The Suffolk Fedora
Navy (Bronze Wrap)
£115.00
This striking wool felt Suffolk Fedora is carefully hand finished with a classic bronze feather wrap. The perfect design to take you... Continue reading
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When it comes to classic hat styles, few spark as much confusion as the trilby hat vs fedora. While they may look similar at first glance, these two timeless designs have distinct differences in shape, brim, and overall style — and choosing the right one can make all the difference to your outfit.
Whether you’re dressing for a countryside walk, a wedding, a day at the races, or simply looking for a stylish everyday hat, understanding the difference between a trilby and a fedora will help you find a style that suits both your look and lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key features of trilby hats and fedora hats, explain how they’re traditionally worn, and help you decide which style is right for you — with examples from our carefully crafted Hicks & Brown collection
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.
The Oxley Fedora
Plum Velvet
£115.00
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The Wissington Pillbox
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The Melford Silk Scarf
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The Higham Tweed Ladies Baker Boy Cap
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A stylish nod to heritage with a contemporary twist, the Higham Baker Boy Cap is a versatile statement piece designed for everyday... Continue reading
The Suffolk Fedora
Dark Brown (Bronze Feather)
£115.00
Harnessing the perfect blend of style and function, the Suffolk Fedora has been expertly crafted to deliver uncompromised comfort and utmost versatility.... Continue reading
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The Sophia Merino Wool Rollneck Jumper
Sand
£129.00
Crafted with luxurious softness in mind, The Sophia Roll Neck Jumper is a refined addition to any timeless wardrobe. Made using premium... Continue reading
The Wax Baseball Cap
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£39.00
Exquisitely crafted from dry wax cotton, our wax baseball cap calls on country dwellers and dreamers to instantly elevate their outdoorsy attire.... Continue reading
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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 |
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