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Although derby hats are popularly associated with the Kentucky Derby, they can be worn at many functions and parties. These hats have intricate and extravagant designs that set them apart from other hats. Find the finest derby dress hats in 2024 for yourself with our comprehensive guide.
Since there are so many different kinds of derby hats, there will always be one that is a perfect fit for any occasion. With a variety of materials, colors, and designs to choose from, you are bound to find one that suits you just right. The less extravagant version of these hats can be worn with dresses at formal events. Some even prefer to wear them at weddings and to church on Sundays as well.
Our detailed buying guide and reviews deal with the most popular derby dress hats, their care, and maintenance. Moreover, we have picked out these hats with the current fashion trends in mind, partnered with colors that would look the most appealing during the time of the year the derby is held. So without any further ado, let’s get started.
Compare the Top Derby Dress Hat of 2024
FORBUSITE Hat — Best Overall
Key Features
- Available in 15 different colors
- High-quality materials used - polyester and organza
- Has a drawstring closure
- Dry clean only
- One size to fit many head circumferences
The Forbusite church derby dress hat is amongst the most lightweight and elegant products on this list. This beautiful hat has been made from very high-quality organza that is extremely lightweight and won’t make you feel like it’s pulling you down. The product comes in a single size to fit all, for a head circumference of 21 to 28 inches.
The product is made from a translucent material that blocks the sun and protects you from harmful UV rays as well. It is perfect to be worn at any event from fancy outdoor events to events held at church. You can use a hairdryer and hot iron to shape the elements of the hat before the first use if you feel a need to style them in a particular manner.
SAFERIN Hat — Great for Events
Key Features
- Double layered extravagant design
- High-quality fabric for comfort - 100% polyester
- Fit for head circumference 21.26 inch to 22.83 inch
- Available in 30 colors
The Saferin woman’s organza derby dress hat is amongst the highest-quality products available on the market. The product is made from a mix of high-quality imported organza and 100% polyester. It comes with an exceptionally large brim that measures around 4 inches. However, the brim is made in a double-layered design that keeps it sturdy and holds its shape.
The product is designed in a very elegant fashion, making it wearable around every event, such as weddings, Kentucky derbies, indoor church events, and more. The Saferin derby hat is comfortable to wear all around the year. As it deals with different seasons extremely well, it is the perfect derby hat to invest in that will last you for a long time.
JESSE · RENA Hat — Top Bridal
Key Features
- Made from 100% polyester
- Comes in one size to fit all head circumferences
- Can be steam cleaned and ironed
- Vigilant post-sale services
The Jesse Rena church derby dress hat is the epitome of style and comfort. It has a sheer design that looks very appealing while making the product extremely lightweight. This product makes for a perfect gift for someone who would want to feel elegant yet free in their attire. This has been accomplished by using high-quality organza and polyester to make this product ensuring the comfort of use and durability.
The Jesse Rena hat comes in a single size, however, it is able to fit 21.26 inches to 22.83 inches of head circumference. The product flaunts a very floral and two-toned style making for a very attractive headpiece. You can easily style it as it is completely steam-ironing compatible.
RUPHEDY Hat — Top Aesthetic
Key Features
- Made from high-quality organza
- Can easily reshape it by using a steam iron
- Fits head circumferences of 21.25 to 22.8 inches
- Extremely quick correction measures by customer service
Kentucky derbies are filled with beautiful hats, and the derby dress hat that can make you stand out from the rest of the crowd is the Ruphedy cloche hat. This beautifully aesthetic product makes for the perfect headpiece for a formal event. The product is made from extremely high-quality organza, making for a sturdy yet elegant hat that is able to fit the head circumferences of 21.25 to 22.8 inches.
The product also comes along with a 100% refund or replacement offer. So if you are not satisfied with how it turned out when you got it, you can have it replaced or get your money back. In case the product loses its shape, you can easily reshape it by using a steam iron and a soft stand.
BABEYOND Hat — Editor’s Choice
Key Features
- Made with 100% polyester
- Comes with a detachable feather and veil
- Registered and patented manufacturer
- Hair-clip mechanism makes sure the hat stays in place
The editor’s choice for this guide is the BABEYOND derby dress hat. This extremely fashionable derby fashion hat comes with a detachable veil and feather making it perfect to be worn at any formal event. The product takes on the aesthetics of an age-old vintage classic. It can be worn with most dresses and still elevate the entire outlook of the attire.
These hats are made with only the best quality materials. The hair-clip mechanism makes sure the hat stays in place even if it is titled extremely to one side. The BABEYOND derby hat will also make for the perfect gift for some of your loved ones. This is because they go along with any style of dress.
Buying Guide: Derby Dress Hats
When buying a derby dress hat, you would need to take note of quite a few factors. Although going through the products above would have helped you out to some extent, it's still better to be at peace of mind that you have made a completely informed decision. To help you make that decision we have compiled an elaborate buying guide for picking out the perfect derby hat.
Material
The first thing that you need to consider when buying a derby hat is the material that it's made of. The derby dress hat is mostly made of organza, net, or felt. It can be embellished with a variety of toppers such as feathers, jewels, net veils, and silk flowers.
If you are a casual fan who just wants a hat to fit into the crowd, you can find a large collection of them over the internet. However, if you are investing in this age-old tradition and want to do your part in all fairness, you would need to look out for a high-quality hat.
Moreover, it doesn't mean that you would have to increase your budget to accommodate a high-quality derby hat. Make sure to touch and assess the materials the derby hat is made of to ensure you are investing in a product that would last you a long time.
Compatibility
Although the tradition revolves greatly around the hat you wear at the derby, you still have to consider the compatibility it has with your dress. Most derby parties and events have a theme involved, based on which you will be deciding on your dress. Furthermore, it is only after you have decided what dress you will be wearing that the hat comes into the equation.
You could also opt for a hat before picking out the dress. However, it wouldn’t be a good idea to purchase it before finding out the theme of your event. Therefore, we suggest that you at least have an idea of what everyone else will be wearing in order to avoid any last-minute wardrobe malfunctions or surprises. Because at the end of the day, it is important to blend in with everyone else at the party or event to enjoy it to its fullest.
Height of the Hat
When picking out a derby hat, consider that you want the hat to compliment your features, and not make them stick out like a sore thumb. One of the features that get impacted by your hat the most would be your height. If you are someone on the taller side, you have the opportunity to try out more creative designs and experiment with different styles. You can play around with the height of the hat and even try out some with larger, wider brims.
On the other hand, if you are someone who is on the shorter side, you should stick with hats with smaller brims that do not droop down too much. Wearing a hat that is too wide-brimmed or large will bring your whole appearance down. One style that you can almost always count on regardless of your height is the asymmetrical brim that falls down on both sides.
Creativity
Derby hats come in extremely sophisticated styles, but you can always find a few that take crazy to a whole new level. The only limit is your imagination because no matter how crazy your hat is, there is always going to be someone with an even wilder hat.
In some settings, you would require an elegant derby hat. This is especially the case if they are for weddings and church. However, with events such as the Kentucky Derby, creativity matters. This is because people are buying these hats to make a statement and express themselves.
For extravagant parties and functions, there are many bold designs to choose from in the market. You do not have to limit yourself to standards of elegance, as some derby hats are downright outrageous. The only thing that matters is that you pick one that is suited to the occasion.
Accessories
Do you want your hat to have accessories? Such as flowers, jewels, veils, or even feathers? There are quite a few products available that make use of such accessories in a very chic way. However, you have to decide whether you want such accessories on your hat or not because they have to go along with your look. You can’t have an accessory that will overpower the whole look and look like it doesn’t belong on your hat.
The decision to have accessories is a rather important one, and at the same time not a necessary one. So, if you feel that the decision is stressing you out too much, you should just let go of the idea altogether. Instead, opt for something that is so perfect in itself that you won’t need accessories.
Aesthetics
Finally, you have to consider the aesthetics of your hat. Thoroughly look through your options. If you find something you like but are not completely sold on it, you should look for something better.
