A hat is a head covering that typically features a shaped crown and often includes a brim. Hats are worn for various reasons, including protection from the elements, ceremonial purposes, fashion, or as symbols of social status or occupation. They come in numerous styles and materials, such as straw, felt, fabric, or leather, and can range from practical designs like baseball caps and sun hats to more formal or traditional types like top hats, fedoras, and berets. In many cultures, specific hats signify roles or ranks—for example, bishops wear miters, and monarchs don crowns during official ceremonies. The craft of making hats is known as millinery, with “hatters” specializing in men’s hats and “milliners” in women’s. Over time, hats have evolved from essential protective gear to powerful fashion statements and cultural symbols, reflecting the wearer’s identity, profession, or social standing.