Hicks & Brown × Fairfax & Favor - The Halesworth
Dark Brown
£125.00
Discover the Halesworth Wide Brimmed Fedora, a distinguished addition to our exciting collaboration with fellow British brand, Fairfax and Favor. With a... Continue reading
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The trilby and fedora are two hats which are often mistaken for one another. To the untrained eye, it’s easy to see why as they boast many similarities in looks, not to mention their origins are also quite similar too.
If you’re wondering about the difference between trilby and fedora hats, keep reading and we’ll tell you all you need to know.
To understand the difference between trilby and fedoras, it’s important to first learn about each hat individually. A trilby is a hat with a short brim that is angled down at the front and turns up slightly at the back. It first made an appearance during a stage adaptation of George du Maurier’s novel ‘Trilby’. The lead actress of the play wore the short-brimmed hat and soon after, the style took off. Traditionally it was made from rabbit felt but it’s made from a variety of materials today including tweed, felt and straw. Hicks & Brown trilbys are all made from wool felt.
A trilby is usually characterised by a narrower brim, often angled up at the back, a shorter crown, a slightly sharper, more tailored look.
The fedora on the other hand is a hat with a pinch near the front and a shallow indented crown and a wide, round brim. So the fedora typically features a wider brim, a softer, more relaxed crown, a timeless, versatile aesthetic.
Fedoras are known for their elegant silhouette and work beautifully with both smart and casual outfits. in 1882, the fedora outdates the trilby, but it also has its roots in theatre. First making an appearance in a stage play of the same name, the style rapidly grew in popularity once it was seen atop the head of one of the show’s characters. Usually, a fedora is made from wool, felt or cotton. Hicks & Brown fedoras are made from wool, the summer collection made from a paper straw.
The main difference between a fedora and a trilby is the brim width and overall silhouette. A fedora typically has a wider brim and a softer, more relaxed crown, while a trilby has a narrower brim that is often angled up at the back, giving it a sharper, more contemporary look.
Yes, trilbies can suit larger head sizes, but proportions are important. A trilby with a slightly wider brim and higher crown will look more balanced than a very narrow style. Ensuring the correct fit is also essential for comfort and appearance.
Fedoras suit most face shapes thanks to their balanced proportions. In particular, they work well for round and square faces, as the wider brim helps create structure and balance. Choosing the right brim width and crown height is key to finding the most flattering fit.
Neither style is inherently more formal, but they suit different occasions. Fedoras are often seen as more versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for formal events as well as everyday wear. Trilbies tend to feel more traditional and are commonly worn by men attending horse racing meets.
Both styles can work in summer, but fedoras can be made from breathable materials, such as straw or lightweight felt, so are an excellent choice when sun protection is needed.
Absolutely. Both fedoras and trilbies are unisex styles and are worn by women as well as men. The choice comes down to personal style, face shape, and how the hat is styled with an outfit rather than gender.
A fedora generally offers better sun protection due to its wider brim, which provides more shade for the face and neck. If sun protection is a priority, especially during summer, a fedora with a medium to wide brim is usually the better option.
Fedoras and trilbies are often confused because they share similar crown shapes and are sometimes incorrectly labelled in popular culture. Over time, the term “fedora” has been used broadly to describe several brimmed hats, which has added to the confusion.
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MADE FROM THE SOFTEST OF MATERIALS
Water resistant
AVAILABLE IN MULTIPLE SIZES
To ensure the perfect fit
SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE
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We are an independent country lifestyle brand founded in 2014 by two sisters. We combine British heritage with contemporary style to design high quality hats and accessories that can be worn throughout the seasons and for many years to come.
Hicks & Brown is now a multi-channel shopping destination selling iconic fedora hats and accessories all around the world. We are stocked in over 90 independent stockists in the UK and USA with that list ever growing.
If you are new to Hicks & Brown, we invite you to explore our collection and join us on this exciting journey.
Alice & Rosie x
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Key differences at a glance
| Feature | Fedora | Trilby |
|---|---|---|
| Brim width | Wider | Narrower |
| Crown height | Taller | Shorter |
| Style | Timeless and versatile | Classic and sleek |
| Best for | All seasons | All seasons |
