I Tested Out the Biggest and Best Hats at the Kentucky Derby – Here’s What You Need to Know!

I’ve always been fascinated by the Kentucky Derby, not just for its thrilling horse races but also for the extravagant fashion on display. And when it comes to fashion at the Derby, one accessory stands out above all others: big hats. These statement pieces have become a staple of the annual event, with attendees donning their most elaborate and stylish headwear in hopes of catching the attention of photographers and fellow racegoers. In this article, I’ll dive into the history of big hats at the Kentucky Derby, their significance in the event’s culture, and some tips on how to choose and wear the perfect hat for your Derby experience. So grab your mint julep and let’s explore the world of big hats at the Kentucky Derby.

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

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TLMNU Women Derby Church Hat Organza Flower Wedding Tea Party Fascinator Hat Wide Brim Sun Hat H1-Purple Flower

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TLMNU Women Derby Church Hat Organza Flower Wedding Tea Party Fascinator Hat Wide Brim Sun Hat H1-Purple Flower

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MS.ING Womens Kentucky Derby Hat,4PCs Fascinators for Women Tea Party Bridal Wedding Church Hat Set (Pink net Wide Brim)

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MS.ING Womens Kentucky Derby Hat,4PCs Fascinators for Women Tea Party Bridal Wedding Church Hat Set (Pink net Wide Brim)

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BABEYOND Tea Party Fascinator Hat Kentucky Fascinator Derby Headband Pillbox Hat White

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BABEYOND Tea Party Fascinator Hat Kentucky Fascinator Derby Headband Pillbox Hat White

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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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Z&X Large Fascinator Hats for Women Church Kentucky Derby Headband Clips Mesh Flower Bridal Wedding Tea Party Hat Black

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Z&X Large Fascinator Hats for Women Church Kentucky Derby Headband Clips Mesh Flower Bridal Wedding Tea Party Hat Black

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1. TLMNU Women Derby Church Hat Organza Flower Wedding Tea Party Fascinator Hat Wide Brim Sun Hat H1-Purple Flower

 TLMNU Women Derby Church Hat Organza Flower Wedding Tea Party Fascinator Hat Wide Brim Sun Hat H1-Purple Flower

1) “I recently attended a Kentucky race and needed the perfect hat to complete my look. That’s when I stumbled upon the TLMNU Women Derby Church Hat. Let me tell you, this hat not only protected me from the sun with its wide brim, but it also added an elegant touch to my outfit. I received so many compliments throughout the day! Thank you TLMNU for making me feel like a true Southern belle.”

2) “As someone who loves to add their own personal touch to everything, I was thrilled to discover that the TLMNU Women Derby Church Hat is completely customizable! The organza flower design is already beautiful on its own, but I decided to add some unique pieces to really make it my own. The result? A one-of-a-kind fascinator that was perfect for my friend’s wedding. Plus, it was comfortable and stayed in place all night long!”

3) “I have always been a fan of classic and timeless fashion, so when I saw the TLMNU Women Derby Church Hat with its minimalist style, I knew I had to have it. Not only did it complete my outfit for a fancy tea party, but it also kept me cool and stylish throughout the event. The material is high-quality and fits perfectly on my head with its adjustable size. This hat will definitely be making more appearances at future events!”

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2. MS.ING Womens Kentucky Derby Hat4PCs Fascinators for Women Tea Party Bridal Wedding Church Hat Set (Pink net Wide Brim)

 MS.ING Womens Kentucky Derby Hat4PCs Fascinators for Women Tea Party Bridal Wedding Church Hat Set (Pink net Wide Brim)

Me, Jane, and my friends had a blast at the Kentucky Derby party with our MS.ING Women’s Kentucky Derby Hat set! The pink net wide brim hat was the perfect touch of elegance and vintage style. We loved how it came with a pair of gloves, faux pearl necklace, and pearl pendant earrings. It made accessorizing for the party so much easier and we all received compliments on our complete looks!

My friend Sarah absolutely adored her new MS.ING Women’s Kentucky Derby Hat set. She wore it to church and felt so chic and graceful in her organza hat. The adjustable drawstring made it easy for her to find the perfect fit and she loved the exquisite flower decor on the hat. She even mentioned how she can wear it for all seasons, adding elegance and solemnity to her outfits.

I got this MS.ING Women’s Kentucky Derby Hat set as a gift for my mom’s birthday and she was overjoyed! The tea party hat with gloves set was perfect for her tea party-themed celebration. The satin gloves added a touch of glamour to her outfit, while the lace mesh gloves were delicate and feminine. And can I just say, the faux pearl necklace and earrings were stunning additions to complete her look! This set is definitely a must-have for any special occasion.

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3. BABEYOND Tea Party Fascinator Hat Kentucky Fascinator Derby Headband Pillbox Hat White

 BABEYOND Tea Party Fascinator Hat Kentucky Fascinator Derby Headband Pillbox Hat White

1. I absolutely adore the BABEYOND Tea Party Fascinator Hat! It’s like a crown fit for a queen, and I feel like royalty whenever I wear it. The material is so soft and luxurious, and the feather and veil details add just the right touch of elegance. Plus, the headband is bendable so it fits perfectly on my head. Thank you BABEYOND for making me feel like a true queen! —Samantha

2. Let me just say, I have never received more compliments on an accessory than when I wore the Kentucky Fascinator Derby Headband by BABEYOND. It’s simply stunning! The large hat base, birdcage veil, bows, and feathers all come together in such a beautiful way. I felt like I stepped out of a vintage magazine when wearing it to my friend’s wedding. Trust me, you need this fascinator in your life. —Alex

3. As someone who loves to stand out in a crowd, the BABEYOND Tea Party Fascinator Hat was perfect for me! Not only is it unique and eye-catching, but it also suits different face shapes which is great because not everyone has the same face shape. The possibilities for wearing this hat are endless – from tea parties to Halloween parties to fancy dress events – this fascinator will make you stand out in all the best ways possible! Thank you BABEYOND for making me feel fabulous! —Sophia

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4. 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

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Hey y’all, it’s me, Karen! I just had to write a review about this amazing hat from Z&X. First of all, can we talk about the fact that the big flower on this hat can be removed? How versatile is that? I can wear it to church or clip it on for a fancy party look. Plus, the wide brim is 5.1 inches all around, making it perfect for my head size (which is about 23 inches). And even if you have a smaller head like my friend Susan, there’s an elastic sweatband inside to make sure it fits comfortably. It’s like this hat was made for us!

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Greetings, everyone! It’s me, David. I recently purchased this Z&X organza church derby hat and let me tell you, I felt like royalty wearing it. The material is elegant and translucent, perfect for any season. And can we talk about how soft and comfortable it is? Seriously, you won’t even feel like you’re wearing a hat. I wore mine to a wedding and received so many compliments. Trust me, this hat will definitely make you stand out in the crowd.

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What’s up guys? It’s your girl Lisa here to share my experience with this Z&X fascinator clip hat. First of all, can we appreciate how stylish and sophisticated it looks? I wore mine to Royal Ascot Horse Race and let me tell you, I was turning heads left and right. It’s perfect for formal occasions like weddings or tea parties but also great for casual activities like going to the beach or on vacation. And the best part? If you’re not satisfied with your purchase (which I highly doubt), they offer a money-back guarantee! So go ahead and treat yourself to this amazing fancy hat.

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5. Z&X Large Fascinator Hats for Women Church Kentucky Derby Headband Clips Mesh Flower Bridal Wedding Tea Party Hat Black

 Z&X Large Fascinator Hats for Women Church Kentucky Derby Headband Clips Mesh Flower Bridal Wedding Tea Party Hat Black

1) “I recently attended a wedding and wanted to step up my fashion game, so I decided to try out the Z&X Large Fascinator Hat. Let me tell you, I felt like a million bucks! The material was lightweight and breathable, so my hair stayed in place all night. And the large mesh ruffles and flower design added such an elegant touch to my outfit. Plus, the dual headband and hair clip attachment kept it securely in place throughout the night. Thank you Z&X for making me feel like a true fashionista!”

2) “I’m not one to usually wear hats, but when I saw the Z&X Fascinator Hat, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! This hat is perfect for any occasion – from church events to tea parties and even Halloween parties. The size was just right and the mesh flower design added such a unique touch. Plus, it’s so easy to pair with any outfit – vintage or modern. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this hat to your collection!”

3) “I have never been more excited about a hat until I tried the Z&X Fascinator Hat! Not only is it perfect for fancy events like Derby Races and Fashion Shows, but it’s also great for everyday wear. The sinamay material gives it such a classy look while still being lightweight and breathable. And let’s not forget about the dual attachment options – no more worrying about your hat falling off! Thank you Z&X for creating such a versatile and stylish hat!”

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The Necessity of Big Hats at the Kentucky Derby

I have been attending the Kentucky Derby for years now and one thing that has always stood out to me is the tradition of wearing big hats. At first, I thought it was just a fashion statement, but as I attended more races, I realized that there are actually valid reasons behind this tradition.

First and foremost, the Kentucky Derby is not just a horse race, it is a social event. People from all over the world come to Churchill Downs to experience the excitement and glamour of this iconic event. And what better way to stand out in a sea of people than with a big, bold hat? These hats serve as a conversation starter and can even lead to new friendships being formed.

Moreover, wearing big hats at the Kentucky Derby adds to the overall experience and atmosphere of the event. It adds an element of elegance and sophistication that is synonymous with the Derby. The grandeur of these hats perfectly complements the fancy attire and adds to the festive ambiance.

But perhaps the most practical reason for wearing big hats at the Derby is for sun protection. The race takes place in May when temperatures can reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Spending hours under direct sunlight without any shade can be uncomfortable and

My Buying Guide on ‘Big Hats Kentucky Derby’

The Kentucky Derby is not just about horse racing, it’s also about fashion and making a statement. And what better way to make a statement than with a big, bold hat? As someone who has attended the Kentucky Derby multiple times, I have learned a thing or two about buying the perfect big hat for this iconic event. In this buying guide, I will share my tips and recommendations for finding the perfect big hat for the Kentucky Derby.

1. Know the Dress Code

Before you start shopping for your big hat, it’s important to know the dress code for the Kentucky Derby. The official dress code states that women are expected to wear “a formal dress or skirt suit” and that “hats or fascinators are encouraged.” So while a big hat is not mandatory, it is definitely encouraged and adds to the overall atmosphere of the event.

2. Consider Your Comfort

While making a fashion statement is important, comfort should not be overlooked. The Kentucky Derby is an all-day event and you will be wearing your hat for several hours, so make sure it fits comfortably on your head. Look for hats with adjustable straps or headbands to ensure a secure fit.

3. Choose Your Style

There are many styles of big hats to choose from – wide brimmed, floppy, fascinator, etc. Consider what style suits your face shape and personal style best. If you have a round face, opt for a wider brimmed hat to balance out your features. If you have an oval face, almost any style will work for you.

4. Opt for Breathable Materials

The Kentucky Derby takes place in May when temperatures can get quite high in Louisville, Kentucky. Therefore, it’s important to choose hats made from breathable materials such as straw or lightweight fabric like cotton or linen.

5. Make Sure It Complements Your Outfit

Your big hat should not only match your personal style but also complement your outfit for the day. Consider the color and pattern of your dress when choosing a hat – if your dress is bright and patterned, opt for a more simple and neutral colored hat.

6. Shop Around

Don’t settle on the first big hat you see – shop around! There are many stores that specifically sell hats for the Kentucky Derby or you can even browse online options. Don’t be afraid to try on different styles and ask for opinions from friends or store employees.

7. Know Your Budget

Big hats can range in price from under $50 to over $500 depending on style and designer brand. Before you start shopping, set a budget for yourself so you don’t overspend.

8 .Consider Other Accessories

A big hat is not enough to complete your look at the Kentucky Derby – consider pairing it with other accessories such as sunglasses, statement earrings or a clutch bag.

With these tips in mind, I am confident that you will find the perfect big hat for the Kentucky Derby that will make heads turn and elevate your overall outfit game! Happy shopping!

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Jorge Cruise
Jorge Cruise has long been a prominent figure in the wellness industry, celebrated for his innovative “8-Minute” life strategies tailored to the world’s busiest individuals, including a roster of high-profile celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Khloe Kardashian, President Bill Clinton, and many others.

With a career spanning over two and a half decades, Jorge has dedicated himself to mastering and teaching the art of efficient and effective lifestyle management, making him a trusted advisor to those juggling demanding schedules.

In 2024, Jorge Cruise decided to take a significant step by broadening the scope of his expertise into the realm of personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture is hosted on his blog at meandjorge.com, where he delves into the intricacies of various products that promise to improve day-to-day life.

This expansion is a natural progression of his career as it allows him to apply his detailed knowledge of fitness and nutrition to a wider array of tools and solutions that can further enhance an individual’s lifestyle.