When selecting a fedora, the crown shape plays a major role in how the hat looks, feels, and holds its character over time. While the brim often catches attention first, it’s the crown that defines the hat’s overall personality — from timeless and traditional to modern and refined.

At Hats in the Belfry, we offer teardrop, center crease, and cattleman crown fedoras, available in both classic and contemporary interpretations. You may also come across the term open crown while researching fedora styles, so we’ll explain what it means — and how it differs from the ready-to-wear designs we carry.

What Is a Teardrop Crown?

The teardrop crown is widely regarded as the classic fedora crown shape. It features a rounded indentation at the top that gently narrows toward the front, forming a teardrop silhouette when viewed from above.

This crown strikes a natural balance between structure and softness. It offers enough definition to feel intentional, while maintaining a relaxed profile that transitions easily from casual to dressier settings. Thanks to its versatility and heritage, the teardrop crown has remained a foundational fedora style for generations.

At Hats in the Belfry, our collection includes both traditional and modern interpretations of this iconic shape, such as:

Belfry Alessio – Belfry Italia
A refined felt fedora featuring a timeless teardrop crown that complements both tailored outfits and everyday wear.

Belfry Jairo – Handmade for Belfry
A genuine Panama fedora with a teardrop crown that blends classic craftsmanship with warm-weather comfort.

What Is a Center Crease Crown?

The center crease crown features a single, straight crease running from the front to the back of the crown. Traditionally associated with dress-forward styling, this crown has evolved to include both heritage-inspired and modern designs.

This shape creates a clean, symmetrical silhouette and offers sharper visual definition than a teardrop crown. Depending on the felt, blocking, and finish, a center crease fedora can feel either distinctly traditional or subtly contemporary.

Examples from our center crease collection include:

Belfry Frankie C – Handmade for Belfry
A polished felt fedora that showcases the crisp lines of a center crease crown with a modern edge.

Belfry Monza – Belfry Italia
An elegant interpretation of the center crease fedora, combining structured form with effortless wearability.

What Is a Cattleman Crown?

The cattleman crown is a traditional crown style most often associated with Western hats, though it has also influenced fedora design. It features three distinct creases: a central crease running front to back, flanked by two parallel side creases. This creates a balanced, symmetrical crown with a slightly squared profile.

Originally designed for durability and practicality, the cattleman crown became popular among working cowboys and ranchers. Over time, its clean lines and purposeful structure helped it cross into refined Western and crossover styles. Fedora hats for men offer a timeless blend of sophistication and everyday wearability.

Compared to a standard center crease fedora, the cattleman crown appears more angular and structured, with less taper at the top. It projects a confident, heritage-driven look that emphasizes function as much as style.

Stetson Open Road – Stetson Collection
The Open Road’s versatile design transitions seamlessly from country to city wear and looks equally stylish on men and women.

What Is an Open Crown Fedora?

An open crown fedora is a hat whose crown has not yet been shaped or creased. The felt remains smooth and rounded, allowing the wearer — or a professional hatter — to form it into a teardrop, center crease, or another preferred style.

Open crown hats appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy customization, but they require skill and care to shape correctly. For that reason, they’re often less practical for everyday wear.

While we do not currently offer open crown fedoras, understanding this style helps explain the foundation of creased crowns — including the teardrop and center crease designs we carry.

Choosing the Right Crown Style

Both teardrop and center crease crowns have deep roots in fedora history, with each offering distinct visual appeal. Choosing the right crown comes down to personal style and how you plan to wear your hat:

• Teardrop crowns deliver heritage, comfort, and versatility

• Center crease crowns offer clean lines and a more defined silhouette

• Cattleman crowns provide a distinctly Western-inspired look

• Open crowns allow for customization but require shaping expertise

By focusing on expertly shaped teardrop, center crease, and cattleman crown fedoras, we ensure every hat we offer is ready to wear, thoughtfully designed, and built to last. Understanding Fedora Crown Styles helps you choose a hat that matches your personal style and comfort.