat made of?
Most high-quality cowboy hats are made of Fur Felt (like rabbit) or Straw. Felt is usually preferred for winter or formal wear because it’s durable and keeps its shape, while straw is the go-to for summer ranch work.
What material is a Panama hat made of?
A true Panama hat is hand-woven from Toquilla Straw. However, many modern "Panama-style" hats are made from Paper Straw or Viscose, which gives you a similar look while being easier to pack and more affordable.
