A well-chosen hat does more than sit on your head — it frames your face, balances your features, and tells the world something about who you are. Start with your face shape, then match crown and brim.
Pair this with learn your head shape, our hat sizing guide, and crown shapes — or book a free hat fitting at Moon Ridge.
Oval face shape
Balanced proportions with a slightly narrowed chin and a forehead roughly the same width as the cheekbones. The most versatile face shape — most hat styles work beautifully.
Best hat styles: Classic cattleman crowns, Gus styles, gambler brims, and open crowns all complement an oval face. Experiment with brim width and crown height — your face shape handles variety with ease.
Round face shape
Full cheeks with a wide forehead and jawline of similar width, and a softly rounded chin. Look for styles that add height and structure to elongate the face.
Best hat styles: Tall crowns — a high cattleman or a pinch front — add the vertical lines your face benefits from. Avoid overly wide, flat brims that emphasize width. A medium to slightly narrower brim with an upward curl or slight upturn helps lift the eye and lengthen the silhouette.
Square face shape
Strong, defined jawline with a broad forehead and wide cheekbones all roughly equal in width. Styles with a curved brim or softer crown help balance angular features.
Best hat styles: Softer crown creases — like a Gus or rounded brick — work well against a strong jawline. A medium brim with a subtle curl or slight downward sweep softens the angles. Avoid very flat, rigid brims that mirror the sharpness of your features.
Rectangle / oblong face shape
Face is notably longer than it is wide, with a straight jawline and forehead. Wider brims and lower crowns work best to add width and balance length.
Best hat styles: Wide brims add horizontal visual weight that balances a longer face. Lower, flatter crowns like a gambler or telescope keep height in check. Avoid tall crowns, which add length where you don’t need it. A taco or flat brim curl adds further width and presence.
Heart face shape
Wider forehead tapering to a narrow, pointed chin. Medium brims and mid-height crowns balance the width at the top with a softer finish at the bottom.
Best hat styles: Medium brim widths that don’t overemphasize the forehead. A mid-height crown with a soft crease — like a Gus or pinch front — keeps proportions balanced. Avoid very wide brims at the top of the head. A slight downward brim curl helps draw the eye toward the narrower lower face.
Diamond face shape
Narrow forehead and jawline with wide, prominent cheekbones. Fuller crowns and wider brims help balance the width at the cheekbones.
Best hat styles: Fuller, rounder crowns — like an open crown or rounded brick — complement prominent cheekbones without competing with them. Medium to wide brims add balance at both the top and bottom of the face. Avoid very narrow brims that leave the cheekbones as the dominant feature.
Triangle / pear face shape
Narrow forehead widening to a broad jawline. Styles with volume or width at the crown draw the eye upward and balance a wider jaw.
Best hat styles: Volume at the crown is key — a tall cattleman, a high pinch front, or a Texas punch draws the eye upward. Wider brims can work when paired with crown height. Avoid low, flat styles that sit close to the head and emphasize the jaw.
In-store shaping at Moon Ridge
When you visit Moon Ridge, no two hats leave our hands the same way. Every hat purchased in store is shaped by hand to suit your face shape, crown preference, brim curl, and personal style. Not sure where to start? Come in and we’ll figure it out together — or email info@moonridgecompany.com for a virtual consultation.
Complimentary custom shaping is for in-store purchases only. Online orders ship as shaped on the product; free in-store shaping does not apply to shipped hats. Book a free hat fitting anytime.