Dress Hats

Fedoras feature a pinched front crown with an indented top and a medium-to-wide brim (typically 2-3 inches), worn with the brim snapped down in front. Trilbys have a shorter brim (1.5-2 inches) with a sharp upturn at the back, creating a more compact silhouette. Bowler hats (also called derby hats) have a rounded crown with a short, curled brim and a more structured, formal appearance. All three styles work for dress occasions, but fedoras offer the most versatility across formal and semi-formal settings.

Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around your head about 1/4 inch above your ears and eyebrows—this is where the hat will sit. Measure in inches or centimeters and compare to the size chart on each product page. Conner dress hats are available in sizes Small (21.5-22 inches), Medium (22-22.75 inches), Large (22.75-23.5 inches), and X-Large (23.5-24.25 inches). If you're between sizes, order the larger size—many styles include adjustable sizing foam for fine-tuning the fit.

Yes. Wool felt and leather hats have shapeable brims. For wool felt, hold the brim over a boiling water kettle for 30 seconds until the felt softens, then bend the brim up or down and pinch crown creases while warm. Hold the shaped position for 2-3 minutes while cooling, then mist with water and let air-dry for 24 hours. Leather hats can be shaped when wet using the same technique. Straw hats hold their factory shape and are not reshapeable.

Wool felt hats are naturally water-resistant and can be worn in light rain. If your hat becomes wet, shake off excess water and leave it to dry slowly indoors—never place it on or near direct heat, as this can cause it to change shape. For cleaning, use a lint roller to remove dust and dirt. For stubborn marks, use a damp sponge or hat brush. Store your hat away from direct sunlight, either hanging on a hook or placed flat in your wardrobe where nothing will squash it.

Yes. Conner uses organic cotton (grown without synthetic pesticides), hemp (requires minimal water), recycled polyester made from plastic bottles, natural raffia, and cruelty-free wool sourced from suppliers who pay fair wages. Wool felt production uses 70% less water and 30% less energy compared to conventional methods. Wool felt is fully biodegradable and can last 20-30 years with proper care, reducing the need for replacements. The brand was founded with a commitment to responsible production and treading lightly on the planet.

Straw hats (raffia and paper straw) are lightweight, highly breathable, and ideal for hot weather above 70°F. They provide natural UV resistance and allow maximum airflow but should not be worn in rain, as water weakens the fibers. Wool felt hats are heavier, provide more structure, and work better for cooler summer evenings or air-conditioned indoor events. Felt offers water resistance and can be worn in light rain. Choose straw for outdoor summer occasions and felt for transitional weather or formal indoor events.

Yes. All Conner Hats are fully warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the hat. If your hat fails due to a manufacturing defect or faulty materials, Conner will replace it. Damage from accidents, improper care, or natural breakdown over extended use is not covered, but the brand may help repair or work out an alternative solution—contact customerservice@connerhats.com with photos and a description of the issue.

Dress hats work for formal events (weddings, galas, cocktail parties), semi-formal occasions (garden parties, race days, theater outings), professional settings (business meetings, conferences), and sophisticated everyday wear. Fedoras and trilbys adapt well to business casual attire. Bowler hats suit more formal dress codes. Wide-brim straw styles are ideal for outdoor summer events where sun protection is needed. The key is matching hat material and formality to the occasion—wool felt for cooler formal events, straw for warm-weather elegance, leather for rugged sophistication.