Popular with riders who show or hunt, the best velvet riding hats combine the traditional style of a beagler with the modern technology and safety standards that you’ll find in the best riding hats. In order to achieve the traditional look, velvet riding hats typically have a light-coloured slim harness that is less noticeable. Many styles are available in multiple colours, which allows you to match your velvet hat to the collar of your best show jacket.
All of the velvet riding hats we’ve included in this list can be worn for multiple affiliated disciplines because they comply with the current hat standard rules.
Horse & Hound strongly advises that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase.
Best velvet riding hats
Charles Owen Fian
Colours: Black, navy, brown, bottle green or grey
Sizes: 49–65cm
Standards: ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark)
RRP: From £279
The Fian blends the elegance of its predecessor (the Fiona) with safety technology to create the ultimate hunting and showing hat. It’s covered in luxurious velvet and has a slim tan harness that creates an elegant appearance. The traditional satin headband with incorporated drawlace adjusts the height of the helmet so it cradles the head.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, naylors.com or oakfield-direct.co.uk
Champion CPX3000 Deluxe
Colours: Black, navy, brown, green or ruby
Sizes: 6¼–7¾
Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1
RRP: £114
This lightweight helmet is covered in quality velvet and has a satin crown comfort padding with sweat-wicking lining. It has four-point flesh-coloured harness made with padded soft leather and can be adjusted by the lacing at the rear. It has a shock-absorbing peak and fastens with a quick-release buckle.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Gatehouse Jeunesse Riding Hat
Colours: Black or navy
Sizes: 52–61cm
Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)
RRP: From £114.99
Designed with a lightweight, low profile, this hat is slimline and elegant with a flesh coloured harness. It comes with a quick-drying, padded liner that can be removed for washing, and it comes in a padded storage bag.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Charles Owen Hampton
Colours: Black, navy, brown, bottle green or grey
Sizes: 52–65cm
Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark)
RRP: From £197
This elegant and traditional velvet-covered hat has a soft yet durable tan harness, and features a satin lining and lush headband. It has a low-profile style and is available in a choice of five colours.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk
Champion CPX Supreme
Colours: Black, navy, brown, green or ruby
Sizes: 6¼–7¾
Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1
RRP: £230
This lightweight, slim profile helmet is covered in quality velvet and has a shock-absorbing peak. Inside there is satin crown comfort padding with a moisture-wicking lining to help keep your head comfortable. The flesh-coloured four-point harness is made from a padded, soft leather, and can be adjusted with the laces at the back. It fastens with a smart metal hook.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk
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Use your head: how riding hats are tried and tested before use
8 riding hats you can get your hands on for less than £100
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