If you are looking for a special hat for an upcoming event, a gift for someone special or just something to keep you warm, there are some things you should keep in mind. There are different types of hats for every situation. Whether it is a cowboy hat, baseball cap, dress hat, fur hat, straw hat, felt hat or any other type of material, you should make sure that the hat fits the occassion, fits your budget and fits your appearance. Not all heads are made to look good in every type of hat. Someone who looks good in a baseball cap may not be able to pull off an oversized cowboy hat. So, in order to get a good look, a good fit and a good buy - you should look at the following criteria:

The occassion you are looking to use the hat - you would not wear a fur hat to the rodeo or a cowboy hat to the afternoon tea, so make sure the hats you are considering are going to be able to be versatile to your lifestyle.

The material of the hat - you can get hats in just about any type of material, but that does not mean that every hat looks good or wears well in that style. Cowboy hats come in leather, suede, straw, felt and plastic. Of course the best wear and quality are going to be decided by the activities you are going to doing wearing it. Most dress cowboy hats will hold up well and can be made from some of the cheaper products, but if it going to be used everyday for long periods, you might want to consider spending a little more on a quality leather or suede hat that will be sturdy and strong, able to withstand a beating and the elimants. Straw hats are a good choice as well for weather resistance and sturdiness. You can find a number of very nice quality straw hats at reasonale rates.

If your looking for something to keep you warm, there are always knit or fur hats that are a great choice. The faux fur available these days have the rich feel of real fur with the PC of fake. Available in a number of colors and styles and in sets with matching scarfs and gloves, you can get great deals while sporting the style and classic flair of the days when fashion meant something.  Perfect for special occassions, church services, weddings or just to let everyone know you have real flair! Knit hats are always a good standby for cold winter nights and family events.  Easy to care for and very affordable. You can find knits in many styles and colors in order to use on any occassion!

Baseball caps have really come a long way! available in a number of materials including leather, suede, canvas and more. These are great because they are sporty and adjustable, can have sports logos, musical bands, work groups or other embelishments on them.  Some of the biggest activewear makers are now making great baseball caps, like Eddie Bower, Ed Hardy, LLBean and more! These of course would be considered highend baseball caps priced between $19-60! They make a great advertising media for a lot of different indrustries!

There is a whole new classification of hats out there regarded as headcaps or tie caps. These are basically bandannas that tie in back in order to hold them in place. Made popular by movies, singers and sports figures - these are affordable and conveinent. Available in limitless colors and embellishments, you can have a different one for every day.  Although the silk ones look nice, they are slippery and usually need to be pinned in place whereas the regular material ones like cotton are easier to keep in place and to wash and care for.

So when you are looking for the perfect hat remember:

   Try some on to find the right style and fit to suit your look - not every hat is one size fits all! You might need to measure in order to get the perfect fit and feel of the better quality and styles of hats! Only knit and baseball hats are really adjustable or made to stretch out!

   Purchase the material that is going to hold up best for the occassion or use. Leather, Fur, Felt, Straw, Canvas, Knit, etc...

   Take the colors into consideration - if you are going to spend a nice sum on a good hat, make sure you can wear it enough to make it worth it

   Consider the care it requires to maintain the hats quality look and feel - real fur is high maintainence and tie caps can be washed...

   Consider your personal style!! If you are a baseball cap type of personality it might be a stretch to wear a fur hat!

   Buy for the season your in! An Easter Bonnet is not going to do you any good at Christmas as the colors are usually too pale for winter! Fur is too hot for the summer and Straw might be a little to light for the winter - if your not going to be wearing it all the time - you have to consider hat head!

   Buy a hat with a purpose in mind!!! Don't just buy a hat to own a hat. If you buy a fidora - where are you going to wear it to? If you buy a fur hat - what outfit is it going to go with? If you buy a baseball cap - are you making a statement or a tie-cap that is going to go under a helmet? Will it stay? Will it stain? Can you wash it?

Anyway you look at a hat purchase, make it a good experience. You can find a great deal and look good doing it!