The type of hats men wear depends on what the occasion is or the environmental conditions are. Men's hats greatly differ from hats typically worn by women.

In the past, men's hats were made a symbolic statement. For example, the tall stiff top hat worn by aristocrats was seen as a status symbol of wealth. In contrast, women's hats during this time were more similar to a bonnet rather than a hat. Unlike men's hats women's hats were brimless, and required pins to secure them on their heads.

Hats today no longer signify a particular status symbol in society. They are still worn by many people, but for different reasons than before. Now hats are more for functionality (such as keeping warm in the winter), or for looking fashionably appealing. The popularity of baseball caps has grown exponentially during the last decade among both men and women. Most young men wear baseball caps because all their friends are also wearing them. Younger men are not the only ones who wear hats for fashion reasons. Some older men, when they begin to lose their hair, choose to cover it up by wearing a hat.

Some hats that men wear are more functional, such as the hard hat, and some are used more for symbolic purposes. Some hats, such as the policeman's hat, are used to symbolize authority. The symbolic meaning of a policeman's hat is unmistakable, and it has been known to represent authority and commands respect. There are certain hats that serve as practical and fashionable purposes. Hats like cowboy hats and baseball hats can serve both functional and symbolic purposes. They can protect the wearer from the elements and are also worn in professions that require them in outdoor work. They are also worn by individuals for aesthetic reasons.