Women's Cloches

Short hair and bobs tuck neatly under a cloche for a close, sleek look. Longer hair works best worn loose or in a low ponytail at the nape. Skip high buns and top knots, which push the hat up off your brow.

Soft cloches in knit, cotton, or crushable raffia can be rolled or folded, then reshaped by hand once unpacked. Stiffer felt or blocked straw cloches should be stuffed with tissue and packed crown up to protect their shape.

A short brim keeps the classic close-fitting look and stays out of the way on windy days. A wider brim adds more shade for sunny days and travel. Think about how much sun protection you need before deciding.

Brush off dust with a soft, dry brush and spot clean marks with a barely damp cloth. Avoid soaking raffia, which can warp it. Reshape the cloche by hand and let it air dry away from direct heat.

Both have a rounded crown and a downward brim, but a cloche fits closer to the head and usually has a shorter, more shaped brim. Bucket hats sit looser with a softer brim, and many casual styles fall somewhere between the two.