We all know that horse racing is a sport where fashion is really important. Ever since the dawn of horse racing, people that turned up at events were wearing fashionable outfits, and the same thing survived throughout history now there are dress codes at certain events you need to follow.

Your horse race-day appeal is constructed by many things, and if you want to stand out incorporating accessories like hats is really important. You can check some of the most famous races where these hats can be seen here, on twinspires.com website.

However, most horse racing enthusiasts would know that the hats you wear at horse racing events are not regular hats. Some of them have specific names and are well incorporated into horse racing as a fashionable element.

So, if you want to up your hat game on your next event, take a look at this hat guide which will make your choice easier.

What Are Hats Called in Horse Racing?

There are many different hats that spectators wear during a race, and each style has a different name given throughout history.

Women’s Hats in Horse Racing

It seems like hats are a more important fashion statement for women, compared to men, since the percentage of women wearing hats on race days is much greater than men wearing hats.

Therefore, here are the most popular styles you should consider.

Fascinators

The fascinator consists of a base attached to the head by clips, a headband, or a comb, and is decorated with flowers, feathers, and pearls.

It is not much of a hat than a head accessory, which will make your outfit look even more elegant.

Boater Hat

An elegant ribbon and stiff sisal straw make the boater synonymous with quintessentially British social events.

Since then, it is heavily incorporated into the horse racing culture, and most women turn up with a boater hat at racing events.

The Pillbox

The Pillbox hat has quite a strange name when it comes to its history.

The hat has a flat crown, straight sides, and no brim. It is named after the cylindrical or hexagonal cases that are used to hold pills.

With that said, it is still a popular choice for horse races and will give you an elegant look without attracting too much attention.

Men’s Hats in Horse Racing

Even though most men turn up without a hat at racing events, it is still a great addition to your outfit and the best way to make it complete. Here are the most popular hat names for men.

Flat Cap

Flat caps are commonly worn by men in events like these. They have a round, almost oval base and a flat top. They have a hard brim and are often made of wool, cotton, or tweed. Tweed is most commonly used.

Flat caps are known by a variety of names – the Wigens cap, the Ivy cap, the driving cap, the derby hat, and many others. As far back as the 1500s, the British Parliament required men over six years of age to wear caps during Sundays and holidays. The flat cap was almost called a bonnet than a flat cap.

Fedora Hat

Fedora hats, once associated with business attire, are now one of the most popular types of hats worn by horseracing fans. 

There are many styles and shapes of fedoras, with a soft brim and a crease right in the middle towards the top part. It can be made from beaver, rabbit, wool, or cashmere, depending on the material used.

Boater Hat

An unusual type of hat is the boater hat, which is light and can easily cast a shadow over your eyes when the sun is high in the sky. This hat is perfect during the summer since it is light and easy to wear. 

Panama Hat

Although Panama hats are made of straw and were originally designed for hot climates, many men wear them with suits, coats, and ties, even though they are made of straw. In addition to their fashion, Panama hats are said to be functional because they can shield your eyes from the bright sun.

A Panama hat is a lightweight hat that was originally created in Ecuador. You can identify whether a Panama hat is high quality by checking the weave. The tighter the weave, the better the quality.