If you’re attending an afternoon tea party and wondering what kind of hat to wear, you’re in the right place.
Choosing a tea party hat doesn’t need to be complicated.
The right hat should feel comfortable, suit the style of the event, and add a little sense of occasion — without feeling like a costume.
Whether you’re hosting a garden tea, attending a Mad Hatter party, or dressing for a bridal afternoon tea, the hat you choose should feel like you, just slightly elevated.
This guide makes it easy.
Start Here: Find the Right Tea Party Hat for You
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with the option that best matches your situation:
- I don’t usually wear hats → simple, lightweight fascinators
- Garden tea party → relaxed, classic styles
- Mad Hatter tea party → playful and expressive hats
- Hosting the tea → elegant statement pieces
- Wedding or bridal tea party → soft, romantic styles
You don’t need a large or dramatic hat to look appropriate at afternoon tea, most guests choose a simple, elegant piece and keep the rest of their outfit understated.
Best Tea Party Hats If You Don’t Usually Wear Hats
If you’re not a “hat person,” look for styles that feel secure, lightweight, and easy to wear for a few hours. Fascinators and headband-style hats are often the safest choice and still look beautifully put together.
These hats are ideal if you want to participate in the tradition without feeling overdressed or uncomfortable.
Why these work:
They sit comfortably, don’t require constant adjusting, and pair well with simple tea party dresses.
Best for: first-time tea party guests, small gatherings, relaxed afternoon teas.
Feather Fascinator
A Feather Fascinator is an easy choice for instant impact.
Best for: first-time tea party guests who want something elegant but easy to wear.
Available on Amazon US · Prime shipping on many styles
Feather Fascinator Pillbox Hat
This Feather Fascinator pillbox Hat is elegant enough for a royal wedding. Wear it jauntily to one side with the front pulled forward towards your eyebrow for a dramatic look.
A great choice if: you want to look polished without feeling overdressed.
Party Pillbox Hat with Veil
This pill box hat comes in many color options, so you can find one to match your dress.
Why this works: lightweight, secure, and subtle enough to feel comfortable all afternoon.
Best Hats for a Garden Tea Party
Garden tea parties call for hats that feel feminine, relaxed, and practical. Natural materials, floral details, and medium brims work especially well outdoors and photograph beautifully.
A garden tea party hat should feel charming rather than formal — something you can wear while moving around, chatting, and enjoying the setting.
Why these work:
They suit outdoor light, feel appropriate for daytime events, and don’t overpower your outfit.
Best for: garden teas, spring and summer parties, outdoor afternoon teas.
Elegant Straw Hat
This Classic Straw Hat is perfect on a summer afternoon.
Best for: outdoor garden tea parties and relaxed daytime events.
Floral Fascinator
A pretty pink fascinator is an elegant hat for a sunny garden party.
Why this works: feminine, practical, and comfortable for longer wear outdoors
Soft Brimmed Lace Hat
A beautiful hat with perfect fit and versatility for summer events.
Especially lovely for: spring and summer teas with a natural, romantic feel.
Best Hats for a Mad Hatter Tea Party
Mad Hatter tea parties are your permission slip to have fun. These hats are meant to be expressive, imaginative, and slightly over the top — in the best possible way.
Bold colours, dramatic shapes, and playful details all work here. This is one occasion where “too much” is often just right.
Why these work:
They set the tone instantly and become part of the party atmosphere.
Best for: themed tea parties, costume-style events, creative hosts and guests.
Organza Wide Brim Tea Party Hat
This Black and White Organza Wide Brim Tea Party Hat makes this a stunning hat for any occasion. The floaty feel of this makes it a fun hat to wear to a less formal wedding or garden tea party.
Best for: Mad Hatter tea parties where playful and expressive styles are encouraged.
Organza Ruffles Wide Brim Hat in Pink
We love the combination of ruffles and pizzaz with this hat. It’s a little bit fabulous and a lot bit cool. This Organza Ruffles Wide Brim Hat in Pink is bold, dramatic and guaranteed to turn heads!
Why this works: bold enough to feel fun without tipping into full costume.
Butterfly Fascinator
A pretty twist on a hat theme, this Butterfly Fascinator is sweet and stunning at the same time.
Perfect if: you want your hat to be a conversation starter.
Best Tea Party Hats for the Host
As the host, your hat should feel special without overpowering your guests. A polished statement piece works beautifully — something elegant, memorable, and comfortable enough to wear throughout the afternoon.
Hosting hats tend to be slightly more refined, with one standout detail rather than lots of competing elements.
Why these work:
They signal occasion and care without feeling showy.
Best for: hosts, formal afternoon teas, milestone celebrations.
Classic Tea Party Hat
This Black and White Tea Party Hat is stunning! Wear it tilted to one side with the brim pulled low over your eyes to turn up the drama! Gorgeous for stunning photos and standing out in a crowd!
Best for: hosts who want to look elegant without overshadowing their guests.
Editor’s pick: a beautifully balanced choice that works for most afternoon tea settings.
Navy and Pink Statement Hat
This side tilted navy hat with soft pink flowers is a stand out option.
Why this works: refined, memorable, and comfortable enough to wear all afternoon.
Classic Felt Hat
The timeless design and striking appearance of this classic hat make it a focal point of your outfit and a conversation starter.
A lovely choice if: you want something special but timeless.
Best Hats for Wedding & Bridal Tea Parties
Bridal and wedding tea parties call for softer, romantic styles that feel celebratory without competing with the bride. Pale colours, delicate details, and classic shapes are ideal.
If you’re attending as a guest, subtle elegance is usually the safest choice.
Why these work:
They photograph beautifully and feel appropriate for meaningful celebrations.
Best for: bridal showers, wedding teas, engagement celebrations.
Soft Pink Feather Fascinator
This fascinator has a soft vintage feeling and adds an elegant touch to your whole outfit.
Best for: bridal showers, wedding tea parties, and engagement celebrations.
Lavender Fascinator
This Lavender Fascinator pairs perfectly with most outfits.
Ideal if: you want something celebratory without drawing too much attention.
Romantic Soft Blue Hat
A stunningly romantic and floaty hat for celebrating in style.
Why this works: soft, romantic, and appropriate for meaningful occasions.
Hats to Avoid for Afternoon Tea (Unless You Love Drama)
Some hats look wonderful in photos but are less practical for an actual tea party.
You may want to avoid:
- Very heavy headpieces
- Extremely wide brims that bump into tableware
- Costume-only hats with no structure or comfort
If you’re unsure, simpler is almost always better — especially for your first afternoon tea.
How to Wear a Tea Party Hat Comfortably
- Secure your hat with discreet pins if needed
- Avoid hats that sit too far forward
- Choose lightweight materials for longer events
- Pair statement hats with simpler dresses
A well-chosen hat should feel effortless, not distracting.
Complete Your Tea Party Look
If you’re buying a hat, most people find it easiest to choose their dress next — keeping the rest of the outfit simple.
Most tea party outfits come together beautifully with just one statement piece — and a hat is often all you need.
Afternoon tea is about taking a moment out of the everyday. The right hat simply helps you step into that moment with confidence.