The pork pie hat is defined by its flat, creased "telescope" crown and short, upturned brim that rolls up evenly around the entire edge. The name comes from the hat's resemblance to a traditional British pork pie pastry with its crimped crust. This compact silhouette became iconic through jazz legends like Lester Young and Thelonious Monk, then re-entered mainstream culture through Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad.
We carry 20+ pork pie styles from Kangol (the brand most associated with the modern pork pie, from $49), Stetson (American heritage, from $65), Dobbs, and Bruno Capelo. Available in wool felt, straw, and knit fabrics. Sizes S through XXL.
Pork Pie vs Fedora
Both are structured hats with pinched or creased crowns, but the construction differs. A fedora has a tapered crown with a front pinch and a wider brim that can be angled up or down. A pork pie has a flat top with a circular indentation (the telescope crease) and a very short brim that curls up uniformly. The pork pie sits flatter on the head and has a rounder, more compact profile. Think of the fedora as the formal option and the pork pie as its jazzier, more casual cousin.
Wool Felt Pork Pies
Wool felt pork pies are the classic choice for fall through spring. Black wool felt is the signature "Heisenberg" look. Navy, charcoal, and burgundy work well with sport coats and leather jackets. Our Kangol pork pies use a polished wool felt with a self-fabric band for a sleek, minimal aesthetic. Dobbs and Stetson options feature grosgrain ribbon bands for a more traditional finish.
Straw Pork Pies
Straw pork pies are summer essentials. The short brim and breathable weave make them comfortable in heat. Brands like Kangol use bamboo and other textured weaves that add visual interest. Straw pork pies pair well with linen, seersucker, and summer casual wear. They're a strong choice for outdoor events where a wide-brim hat feels too formal.
Who Should Wear a Pork Pie?
The flat crown and short brim work best for men with oval or long face shapes — the horizontal line of the flat crown shortens the appearance of a longer face. Men with shorter stature also benefit from the pork pie's compact profile, which adds style without overwhelming the frame. The pork pie also suits men who want a hat that works with casual outfits where a fedora would feel overdressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a pork pie hat?
The hat gets its name from its resemblance to a traditional British pork pie pastry. The flat, indented top of the hat looks like the crimped crust of the meat pie. The name has been in use since the 1830s in England, where the hat first gained popularity.
What is the Heisenberg hat?
The 'Heisenberg hat' refers to the black pork pie hat worn by Bryan Cranston's character Walter White in Breaking Bad. The specific hat used in the show was a Bollman Hat Company pork pie in black wool felt. Since the show, black pork pies have become one of the most requested hat styles.
Can you wear a pork pie hat with a suit?
Yes, but it reads as fashion-forward rather than traditionally formal. A pork pie with a slim-cut suit and minimal accessories creates a jazz-inflected, cool look. For conservative formal occasions like church or business meetings, a fedora or homburg is more traditional. The pork pie shines at creative events, concerts, horse races, and evenings out.
How should a pork pie hat fit?
A pork pie should sit level on your head, resting about one finger-width above your ears and eyebrows. It should feel snug but not tight. The flat crown means there is no room for adjustment — the size needs to be right. If you are between sizes, buy the larger size and use a foam hat reducer strip inside the sweatband to fine-tune the fit.
