New York City, a global fashion capital, pulses with style and individuality, and its hat culture is no exception. From the gritty streets of Brooklyn to the polished avenues of Manhattan, headwear in New York is more than just a practical accessory; it’s a statement of identity, culture, and creativity. In this 1,000-word guide, we rank the top 10 headwear trends shaping New York’s vibrant hat scene in 2025, based on popularity, cultural impact, and versatility. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this ranked list, now enriched with links to brands and resources, will help you navigate the city’s headspace with confidence.
1. Kangol
Kangol is a British clothing brand best known for its stylish hats, especially the iconic beret. Founded in 1938 by Jacques Spreiregen, it originally supplied headwear to the British Army in World War II. The brand name “Kangol” is a blend of “knitting,” “angora,” and “wool.” Kangol gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s and ’90s through hip-hop culture.
Worn by artists like LL Cool J and Run-D.M.C.The bucket hat emerged as one of its most iconic and recognizable designs. Today, Kangol blends retro and modern street style in its collections. Its global appeal continues through collaborations and fashion-forward designs.
Beloved for its laid-back appeal, the baseball cap remains a go-to staple in New York fashion. Worn by everyone from Wall Street brokers on casual Fridays to street artists in Bushwick, this hat is a cultural chameleon. In 2025, the trend leans toward minimalist designs with subtle logos, think New York Yankees caps in muted tones or custom embroidery from local brands like Hat Club. Its low ranking comes from its ubiquity; while iconic, it lacks the bold edge of newer trends. Pair it with streetwear or athleisure for a quintessential New York look.
Websites: https://kangol.com/
2. Gamble and Gunn
Gumble and Gunn is a British hat brand known for its classic craftsmanship and timeless design. Rooted in traditional British millinery, the brand combines heritage techniques with contemporary style. Gumble and Gunn sources high-quality materials like wool, tweed, and felt to ensure durability and elegance. Their hats often feature minimalist yet refined details, appealing to both modern and vintage-inspired wardrobes.
The brand is particularly popular among those who value understated luxury and British sartorial charm. With a focus on sustainable and ethical production, Gumble and Gunn supports slow fashion. Its designs reflect a blend of practicality, sophistication, and enduring style.
The newsboy cap, defined by its curved silhouette and firm brim, channels classic New York style. Popular in Harlem and the West Village, it’s a favorite among creatives and jazz enthusiasts. In 2025, tweed and wool versions in earthy tones are trending, often paired with tailored coats or bohemian layers. Check out Goorin Bros. for quality options. Its classic appeal is strong, but its niche audience keeps it lower on the list. Pro tip: Tilt it slightly for a rakish, old-school vibe.
Website: https://gambleandgunn.com/
3. Barts
BARTS, started in 1986 by Bart Koene in Amsterdam, initially sold hand-sewn swim shorts on Saint-Tropez beaches. A bandana-inspired headwear idea shifted its focus to stylish accessories. Now, BARTS offers high-quality beanies, scarves, gloves, and swimwear across Europe. The brand blends craftsmanship with innovative, trendsetting designs for all ages.
The beanie is New York’s winter warrior, a practical yet stylish choice for the city’s brutal cold snaps. From SoHo’s fashionistas to skaters in the Bronx, beanies in bold colors or with minimalist logos from brands like Supreme or Patagonia are everywhere. Knit textures and sustainable materials like recycled wool are big this year. While endlessly versatile, its seasonal limitation nudges it to seventh place.Style it with a puffer jacket and boots to nail that effortlessly cozy urban vibe.
Website: https://www.barts.eu/
4. Recapitate
Recapitate, based in Joshua Tree, California, is a brand specializing in fine felt hats handcrafted in the Mojave Desert. Launched on Etsy, it focuses on unique, high-quality headwear designed for style and durability.
Whether it’s Maison Margiela or handmade pieces from Etsy, bold tones like burgundy and emerald are making waves.Its elegant silhouette and broad brim speak of timeless style, favored by labels such as Borsalino and Goorin Bros. leading the charge. In 2025, fedoras in felt or straw with subtle band details are trending among those aiming for a polished, retro-inspired look. It ranks mid-tier due to its formal leanings, which don’t suit every occasion. Style it with a blazer or a flowy dress for evening flair.
Website: https://www.recapitateheadwear.com/
5. Optimo
Optimo Hat Company, based in Chicago, is renowned for crafting high-quality, bespoke hats using traditional methods. Founded by Graham Thompson, it operates from a historic firehouse, blending craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic. Specializing in beaver and straw hats, Optimo offers styles like fedoras and porkpies, celebrated for their precision and durability.
The bucket hat’s meteoric rise continues, cementing its place in New York’s street style lexicon. Spotted everywhere from Flatbush to the Fashion District, this ’90s revival piece is a favorite for its laid-back cool. Designers like Kangol and Prada offer premium versions, while thrift stores add authenticity. Patterns like tie-dye or checkerboard dominate in 2025. Its versatility across seasons and subcultures earns it a top-five spot. Wear it with cargo pants or a slip dress for an effortless edge.
Website: https://optimo.com/
6. Miller Hats
Miller Hats, based in Houston, Texas, is a leading online retailer of men’s hats, offering a vast selection of high-quality fedoras, cowboy hats, straw hats, and flat caps. Known for its extensive inventory, the brand carries styles from top names like Biltmore, Bailey, and Stetson, including iconic movie-inspired hats like those from Indiana Jones and Crocodile Dundee.
The beret channels New York’s artistic soul, evoking images of poets in Greenwich Village or painters in Dumbo. In 2025, it’s a go-to for the fashion-forward, with leather and velvet versions stealing the spotlight.Whether it’s Maison Margiela or handmade pieces from Etsy, bold tones like burgundy and emerald are making waves. Its cultural cachet and ability to elevate any outfit land it at number four. Tilt it to one side and pair it with a trench coat for Parisian-chic vibes.
Website: https://www.millerhats.com/
7. NBA Store
The NBA Store, operated by Fanatics on behalf of the NBA, is the official retailer for NBA and WNBA merchandise, offering jerseys, apparel, hats, and collectibles for all 30 teams. Its flagship store in New York City, located at 545 Fifth Avenue, features over 35,000 products and attracts players, celebrities, and fans.
The snapback is a streetwear heavyweight, deeply rooted in New York’s hip-hop and skate culture. From the Bronx’s rap battles to Lower Manhattan’s sneaker shops, snapbacks with bold logos or custom designs from brands like New Era or 10 Deep are inescapable. In 2025, oversized fits and vibrant colorways are trending. Its strong ties to youth culture and endless customization options earn it a podium spot. Style it backward with a hoodie for authentic street cred.
Website: https://store.nba.com/
8. Goorin
Goorin Bros., founded in 1895 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a family-owned brand renowned for crafting premium fedoras, flat caps, and trucker hats. Known for its bold, innovative designs, the brand gained fame with its Animal Farm collection, featuring unique animal patches.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Goorin Bros. blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style, offering hats for men, women, and kids. Its products, sold globally, emphasize quality, individuality, and a vibrant, trendsetting aesthetic.
The wide-brimmed hat is New York’s high-fashion darling, dominating runways and Instagram feeds alike. Seen in SoHo’s influencer hotspots and at New York Fashion Week, these dramatic hats often in wool felt or straw add instant drama. Designers like Saint Laurent and local milliners like Satya Twena lead the trend, with earthy tones and minimalist adornments in vogue for 2025. Its ability to transform any outfit into a statement piece secures its number-two ranking. Pair with tailored separates or a flowy maxi dress.
Website: https://goorin.com
9. Natural Life
Natural Life, based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is a lifestyle brand founded to inspire happiness through boho-chic clothing, accessories, and gifts. Known for colorful, comfy dresses, graphic tees, and versatile Boho Bandeaus, it targets women of all ages with a free-spirit style.
Crowning the list is the statement headwrap, a cultural and sartorial powerhouse. Rooted in African and Afro-Caribbean traditions, headwraps have become a bold symbol of identity and style in neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy and Harlem.
In 2025, vibrant Ankara prints, silk scarves, and intricate knotting techniques are everywhere, embraced by all communities for their versatility and beauty. Local designers like Fanm Djanm and Wrap Life are driving the trend, offering tutorials and ready-to-wear options. The headwrap’s cultural significance, inclusivity, and ability to make any outfit pop make it New York’s top headwear trend. Style tip: Experiment with knots and pair with bold earrings for maximum impact.
Website:https://www.naturallife.com/
10. Patagonia
Patagonia, founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard in Ventura, California, is a leading outdoor apparel brand known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental activism. Renowned for high-quality jackets, fleeces, and gear, it uses recycled materials and donates 1% of sales to environmental causes. The brand’s mission-driven approach emphasizes ethical production and durability, appealing to eco-conscious adventurers. Patagonia operates globally, with flagship stores and an online presence, inspiring a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts.
New York’s headwear scene thrives because the city itself is a melting pot of cultures, histories, and aesthetics. Each borough contributes its own flavor: Brooklyn’s streetwise edge, Manhattan’s polished glamour, the Bronx’s hip-hop roots, and Queens’ global influences.
Hats are a canvas for self-expression, allowing New Yorkers to signal their tribe, whether it’s a punk rocker in the East Village or a financier in Midtown. In 2025, sustainability is also shaping trends, with eco-conscious brands like Patagonia and local artisans using recycled or upcycled materials.
Website: https://www.patagonia.com/
How to Choose Your Perfect Hat
In New York, the perfect hat reflects your style, suits the season, and fits the moment. A baseball cap or snapback works for casual days, while a fedora or wide-brimmed hat elevates evening looks. Headwraps and berets are perfect for artistic or cultural statements.Fit matters: a hat should rest securely on your head without causing discomfort or sliding out of place. For inspiration, visit local hat shops like JJ Hat Center in Manhattan or FlameKeepers Hat Club in Harlem, where experts can guide you.
