How to Wear a Greek Fisherman's Cap

Co-authored by Amber Crain

Last Updated: December 6, 2021 References

The right hat can take any outfit to the next level. If you're tired of the same old beanies and fedoras, a Greek fisherman's cap can be a fun alternative. The look can be a little tricky to pull off because the cap has a very distinctive and rugged look. Start by choosing a style that best suits you and your wardrobe. Wear your hat with simple shirts and shorts for casual looks. For dressy looks, wear your cap with modern pieces to create contrast that is striking and sophisticated.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Style

1
Select a hat made of sturdy material if you'll be out in the elements. Go with a cotton or wool blend if you plan to wear your fisherman's hat occupationally. These materials can weather the sun and moisture of the sea. If you're a sailor, or if you plan to wear your cap while golfing or doing outdoor work, these materials are your best choice.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Opt for a leather liner rather than a cardboard one for the most durability.
- Wool works best for cold climates, whereas cotton is a better choice in warmer temperatures.
2
Choose a hat made of a unique material for a stylish look. Traditional Greek fisherman’s caps are usually made of cotton or wool. For a fresh take on the look, opt for a cap in an unusual material, such as leather, velvet, or corduroy. These kinds of caps are best worn as a stylish accessory and most likely will not withstand the elements well.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Go with a color that works well with your wardrobe. Fisherman's caps usually don't offer a wide range of colors. You'll typically find them in various shades of navy blue, white, beige or tan, black, and gray. These basic colors tend to pair well with most clothing items. However, if your wardrobe consists of a lot of navy or white, for example, consider getting a fisherman's cap that will match.
4
Look for special details and embellishments to make a statement. The majority of fisherman's caps are a solid color with very little detail. However, you can also find styles with unique embroidery or colorful cording to jazz things up a bit. Also be on the lookout for hats that are two-toned, with the brim being one color and the top being another.^{[3]
X
Research source}
5
Measure your head first so you can get the right hat size. Measure the circumference of your head by wrapping a cloth tape measure around it right above the ears and connecting it in the middle of your forehead. Write down your measurement in both inches and centimeters, since these hats may be sized either way.^{[4]
X
Research source}
6
Shop for Greek fisherman's caps online for the most variety. General department stores probably won't carry a specialty item like this, so your best bet is to shop online. You'll find the best selection there with the widest range of colors and styles. Type "buy Greek fisherman's cap" into your browser and explore the results. You can also search eBay with the same search term to search for used and vintage caps.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Creating Casual Looks

1
Wear it with flannel for a rugged look. If you want a more rugged piece to wear with your fisherman’s cap, pair it with a flannel shirt. You can layer the flannel over a t-shirt or wear it on its own with jeans and tennis shoes for a low-key, stylish look.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Choose a dark colored hat made of a rugged material like wool for the most cohesive look.
2
Pair it with shorts when the weather permits for a laid back vibe. A Greek fisherman’s cap can be a perfect summer accessory, so pair it with your favorite pair of shorts. Wear it with a pair of denim cut-offs and a tank top for a fun, casual look.
- Try a white cotton cap for a summery vibe.
3
Top off a cotton button-down shirt with a fisherman's cap. For a laid back look, wear a Greek fisherman’s cap with a simple cotton button-down shirt. Pair the button-down with jeans, khakis, or corduroy pants and boots for a rugged, utilitarian look.^{[6]
X
Research source}
4
Stay warm with slim-fitting sweaters and avoid the fisherman styles. To make sure you don’t like you’re wearing a costume, it’s best not to wear the cap with a fisherman sweater. Stay away from cable-knit styles, and instead choose a slim-fitting sweater for a more contemporary look.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- This is a purely stylistic choice. If you're actually working outside in the elements and need something practical to keep you warm, a fisherman style sweater is perfectly acceptable!
5
Pair it with a polo or oxford shirt before you hit the golf course. Fisherman's caps are popular among golfers because they're durable and classy-looking. Wear yours with a matching short-sleeved polo shirt or oxford-style shirt before hitting the green. The look is casual yet refined.
- Wear a high-quality cap featuring special details or embellishments, like stitching or tassles, to really stand out from the crowd.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Styling Dressy Looks

1
Pair the cap with modern pieces for a contemporary look. A Greek fisherman’s cap can easily look dated, so it helps to create a contrast by wearing it with modern pieces. Try it with skinny jeans, a leather jacket, a graphic tee, or other stylish pieces to look fresh and modern.
- A streamlined black or dark gray cap with minimal detail may add to the overall modern feel of the ensemble.
2
Create contrast with delicate materials. Because of a fisherman cap’s rugged look, wearing it with softer fabrics can help balance your look and create an interesting juxtaposition. Try it with a silk top or lace dress. Chiffon and other sheer fabrics also work well.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- For the most contrast, make sure the cap is the only "rugged" element of your outfit. If you want a more cohesive look, and 1 or 2 rugged accessories (footwear, jewelry, etc.) to pull the outfit together without overwhelming the delicate materials.
3
Wear it with a stylish blazer to spice things up. A blazer has a polished look that contrasts well with the rugged look of a Greek fisherman’s cap. Wear your fisherman's cap with a fitted blazer in a matching color. Go with tailored trousers and leather loafers for a dressy appearance.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Go with a crisp, neutral-colored hat, like deep navy or khaki, for a polished look.
4
Wear it with a dress to create a striking contrast. A Greek fisherman’s cap can have a masculine look, so pairing it with a feminine piece like a dress creates a striking contrast. Pair it with a sundress and sandals in the summer or a shirtdress, tights, and knee-high boots in cooler weather.^{[10]
X
Research source}