Trilby vs Fedora: Difference and Comparison

Hats have long been a statement of fashion through the ages. With time fashion trends have changed, and different types of hats have been worn by all classes of people.

Key Takeaways

  1. Trilby hats have a shorter brim that angles downward, while fedora hats feature a wider brim that can be shaped to the wearer’s preference.
  2. Fedoras originated from Greece, whereas trilbies emerged in London as a part of Victorian culture.
  3. Trilby hats accompany casual outfits, while fedoras complement casual and formal attire.

Trilby vs Fedora

The difference between Trilby and Fedora is that they primarily differ in their shape. Trilby and Fedora slightly differ in their overall shape, although they look very similar. They also differ in their brim width and purpose of wearing. They are distinct from each other in several eats, as discussed further.

Trilby vs Fedora

A trilby hat is a type of hat worn by people as a fashion accessory. A trilby hat looks like a cowboy hat but with a smaller brim and shorter length.

A Fedora looks very similar to a trilby hat but has a blunt crown compared to a trilby and has a wide brim of more than two inches which is flat and does not bend as in the trilby.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonTrilbyFedora
SizeA trilby hat is slightly bigger than a fedora hat.A fedora hat is slightly smaller than a trilby hat.
Crown ShapeThe crown of a trilby hat is pointier than a fedora.The crown of a fedora is more rounded than a trilby.
Brim SizeA trilby hat has a narrow brim.A fedora hat has a broader brim than a trilby.
How to wear?A trilby hat is meant to sit on top of the head.A fedora hat is meant to wear a little towards the front of the head.
Material UsedThe material used to make a trilby is not characteristic.Material used to make fedoras traditionally were fur felt or wool felt.

What is Trilby?

The history of trilby hats can be traced back to 1894, when the hat made its first official appearance in a stage adaptation of a novel. The novel was George du Maurier’s Trilby.

These hats have the same shape as a peculiar cowboy hat but with a smaller crown and narrow brim. The crown of a trilby hat is sharp and pointy.

The brim is narrow and slightly bent upwards rather than sitting flat like a fedora. Due to such a narrow beam, sun protection is scarce in this hat, and hence the hat is used mainly as a fashion accessory.

Some famous personalities wearing a trilby hat are Madonna the singer, Justin Timberlake the singer, Victoria Beckham, the model and entrepreneur and so on.

trilby

What is Fedora?

The history of fedora hats can be traced back to 1882 when the hat made its first appearance in the play with the title of Victorien Sardou’s Fedora, written by Sarah Bernhardt.

These hats have a similar shape to a trilby hat but have some minor distinctive differences. The crown of a fedora hat is indented in the centre traditionally, but today the indent can be found anywhere.

The brim on a fedora hat is at least 2 inches or wider, giving proper sun protection. Thus a fedora hat is more widely used both as a fashion statement as well as its original purpose of sun protection.

Some famous personalities sporting this type of hat are the very famous classic look of Frank Sinatra, Humpty Bogart, Harrison Ford etc.

fedora

Main Differences Between Trilby and Fedora

  1. A trilby hat is a newer hat style compared to a fedora hat.
  2. A trilby hat is traditionally made of any available material, but a fedora hat was traditionally made of wool felt or fur felt materials.
Difference Between Trilby and Fedora
References
  1. http://ozbud.net/asrfqkuwdr/isq-hat-10037-cnmanufactures-32749611.html
  2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1992.tb14816.x

Last Updated : 20 August, 2023

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