How to recognise it
The crown is dented down the middle and pinched at the front, with a band and often a bow at the side. The brim is 5–7 cm, in felt or straw.
Where it comes from
The name comes from Victorien Sardou's 1882 play Fédora, in which Sarah Bernhardt wore such a hat. In the mid-20th century the fedora was men's everyday hat; today women wear it too.
Who and when it suits
An elegant autumn and spring hat for a coat, a blazer or a long dress. A straw fedora suits summer.
Variations and look-alikes
A fedora comes in felt for autumn and winter and straw for summer, with a wide or medium brim, a leather, grosgrain or braided band, with or without a feather, in classic black, grey, brown or bold colours. It differs from a trilby in its taller crown and wider brim, and from a Panama in material.
How to style it
- With a long coat or blazer.
- Hold it by the brim.
- In summer choose straw.
- Store it in a hat box.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Where does the name fedora come from?
From the 1882 play Fédora, in which Sarah Bernhardt wore such a hat.
02How does a fedora differ from a trilby?
A fedora has a wider brim and taller crown; a trilby has a narrower brim turned up at the back.
03Does a fedora suit women?
Yes, it goes with coats, dresses and jeans.