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Fancy Dress Hats

Fancy dress hats do more heavy lifting than almost any other accessory. A cowboy hat, a witch hat or a tricorn instantly tells people who you are, even if the rest of your outfit is jeans and a T-shirt.

Here you’ll find cowboy and cowgirl hats, top hats, witch hats, pirate hats, sombreros and festive Santa and elf hats. Pair one with a fancy dress wig and you’ve got a costume in minutes.

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Buying guide

Choosing fancy dress hats

Pick the hat that says the most about your character. It’s usually the first thing people notice, so it’s worth getting right. Then check the fit: most costume hats are one size, and some sit quite small on larger heads. A bit of tissue inside the band helps if it’s loose, while a hair grip or two stops it sliding about.

Cowboy and cowgirl hats

Brown felt styles suit Wild West looks, while pink and glitter versions are a hen do favourite. Pair with a checked shirt or see our hen party accessories for a group cowgirl look.

Pirate hats

A tricorn or leather-look pirate hat is the key to any buccaneer outfit. Find the rest of the look in our pirate costumes.

Witch hats

Crumpled black witch hats are a Halloween costumes staple and a World Book Day lifesaver.

Top hats

Velour and satin top hats work for Victorian gents, ringmasters, magicians and Day of the Dead looks. A cane makes a great partner, and a top hat also adds a smart finishing touch to a masquerade or steampunk outfit.

Santa and elf hats

Plush Santa hats and elf hats with ears are perfect for office parties, and multipacks are handy if the whole team is joining in. More festive bits in Christmas accessories.

Hat styleBest forFit tip
Cowboy or cowgirlWild West, hen dos, line dancingUse the chin cord if it has one
Tricorn pirate hatPirates and swashbucklersWear slightly tilted for attitude
Witch hatHalloween, World Book DayPin in place if the tip flops forward
Top hatVictorian, magicians, ringmastersCan sit high, so push down gently
SombreroFiesta parties, stag dosWide brims are tricky in crowds

Fun and novelty hats

Inflatable sombreros, banana heads and party hats are perfect when you want laughs rather than looks. They’re brilliant for stag do fancy dress or photo booths. For more silliness, check our fancy dress props and party glasses.

Quality and care

Budget hats are often thin felt or card that can get squashed easily, so reshape them gently and store them stuffed with paper. If you’re between sizes on anything with a band, our costume size guide explains how to measure your head. Need ideas? Browse shop by theme.

In this guide

  1. Choosing fancy dress hats
  2. Popular hat styles and how to wear them
  3. Fun and novelty hats
  4. Quality and care
  5. Questions people ask

Shop related

Not sure on size?

Costumes often run small. Check our guide before you order.

Size guide →

Questions people ask

Quick answers about fancy dress hats: sizing, quality and what to buy. Still unsure? Our size guide and theme pages have more help.

Browse all themes →
Are fancy dress hats one size?

Most are designed to fit an average adult head, and some have an adjustable band or chin cord. If you have a larger head, check the measurements on the listing first.

How do you stop a costume hat falling off?

Use a couple of hair grips through the brim or band, or tuck a strip of tissue inside if it’s loose. Chin cords on cowboy and sombrero styles help on windy days.

How do I fix a crushed fancy dress hat?

Push it back into shape by hand, then stuff it with scrunched-up paper and leave it overnight. A little steam from a kettle can help felt hats relax, but keep your hands clear.

What hat goes with a pirate costume?

A tricorn is the classic choice, though a headscarf works for a crew member look. See our pirate costumes for full outfits.

Can a hat be a whole costume?

Pretty much. A cowboy hat, witch hat or Santa hat with the right everyday clothes is instantly recognisable, which makes them perfect for last-minute parties.

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