Hats off! The hottest headwear of 2025 – with style à la Thomas Mann

On 13 June 1942, The New Yorker published a humorous apocryphal anecdote from Princeton, according to which an unnamed professor visited TM there and, upon leaving, asked for his hat, which could not be found anywhere in the house. The professor then wrote to TM about the whole incident; TM replied that if his butler said the professor had not been wearing a hat when he visited, he would have to accept that. The hat remained missing. TM responded to the bizarre story in a letter dated 17 June 1942 from Pacific Palisades to the editors, saying that the professor who had suffered the misfortune should simply contact him and provide his hat size, and he would be happy to donate a new top hat, a Panama hat, a bowler hat, a sombrero, a fur cap and a steel helmet. ‘Long live the New Yorker!’ The magazine published the reply on 4 July 1942.

With his penchant for impeccable style and timeless elegance, he would undoubtedly be the star of any red carpet today. And he knew that the right hat adds character. Which models will make the strongest fashion statement in 2025?

1. The fedora: classic with a modern twist

The fedora remains a timeless classic. Especially in classic muted colours such as black, brown and beige, combined with structured felt and a wide brim, the fedora, as impressively demonstrated here in Budapest by Thomas Mann, combines elegance and casualness.

2. Homburg: The bourgeois icon

The Homburg exudes serious elegance and aristocratic charm. With its upturned brim and distinctive dent in the crown, it embodies timeless class – as Thomas Mann impressively demonstrates here at the ticket counter in Cologne. This hat is the perfect choice for a sophisticated appearance with subtle authority. Styling tip: Pair an anthracite-coloured wool Homburg with a three-piece suit and polished Oxford shoes – stylish for evening events.

3. Bucket hats: from street style to luxury fashion

The bucket hat, originally a sporty accessory, has long since established itself in the world of high fashion. Perfect for anyone who loves a casual yet fashionable look. And Katja's cloche hat should not go unmentioned either.

4. Baker boy hats: retro chic for everyday wear

The baker boy hat (also known as a flat cap or newsboy cap) is enjoying a strong revival. It adds a nostalgic touch to any outfit and is available in both classic wool fabrics and modern versions made of leather or tweed. It makes a particularly fashionable statement when paired with oversized blazers and boots.

5. Panamas: Summer eye-catchers

Lightweight, exclusive, sophisticated. Hand-woven from Ecuadorian toquilla straw, the Panama hat is the crown jewel of summer accessories – a must-have from Los Angeles to Lübeck. Fun fact: Men imported genuine Ecuadorian toquilla hats, while GDR officials such as Honecker resorted to plastic imitations: Lighter than a sheet of paper – DER SPIEGEL.

6. Captain's hat (Prince Heinrich hat): Maritime attitude

On the beach, the head of the family can also don a captain's hat. Combined with a blue blazer and white summer shoes, the look becomes the ideal – albeit slightly eccentric – fashion statement.

Whether winter:

Or summer:

Thomas Mann has a hat for every occasion.

Every occasion?

For driving.

For coffee.

For the cycle tour.

Truly for everyone:

Whether classic, casual or extravagant, hats will remain an indispensable fashion statement in 2025. There is the right headwear for every occasion. Whether writing, travelling or strolling, crowned with style and character, the hat remains a timeless symbol of elegance.

PS: There is a hat for everyone in the family: