Ankara Hats: How to Pull Them off the Fashionista Way

A classic hat never goes out of style. From bucket hats to wide-brimmed hats, they remain in vogue decade after decade. Like any fashion accessory, they complete your outfit and command attention on their own. But if you want your hat to get more accents, ensure it’s an ankara hat.

Why, you ask?

First, ankara hats are Afrocentric fashion accessories for both men and women. Besides topping up your style, they also promote the African culture.

See it as a combo of Afrocentrism and westernization. Instead of rocking your ankara fabric as scarves or gele, make them into beautiful hats that speak volume.

What’s more?

They always come in different colors as one. This makes them more standout.

So, if you have any occasion you wanna exude some Afrocentric vibe? Wear ankara hats.

Don’t know how to start? That’s what you’ll learn about in this post.

Let’s dive in.

How to Style Ankara Hats

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about fashion, it’s that the little things matter. Every add-on matters from your shoes to your wristwatch, sunglasses, jewelry, etc.

However, some little things aren’t just little. They’re small but mighty like ankara hats.

Let’s say you had a summer party at the beach. After wearing your beachwear and sunscreen, you may look fit enough to go spend time by the beachside. But don’t leave just yet.

There’s something else you should add to shield your face from the sun— a hat.

Now, if you want to stand out among other participants, don’t wear a plain hat. Save the solid-colored ones for another day even if they are as bright as the sun.

There’s a high chance other people would rock such hats. So, why not wear something different?

That’s where ankara fabric hats come in.

They can be wide-brimmed, bucket, baseball, or any kind of hat. The uniform thing about them is that they’re made with the ankara fabric.

And no, they aren’t for beachy days alone.

You can wear them to work as business casual outfits, luncheons, church, picnics, or any casual outing. You can even rock them as statement pieces because that’s what they are.

Wondering how to get started? Here you go:

1. Pair Your Ankara Hat with a Suit

Wanna give more life to your suit? Add an ankara hat to the mix. 

A pro-tip is to wear a suit and hat made with the same ankara fabric. But if your suit is ready-made, ensure the suit it’s solid-colored. 

This helps to give your multicolored Afrocentric hat enough space to shine.

You can also wear a suit that has one of the colors of your hat whether it’s bold or subtle. 

2. Coordinate Everything

You can as well wear your ankara hat as an ensemble.

This may be a three-piece outfit that includes a top, bottoms (skirt or pants), and a hat all made with the ankara fabric. 

It can also be a dress and a hat made with the same fabric or ankara two-pieces that come with a hat.

Coordinated sets are great and save you from worrying about how to combine up or down.

3. Pair it with Your Jeans Outfit

Adding an ankara hat to your jeans and tee or crop top isn’t an everyday occurrence.

Do it to get some compliments and open admiration from friends and strangers.

4. Combine with Your Beachwear

Whether you’re wearing a pair of shorts and a vintage shirt, a flowing dress or a bikini, these hats always come in handy to protect you from the harsh rays of the sun.

So, while you get sunkissed at the beach, get styled up with your Afrocentric hat.

5. Pair with Your Dress

Ankara hats always look good on any type of dress whether tight-fitting, loose-fitting, maxi, midi, mini, or what have you.

So, try this option when next you’re stepping out.

6. Palazzo Pants/ Skirt & Tops

This combo also looks great with a hat made with African fabrics. 

You can go for coordinated sets or different colors of pants and top. If you don’t want solid colors, try multicolored/multi-patterned top or pants and add your hat to the mix.

7. Jumpsuit & Playsuits

You can also rock an ankara hat with your jumpsuits and playsuits. The options are limitless.

Tips When Rocking Ankara Hats

The first thing you have to do is to be mindful of your color mix. One reason is that your hat already has more than two colors. So, to avoid appearing noisy, pair it with solid-colored clothes if you aren’t wearing an ankara ensemble.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t mix prints and patterns.

Of course, you can.

Feel free to pair your hat with a floral shirt or striped pants. But ensure, they’re of the same color palette and the multicolor doesnt go beyond one or two aspects of your outfits.

That aside, Afrocentric hats go with any type of shoes from sneakers to heels, oxford, Chelsea boots, palm slippers, and what have you.

If you’re ready t buy one for yourself, visit Etsy or better still, contact any good tailor or fashion designer near you.