Gentlemen, nothing yells 'class' louder than the right casual hat. It brings your whole look together and doesn't cost nearly as much as purchasing a new ensemble. Becoming a refined, composed gentlemen in a manner of minutes is no easy feat. If you have access to an assortment of casual hats, then you could easily match the right one for the outfit you're wearing and be ready to tackle the world with a new look. Whatever kind of look you're going for, I'm sure you can find a hat that meets your style needs. Some of the things that I like about casual hats are: they're easy to coordinate with your outfits, they add a bit of mysteriousness and anonymity to your look, and if you don't like them then they're easily removable. You could throw the hat in your backseat if you don't like the feel of it, but as long as you find the right one then I'm sure you won't have to worry about something like that.

What To Go For

You want to look for a nice hat that complements your style and personality. Some hats range more on the conservative side while some are really 'out there'. The best hats to look for would be a neutral color such as black, brown, or white. These naturally match a lot of outfits that you could throw together. If you're one of those people that doesn't care what the in-crowd thinks about you then you could take a risk and wear a hat that's really unique. I've seen a few people that are able to pull off these styles.

Top Brands

One of the biggest names in the casual hat world is Kangol. They offer a varied selection of hats in different styles and colors.  I've seen hats that were in the small time price ranges like the mid-teens and then I've seen a couple of hats soar into the mid 50s and I'm sure that there are some that are even more expensive.

Brixton is more like my cup of tea. Their styles usually suit those guys that want to look kind of dressy but not stuck up. Their assortment of hats include berets, fedoras, cadet caps, and even a small selection  of fiddler caps. If you're like me and need a hat that allows you to instantly dress up your look then you should check this brand out. Make sure you keep an eye out for steals and deals as a couple of hats in this brand can get a little pricey.

Christy's reminds me of Brixton, except with a higher price tag equipped. They make up for the price difference in quality, uniqueness, and craftsmanship. They claim that they "maintain the  highest possible standards of the hatmaking craft." So if you've got some extra money lying around then maybe this is the hat brand that you should take a look at.

Okay, before I let you go, I have to mention that buying a hat can be a double edged sword. You choose the right style,color, and fit, and you'll be on your way to the ladies.(And the hat gods will sing your praises.) If you screw up and find a hat that doesn't fit you, you'll end up looking more like 'Smiley the Clown' than a refined gentleman. If a hat doesn't feel right or you're kind of conflicted on the subject, do yourself a favor and get a second opinion or just move on to the next hat. We wouldn't want you looking bad after your first major hat purchase. Good luck and happy shopping