MTM : Manufacture Textile Méridionale
Frequently asked questions
To choose a summer hat, consider your personal style, the shape of your face to find the one that suits you best, opt for adequate sun protection with UV protection and wide brims, choose based on your summer activities for optimal comfort, try different styles and breathable materials like straw, cotton, or technical fabrics to ensure comfort in hot weather.
Hats with very wide brims, often called wide-brimmed hats, are characterized by their extended sun protection. Among them are various styles such as sun hats, Panama hats, and straw hats. These hats offer maximum coverage for the face, neck, and shoulders, making them ideal for sunny days at the beach, outdoor festivals, or any other summer activity that requires extra sun protection.
Of course, in the Southwest of France, in Pau at the foot of the Pyrenees, where we are based, hat-making is a well-established tradition! However, on a global scale, hats are produced in various countries where traditional craftsmanship is preserved and where the necessary materials are available. Countries like Italy, France, England, and Ecuador are famous for their high-quality hats, whether felt hats, straw hats, or Panama hats. Meanwhile, countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh play a significant role in large-scale hat manufacturing, offering a variety of styles and prices to meet global demand.
To wear a hat well as a man, it’s essential to choose a style that harmonizes with your outfit, activities, and silhouette. Ensure that the hat matches your personal style and the occasion, whether it’s a casual hat like an American or flat cap for a laid-back look, or a more formal hat like a fedora for special occasions. When wearing the hat, adjust it properly on your head, placing it slightly tilted forward or to the side depending on the chosen style. Avoid wearing it too far back to prevent the “floating head” effect. Finally, wear your hat with confidence and style, as this is key to wearing it successfully.
To know if a hat is the right size, several factors should be considered. First, make sure the hat sits comfortably on your head without being too tight or too loose. You should be able to fit a finger between the hat and your forehead without it being too snug. Additionally, the hat shouldn’t slide easily or feel too tight on the crown. Finally, if the hat has an adjustable inner band, you can use it to customize the fit. If you feel comfortable and the hat seems to stay in place without shifting, it’s probably the right size. MTM offers a wide range of sizes, from 50cm to 62cm for adult head circumferences, and also provides adjustable systems, making it easier to find your perfectly fitted hat.
For those with short hair, several hat options can complement their style. Baseball caps are a versatile and casual choice that works well with short hair, offering a sporty and modern look. Berets can also be an elegant option, adding a touch of casual sophistication. Fedora or trilby hats and newsboy caps can also be worn with short hair for a more dressed-up and stylish look, while straw hats or wide-brimmed sun hats are perfect for sunny days, offering both style and protection. The key is to choose a hat that matches your personal style and enhances your look while considering the length of your hair.
For those with a large nose, certain types of hats can help balance the proportions of the face. Wide-brimmed hats, such as fedoras or cloche hats, can draw attention to the upper part of the face, thereby reducing the perception of nose size. Hats with side details like flowers or ribbons can also divert attention away from the nose. However, hat choice also depends on the overall shape of the face and personal style, so it’s important to try different styles to find the one that suits you best and makes you feel most comfortable.
To determine if a hat is too small, several signs can be observed. First, it may be difficult to put on, requiring excessive pressure on the head. A feeling of tightness or discomfort on the forehead is also an indicator that the hat is too small. If you feel pressure points or if the hat leaves red marks on your forehead after wearing it, it is likely too small. Additionally, if the hat seems to sit high on your head or slips easily when you move, it may also indicate that it is too small. Finally, if you notice that the hat’s inner band leaves marks or is difficult to adjust even to the maximum, this could mean the hat is too small for your head.
A hat is a stylish element of a complete outfit. However, it is recommended to wear a hat in various situations to protect your head and face from external elements such as the sun, wind, or cold. For example, in summer, a wide-brimmed hat is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially during prolonged outdoor activities. Similarly, in winter, a beanie or cap can keep you warm by preventing heat from escaping through your head. Moreover, in formal circumstances or during special events, a hat can also add a touch of style to your outfit. In short, wearing a hat is a wise practice to protect your head, add style to your look, and adapt to various weather conditions.
To choose the color of your hat, it’s important to consider several factors. First, consider your complexion and the color palette that flatters you the most. Warm tones like beige, brown, or khaki can work well for warm complexions, while cooler complexions might prefer colors like gray, navy blue, or black. Next, think about the versatility of the color and how it will match with your existing wardrobe. Neutral colors like beige, gray, or black may be easier to match, while brighter colors or patterns can add a touch of personality to your look. Finally, consider the occasion for which you will wear the hat. Neutral tones are generally better suited for formal occasions, while brighter colors may be appropriate for casual or summer events. In summary, choose the color of your hat based on your complexion, its versatility, and the occasion to achieve a harmonious and stylish look.
To avoid losing your hat, several precautions can be taken. First, make sure the hat fits well and is properly adjusted to your head. Use adjustable inner bands if necessary for a more secure fit. Then, when wearing your hat outside, be careful to keep it in place, especially in windy weather. If you’re concerned about the risk of loss, you can also opt for hats with a chin strap or drawstring, which can be tied under the chin for extra security, such as our MTM Surf Hat range. Finally, always keep an eye on your hat and store it carefully when not in use to avoid any chance of accidental loss. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your hat.
The Panama or Fedora hat is generally worn slightly tilted forward on the head. It is traditionally worn with a casual or semi-formal outfit, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the appearance. When wearing this type of hat, ensure it fits well on your head to prevent it from slipping or moving too much. You can also choose to pair it with light and summer clothes for a casual look, or with a more dressed-up outfit for special occasions. In general, these hats offer great versatility and can be worn in various ways to match your style and the occasion. It’s important to note that these hats are suitable for both women and men. Women can wear them elegantly to add a touch of refinement to their outfits.
The bowler hat is usually worn with the crown placed straight on the head, while the brim is slightly tilted downward at the front. Traditionally associated with a formal or semi-formal outfit, the bowler hat can add a touch of retro elegance to a variety of looks. It can be worn more casually with contemporary urban outfits or more traditionally with a suit. The key is to choose a bowler hat that fits your head size and shape and to wear it confidently for a timeless and iconic style.
With a long dress, you can choose a hat that complements and enhances your outfit. A wide-brimmed straw hat or sun hat, or even a bucket hat, can be an elegant choice for summer occasions, offering both style and sun protection. For a bohemian chic look, a floppy felt or cotton hat can add a touch of casual glamour. If you prefer a more formal style, a fascinator or pillbox hat can be elegant options for special events. The key is to choose a hat that matches the style of your dress and the occasion to create a harmonious and elegant outfit.
For an oval face, most hat styles generally suit well due to the symmetry and balanced proportions of this face shape. However, you can opt for hats that complement your facial features. Wide-brimmed hats like fedoras or cloche hats can highlight the symmetry of your face while adding a touch of sophistication. Soft-brimmed hats, like berets or beanies, can also work well by hugging the curves of your face. Ultimately, choose a hat that matches your personal style and makes you feel confident, as this is key to highlighting your oval face.
To wear a cloche hat with style, place it firmly on your head, ensuring that it covers your forehead slightly. The cloche hat is often worn slightly tilted forward for a retro chic look. It pairs well with both casual and formal outfits, adding a touch of vintage elegance. For a feminine and romantic look, you can wear the cloche hat with a floral dress or a tailored coat. The key is to wear it confidently and adjust the tilt according to your personal style to make the most of this timeless accessory.
Cuenca in Ecuador is widely recognized as the world’s Panama hat capital, directly competing with Ibague in Colombia for this prestigious title.
In France, much like in gastronomy, local artisans have been preserving traditional craftsmanship for generations, creating hats renowned for their durability, elegance, and artisanal finish. In this world of excellence, MTM stands out as a distinguished representative of high-quality French hat production, thus contributing to the continuation of this artisanal know-how.
In French, the word used to refer to the type of headwear called “cap” is “casquette.” A “casquette” typically consists of a stiff visor at the front and a soft crown at the back, often worn for sports or casual activities. This term is widely used to describe this style of headwear in the French language.
MTM offers a variety of cap styles: from traditional American-style caps, gavroches, or flat caps, to more elegant ones made from Pyrenean wool.
The word “chapeau” is spelled in French with the letters “c”, “h”, “a”, “p”, “e”, “a”, followed by the letter “u”. It is used to describe a fashion accessory worn on the head, typically for style or protection against elements like the sun or rain. The word “chapeau” can also be used metaphorically to express admiration or respect, as in the phrase “chapeau bas” (hats off). In everyday language, people often refer to a variety of headgear, such as caps, fedoras, gavroches, and so on, when talking about “chapeaux” (hats).
Whether a beanie is classified as a hat can depend on the perspective and definition used. Traditionally, a beanie is generally considered a type of headwear, much like a hat, as it covers the head but lacks a rigid brim. However, some purists might distinguish between the two due to differences in construction and style. While hats often have brims and a more elaborate structure, beanies are usually simpler and softer, focusing more on warmth and comfort. Ultimately, the perception of what constitutes a hat can vary based on cultural norms, fashion, and regional usage.
A hat serves multiple functions, combining both practical and aesthetic aspects. Practically speaking, a hat offers protection against external elements such as the sun, rain, wind, and cold, helping to maintain the wearer’s health and comfort. In summer, a wide-brimmed hat can protect the skin and eyes from harmful UV rays, while in winter, a beanie can help retain body heat. Aesthetically, a hat is a versatile fashion accessory that can complement an outfit, express personal style, and add a touch of elegance or whimsy to one’s overall appearance. In summary, a hat merges functionality and style, offering both protection and self-expression to the wearer.
The shapes of hats have evolved over time to meet specific functional and aesthetic needs. For example, wide-brimmed hats, such as straw hats or fedoras, are designed to provide sun protection by covering the face, neck, and shoulders. Felt hats, like the bowler hat, have a rounded shape that allows for a sturdy construction while offering a classic, elegant look. Similarly, caps have a stiff visor at the front to shield the eyes from the sun and a soft crown for a comfortable fit. Ultimately, the shapes of hats result from a combination of functionality, tradition, and fashion, evolving over time to meet the changing needs of individuals and fashion trends.
A hat is generally considered a fashion accessory rather than a piece of clothing, as it is worn to complement the main outfit, adding style, protection, or distinction. However, in some contexts and cultures, hats can be integrated into specific clothing, such as military uniforms or traditional attire, and be considered an integral part of the ensemble. Generally, though, hats are seen as a distinct accessory that allows for personalization and enhancement of one’s overall appearance.
Someone who makes hats is called a milliner. This term refers to an artisan specializing in designing, making, and decorating hats and headwear. Some may also use the terms hatmaker or hatter. Milliners work with various materials, such as felt, straw, fabric, and others, using traditional craft techniques and modern methods to create hats that meet the needs and tastes of their clientele. The work of a milliner can range from creating unique custom pieces to mass-producing hats for retail sale. However, many professions exist within the hat-making industry; see [Join MTM].
A store that sells hats is generally called a hat shop or millinery. It is a specialized establishment selling hats in various styles, materials, and brands. In a hat shop, customers can find a variety of hats for different occasions, whether straw hats for summer, felt hats for winter, baseball caps, berets, formal hats, or vintage-style hats. Hat shops may also offer style advice and fitting services to help customers find the perfect hat for their face shape and personal style.