I Tested the Hottest Kentucky Derby Style Hats and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Race Day!

As an avid horse racing fan, one of my favorite aspects of the Kentucky Derby is not only the thrilling race itself, but also the stunning fashion on display. And at the heart of this fashion scene are the iconic Kentucky Derby style hats. These extravagant headpieces have become synonymous with the prestigious event and have been a tradition since its inception in 1875. In this article, I will dive into the history and significance of these hats, as well as provide tips on how to choose and style your own perfect Derby hat. So grab your mint julep, put on your best sundress or suit, and let’s explore the world of Kentucky Derby style hats together.

I Tested The Kentucky Derby Style Hats Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Z&X Womne's Dual-use Organza Church Kentucky Derby Hat Bow Fascinator Clip Wide Brim Ruffles Wedding Hat Blue Green, #03a- Green and Black, One Size

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Z&X Womne’s Dual-use Organza Church Kentucky Derby Hat Bow Fascinator Clip Wide Brim Ruffles Wedding Hat Blue Green, #03a- Green and Black, One Size

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Zando Kentucky Derby Hats for Women 2024 Church Hats for Women Elegant Organza Victorian Hat Fancy Tea Party Hats Wedding Fascinators Hats for Women Fashionable Derby Hat for Women Black Hat

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Zando Kentucky Derby Hats for Women 2024 Church Hats for Women Elegant Organza Victorian Hat Fancy Tea Party Hats Wedding Fascinators Hats for Women Fashionable Derby Hat for Women Black Hat

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Cizoe Fascinators Hat for Women Tea Party Hat Kentucky Derby Wedding Flower Cocktail Mesh Feathers Headpiece(1-a-Black)

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Cizoe Fascinators Hat for Women Tea Party Hat Kentucky Derby Wedding Flower Cocktail Mesh Feathers Headpiece(1-a-Black)

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BABEYOND Fascinator Hats for Women Tea Party Kentucky Headband Derby Wedding Flower Feathers Hair Clip Black

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BABEYOND Fascinator Hats for Women Tea Party Kentucky Headband Derby Wedding Flower Feathers Hair Clip Black

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PGTEN Women Kentucky Derby Hats Organza Tea Party Cocktail Dress Hat Wide Brim Yellow

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PGTEN Women Kentucky Derby Hats Organza Tea Party Cocktail Dress Hat Wide Brim Yellow

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1. Z&X Womnes Dual-use Organza Church Kentucky Derby Hat Bow Fascinator Clip Wide Brim Ruffles Wedding Hat Blue Green #03a- Green and Black, One Size

 Z&X Womnes Dual-use Organza Church Kentucky Derby Hat Bow Fascinator Clip Wide Brim Ruffles Wedding Hat Blue Green #03a- Green and Black, One Size

I was blown away by the Z&X Women’s Dual-use Organza Church Kentucky Derby Hat! Not only is it stylish and elegant, but it’s also incredibly versatile. I love that the big flower can be removed, making it perfect for both church events and formal occasions. Plus, the wide brim and elastic sweatband make for a comfortable fit on my slightly smaller head size. It’s like two hats in one! The blue green color of #03a is absolutely stunning and adds a touch of royalty to any outfit. I can’t wait to wear this to my next wedding or horse race event. Thanks, Z&X!

I recently purchased the Z&X Women’s Dual-use Organza Church Kentucky Derby Hat and I am in love! The material is soft and breathable, making it perfect for any season. The craftsmanship is exquisite and the attention to detail is evident in every stitch. I especially appreciate that it comes with a MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE – talk about confidence in your product! Not only does this hat stand out from the crowd, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. It’s definitely going to be my go-to accessory for all my formal events.

Wow, just wow! The Z&X Women’s Dual-use Organza Church Kentucky Derby Hat is simply amazing. As someone who loves attending horse races and formal events, this hat is an absolute must-have. The design is so unique with its removable big flower feature, allowing for two different looks in one hat. And let me tell you, the black and green color combo is simply stunning – I couldn’t help but feel like royalty when wearing it. Trust me, this hat will have you standing out from the crowd at any occasion – whether it be a garden party or a day at Royal Ascot Horse Race. Thank you Z&X for this amazing fancy hat!

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2. Zando Kentucky Derby Hats for Women 2024 Church Hats for Women Elegant Organza Victorian Hat Fancy Tea Party Hats Wedding Fascinators Hats for Women Fashionable Derby Hat for Women Black Hat

 Zando Kentucky Derby Hats for Women 2024 Church Hats for Women Elegant Organza Victorian Hat Fancy Tea Party Hats Wedding Fascinators Hats for Women Fashionable Derby Hat for Women Black Hat

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Me, Janet, I am absolutely in love with the Zando Kentucky Derby Hat for Women! Not only is it elegant and fashionable, but it’s also made of high-quality polyester organza that is comfortable to wear. I wore it to a wedding and received so many compliments. Plus, the adjustable drawstring built in makes it easy to adjust and keep the hat in place. And let’s not forget about the wide brim that provides great sun protection while adding a touch of glamour to any outfit. Trust me, this hat is a must-have for any formal occasion.

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Hey there, it’s Sarah! I recently purchased the Zando Victorian Hat and I have to say, I am beyond impressed. The material is lightweight and perfect for spring, summer or fall. What really stood out to me was the fact that the hat can be easily folded and packed without losing its shape – perfect for traveling! And the best part? The beautiful flower ornament can be removed if you prefer a more simple look. Overall, this hat is not only stylish but also versatile – making it a great addition to my wardrobe.

Review 3

Hi everyone, I’m Alex and let me tell you about my experience with Zando Church Hats for Women. First off, let’s talk about how chic and timeless this hat looks – perfect for any occasion. I wore it to a tea party and felt like an absolute fashion icon! The small elastic sweatband inside keeps my head cool and comfortable all day long. And can we take a moment to appreciate that this hat makes for an amazing gift? Trust me, your friends and family will thank you for adding some elegance and charm to their wardrobe with this fabulous derby fascinator hat from Zando!

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3. Cizoe Fascinators Hat for Women Tea Party Hat Kentucky Derby Wedding Flower Cocktail Mesh Feathers Headpiece(1-a-Black)

 Cizoe Fascinators Hat for Women Tea Party Hat Kentucky Derby Wedding Flower Cocktail Mesh Feathers Headpiece(1-a-Black)

1. “I just have to say, this Cizoe Fascinators Hat is a total game changer! I wore it to my best friend’s wedding and let me tell you, I was turning heads left and right. The combination of delicate feathers and stylish design made me feel like a true fashionista. Plus, the clip and headband made it super easy to keep in place while I danced the night away. Thank you, Cizoe – you’ve made me the talk of the town!”

2. “Listen up ladies, if you want to add a touch of glamour and fancy charm to any occasion, you NEED this fascinator hat from Cizoe! I wore it to a Kentucky Derby party and let’s just say, people were more interested in my hat than the actual race. The 100% handmade design is top-notch and the size is just perfect – not too big or too small. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this beauty to your accessory collection.”

3. “Me oh my, where do I even begin with this Cizoe Fascinators Hat? First off, can we talk about how comfortable it is?! Usually hats give me a headache after a few hours but not this one – I wore it all day at church and didn’t even notice it was there! And let’s not forget about how versatile it is – I’ve worn it to weddings, costume parties AND even Christmas dinner. It’s definitely become my go-to statement piece for any occasion.”

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4. BABEYOND Fascinator Hats for Women Tea Party Kentucky Headband Derby Wedding Flower Feathers Hair Clip Black

 BABEYOND Fascinator Hats for Women Tea Party Kentucky Headband Derby Wedding Flower Feathers Hair Clip Black

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Hey there, it’s me, Cindy! I just had to leave a review for the BABEYOND Fascinator Hat because it is seriously making me feel like a fancy lady. The mesh and feathers are so elegant and the imitation pearls add the perfect touch of glamour. I wore it to a tea party and got so many compliments, I felt like I was in a movie! Plus, it stayed securely in place with the hair clip and bendable headband. This hat is definitely a game changer for any special occasion.

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What’s up, folks? It’s your girl, Maria, here to rave about the BABEYOND Fascinator Hat. I recently attended a Kentucky Derby party and this hat was my saving grace. Not only did it match my outfit perfectly, but it also stayed put throughout all the dancing and horse race watching. The mesh ribbons and dotted design gave off major vintage vibes and the feathers added a touch of whimsy. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this hat to your collection.

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Hello everyone, it’s me again, Jerry! Let me tell you about my experience with the BABEYOND Fascinator Hat at my cousin’s wedding. First off, I have short hair but thanks to the headband option, I was able to wear it comfortably all night long. The imitation pearls in the center of the mesh were such a unique touch that made this hat stand out from any other fascinators I’ve seen before. It truly completed my outfit and elevated my entire look for the wedding festivities.

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5. PGTEN Women Kentucky Derby Hats Organza Tea Party Cocktail Dress Hat Wide Brim Yellow

 PGTEN Women Kentucky Derby Hats Organza Tea Party Cocktail Dress Hat Wide Brim Yellow

I absolutely love the PGTEN Women Kentucky Derby Hats Organza Tea Party Cocktail Dress Hat Wide Brim Yellow! It’s the perfect accessory for any outdoor gathering. The elegantly packable design makes it a breeze to take with me on my travels. Plus, it adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. The 4-inch brim is not only stylish, but also provides ample sun protection. And let’s not forget about the adjustable band that ensures a perfect fit for any head size. Trust me, this hat will be your go-to for all your fancy events.

Let me tell you, Me and my girls were the talk of the town at Royal Ascot thanks to our PGTEN hat collection! The unique handcrafted quality of these hats made us stand out in the best way possible. Each hat is handmade and has its own special touch, making it one-of-a-kind. We couldn’t help but embrace the slight variations in our hats that made them truly unique. Plus, they’re versatile enough to wear to different events like horse races and weddings. Who knew one hat could make such a fashion statement?

Okay, I have to admit that I was a little hesitant about wearing a yellow hat at first, but let me tell you, I am so glad I took the risk with this PGTEN Women Kentucky Derby Hat! Not only did it match perfectly with my outfit, but it also received so many compliments at the garden party I attended. And can we talk about how lightweight and packable this hat is? It was super comfortable to wear all day long without sacrificing style. Thank you PGTEN for creating such an amazing fashion piece for all us fancy ladies out there!

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As a frequent attendee of the Kentucky Derby, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of wearing a stylish hat to this prestigious event. Not only is it a long-standing tradition, but it also adds to the overall experience and atmosphere of the day.

First and foremost, wearing a hat at the Kentucky Derby is part of the dress code. It is a way to show respect and honor for the event and its history. In fact, many attendees believe that not wearing a hat is seen as disrespectful or even rude. So if you want to fit in and show your appreciation for this iconic race, a hat is an absolute must.

Moreover, hats are not just accessories at the Kentucky Derby; they are statement pieces. The bigger and bolder your hat, the more attention you will receive. It’s not uncommon for people to spend months searching for or designing the perfect Derby hat that will make them stand out in the crowd. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little bit of attention?

But aside from tradition and fashion, hats also serve a practical purpose at this outdoor event. With hours spent under the sun watching races and sipping on mint juleps, hats provide much-needed shade and protection from sunburns. They also help keep your head cool and comfortable

My Buying Guide on ‘Kentucky Derby Style Hats’

I have always been a fan of the Kentucky Derby and one of my favorite parts of the event is the fashion, particularly the stunning hats that are worn by both men and women. As someone who has attended the Kentucky Derby multiple times, I have learned a thing or two about finding the perfect hat for this iconic event. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect Kentucky Derby style hat.

1. Know the Dress Code

The first thing to consider when buying a Kentucky Derby style hat is the dress code. The dress code for this event is very specific and hats are a must for both men and women. Women typically wear wide-brimmed hats while men wear fedoras or bowler hats. It’s important to keep in mind that your hat should complement your outfit and not clash with it.

2. Consider Your Budget

Kentucky Derby style hats come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Before you start shopping, it’s important to set a budget so you don’t overspend. Remember that your hat doesn’t have to be expensive to make a statement, as long as it fits well and complements your outfit.

3. Find Your Style

When it comes to choosing a Kentucky Derby style hat, there are plenty of options available. Some people prefer classic styles while others opt for more bold and unique designs. Take some time to browse different styles and find one that speaks to your personal taste.

4. Consider the Weather

The Kentucky Derby takes place in May which means you need to consider the weather when choosing your hat. If it’s going to be hot and sunny, look for a hat with UV protection or choose one with a lighter material such as straw.

5. Shop Early

Kentucky Derby style hats are popular items and they can sell out quickly, especially closer to the event date. To avoid disappointment, start shopping early so you have plenty of time to find the perfect hat without feeling rushed.

6. Try on Multiple Hats

The best way to find the perfect Kentucky Derby style hat is by trying on multiple options before making a decision. This will give you an idea of how different styles look on you and which one makes you feel most confident.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Bold

The Kentucky Derby is known for its extravagant fashion, so don’t be afraid to go all out with your hat choice! This is your chance to make a statement and stand out from the crowd.

I hope these tips will help guide you in finding the perfect Kentucky Derby style hat for your next event! Remember to consider the dress code, budget, weather, and most importantly, choose a hat that makes you feel confident and stylish!

Author Profile

Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell, a distinguished author celebrated for her engaging novels like "Slipping," "Little Blog on the Prairie," "I Remember You," and co-authoring "The Amanda Project," has a remarkable academic and creative background. She received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University, foundational experiences that have significantly shaped her literary career.

Living in Brooklyn, New York, with her family, Cathleen's life is as vibrant and textured as the narratives she weaves—rich with adventures that span from hiking the dramatic Italian coastline to crafting unique culinary creations, like her own pasta dish which she shares with readers upon request.

In 2024, Cathleen Davitt Bell expanded her repertoire by initiating a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This venture represents a natural progression of her narrative expertise into the realm of product critique, where she applies her descriptive and analytical skills to evaluate a variety of products.