The right hat can tie your outfit together as you head out for an amazing day of worship, leaving you feeling confident and comfortable stepping into the service.

But whether it’s just another casual Sunday or a more meaningful date like Easter or Christmas, understanding how to wear a church hat that works with your face shape is of the utmost importance. This can make or break your look.

You should also count for the season and be aware of how your hat affects others seated around you. We’ll cover all this and more below so you can elevate your attire.

Start by finding the perfect church hats for sale at DesignerChurchSuits.com. We’ve curated an unbeatable selection from your favorite designers, with styles for every occasion and preference. See what catches your eye today.

Why Wear a Church Hat?

First things first, why do women wear hats in church, and should you do the same?

Head coverings have been seen as a sign of respect and humility in the presence of God since the dawn of time. The practice can be traced back to early Biblical teachings, such as 1 Corinthians 11:5, where women are instructed to cover their heads during prayer. 

While a lot has changed over the centuries, this custom has become cemented as a cherished tradition, particularly within African American and Southern Christian churches. 

Hats are still seen as symbols of faith, dignity, and reverence. But today, they symbolize much more. They’re a way for women to assert their individuality and express pride in their culture.

Speaking of which, the church hat is also a powerful form of personal expression beyond its cultural and religious roots. There are so many fun types of church hats to choose from, ranging from wide-brimmed designs to modern fascinators.

Each hat tells a story - whether through the choice of material, the color, or the embellishments like feathers, bows, or rhinestones. You can coordinate your hat with the rest of your church attire, using them as an elegant finishing touch that elevates the entire look.

Whether it’s a statement piece for a festive service or a more subdued hat for a solemn occasion, the right hat can be the cherry on top that brings your entire outfit from good to drop-dead gorgeous. So, let’s get into how to wear a church hat to the fullest!

How to Wear a Church Hat

It’s not quite as simple as choosing the first hat that catches your eye and throwing it on top of your head as you leave home. There’s quite a bit that goes into choosing the perfect hat for your face shape, the season, and the service as a whole.

You also need to make sure the hat is sized correctly, not just for comfort but for appearance purposes. We’ll cover all this along with matching the hat to your outfit and understanding when to take it off or when to move your seat.

Choosing the Right Hat for Your Face Shape

Our advice is to start by figuring out your face shape and then narrowing down your hat options. Here’s an overview of the common shapes and their corresponding recommendations:

• Round Face: Hats with wide brims or angular designs help elongate the face and create balance. Avoid hats that sit too low on your forehead which emphasize the roundness.

• Oval Face: Since this is the most versatile face shape, you can experiment with various hat styles. From fascinators to large-brimmed hats, oval faces suit almost any look. Balance is key, though - avoid hats that are too oversized or too small for your frame.

• Square Face: This face looks best in hats that soften angular features. Consider hats with curvy lines, like those with rounded crowns or floppy brims. Asymmetrical designs can also flatter this face shape by adding softness.

• Heart-Shaped Face: Narrow-brimmed or tilted hats work well for this shape as they complement the wider forehead and narrower chin. Fascinators and cloche hats are our personal favorites for the heart-shaped face.

When in doubt, reach out. Our customer service team can help you figure out what your face shape is if you’re unsure. We can also offer up a few suggestions from there to eliminate the stress and uncertainty of picking the perfect hat.

The Importance of Sizing

Choosing the right hat goes beyond considering your face shape, it has to fit your head and body well too! A hat that’s too tight can cause discomfort, while one that’s too loose might slip or sit awkwardly. Neither of these is ideal, and both scenarios will affect your appearance as well.

You should have your head measurements on hand as you start shopping. Measure around the widest part of your head (just above your ears) to determine your hat size. Most brands offer sizing charts to help you find the perfect fit. The goal is a snug fit that doesn’t pinch or move.

Better yet, see if you can find a hat with adjustable bands or inner sizing ribbons, allowing for a custom fit. These are great for keeping the hat in place during longer services. 

Seasonal Considerations

Just like clothing, church hats can come and go with the seasons. This is where an understanding of the different materials comes in handy. You need to choose a material according to the time of year to remain comfortable and stylish simultaneously.

For example, lightweight materials such as straw, sinamay, or lace are perfect for warmer weather. These fabrics are breathable so you can stay cool during longer services. Lighter colors like pastels, white, or soft pinks also work well for spring and summer services.

On the other hand, heavier materials like wool, velvet, or felt are more suitable for colder months. These fabrics offer a combination of warmth and elegance. Darker, richer colors such as deep red, navy, or forest green are our personal favorites for winter services.

Matching the Hat to Your Outfit

We know you came here to learn how to wear a church hat, but you need to think about how to dress for church in general to make sure your outfit is cohesive from head to toe. 

Whether you’re aiming for a monochromatic ensemble or want to play with complementary colors, balance is key. 

If you want to wear a bold hat, keep the rest of your outfit subtle and understated to let the hat be the focal point. In contrast, we suggest you choose a simpler hat if your outfit has a lot of prints or embellishments to balance the look. 

Consider matching your hat to your shoes, bag, or jewelry to create a harmonious look that ties your whole outfit together. For example, a hat with a hint of gold can be complemented by gold earrings or a clutch.

Wearing a Hat Comfortably

It’s more important that you’re comfortable than anything else, as you don’t want to be distracted from the goal at hand - worshiping our Lord and Savior. Here are some tips for stay comfy:

• Secure the Hat: Use hat pins or combs to secure your hat in place, especially if your hat sits at an angle - like the common fascinator style. Hatpins not only keep your hat secure but also add a touch of vintage elegance.

• Adjust for Hairstyles: Updos, low buns, or sleek ponytails work well with most hat styles, preventing your hair from interfering with the hat’s fit or placement.

• Avoid Overheating: Hats with inner linings made from breathable materials can help you avoid discomfort in warmer weather. If you’re wearing a hat for an extended period, especially in hot weather, make sure it has a well-ventilated design.

More Advice on Wearing Your Church Hat Respectfully

While wearing a church hat is part of the tradition, there are certain occasions when it’s appropriate to remove. 

Some denominations have a custom that involves removing hats during prayer or communion. It's important to follow the customs of your church. If you're unsure, observe what other women do during the service or ask a church leader for guidance.

You should also be cognizant of those around you and make sure you’re not blocking someone’s vision with your hat. It’s best for women wearing hats to sit in the back of the chapel or on the sides to prevent obstructing anyone’s view. 

Discover the Best Selection of Church Hats at DesignerChurchSuits and Dress to Impress!

Now that you know how to wear a church hat, it’s time to discover the best selection of designer church hats online here in our catalog. Whether you’re looking for a classic wide-brimmed design, a sophisticated fascinator, or an elegant cloche, the perfect style is just a click away.

Each hat in our selection is carefully curated to ensure top-tier quality, style, and comfort. These are all sourced from the top designers in the industry, including Lily and Taylor, Giovanna, Dorinda Clark Cole, and more.

All these designers have earned a reputation for producing premium hats, marrying impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail with the best materials. This means you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve no matter which style you choose.

From black church hats to white church hats, the perfect hat is here in our catalog waiting to be discovered. We even have an amazing selection of church hats under $100 if you’re on a tight budget or want to order multiple hats.

You can also round out the rest of your wardrobe with our church suits for women or church dresses - this is your one-stop shop for all your Sunday Best. 

So, whether you're attending a formal service, a wedding, or an Easter celebration, or anything in between, shop now and find the most elegant church hats to tie your look together.

Final Thoughts on How to Wear a Church Hat

Wearing a church hat is a beautiful blend of tradition, personal style, and respect for the worship space. We hope this guide on how to wear a church hat has left you feeling confident in styling your look. 

It all starts with choosing the right hat for your face shape, sizing it comfortably, and matching with the season and your outfit as a whole. Follow our advice on styling church hats to turn heads and earn compliments every Sunday!

Our blog has more resources like should you wear a suit to church, inappropriate church attire, can you wear black to church, and more to help you look and feel your best anytime you head to church. 

At this point, though, it’s time to complete your church attire with our stunning selection of hats that combine elegance and tradition. Browse our styles now and add a touch of grace to your wardrobe!