The words for clothing in Spanish have a wide variation of vocabulary around the Spanish-speaking world. That’s why even native speakers from different regions will ask each other “how do you say ‘hat’ in Spanish?” You’ll be amazed at the diversity of words you’ll master as you learn Spanish with Rosetta Stone, including all the ways to say “hat” in Spanish.
Hats can be a symbol of belonging to a team or culture or an individual expression of fashion. We’ve put together this guide to the most common words for “hat” in Spanish so you can fill your perchero (hat rack) with all the different styles.
Table of Contents
El sombrero
One of the most recognizable and common Spanish words for “hat” is el sombrero. When English speakers hear the word sombrero, they typically think of the oversized Mexican straw hat popularized in imagery from cartoons and mariachi bands. In reality, Spanish speakers use it as a general, standard word in Spanish for any hat.
The word itself comes from the word sombra (shade). The official RAE dictionary definition says that a sombrero comprises any head covering that has both a crown and a brim. It also lists many very specific styles of hats that you can learn about below.
El gorro
Un gorro is known as a beanie, a toque, or a cap in English. It refers to a round, typically brimless knit or wool cap meant to keep the head warm.
La gorra
Una gorra (cap) is similar, but has a brim, like a baseball cap. It’s easy to get these terms confused, and native speakers will likely understand even if you mix them up, but a quick online image search of these two terms will quickly show the difference.
El gorro and La gorra are an important word pair in Spanish that look similar but have slightly different meanings, beyond the gender of the noun, so watch your pronunciation when you use them.
6 types of hats in Spanish language cultures
Every culture seems to have its own popular or traditional style of hat, many of which have their Spanish “hat” words and have been popularized around the world as fashion accessories. Learning their names can be the first step in learning one of the many Spanish dialects. Here are just a few styles to get you started.
El sombrero cordobés
This refers to a felt hat with a wide, flat brim and low cylindrical crown. This sombrero is a popular style that originated in the Andalusia region of Spain.
El sombrero mexicano/charro
Anywhere outside Mexico, the term sombrero mexicano (Mexican hat) brings to mind the wide brimmed and often-decorated straw hat from Mexico. Within Mexico, it’s called un sombrero charro (a cowboy hat). This style of hat was designed specifically to protect its wearer from the harsh rays of the sun.
El panamá (de paja)/el sombrero toquilla
The Panama hat is typically made of straw and has been a popular style throughout Central America, possibly originating from Ecuador. Legend tells us that the English name was adopted when Teddy Roosevelt received one at the inauguration of the Panama Canal.
El chullo
This traditional Andean woolen cap with ear flaps is popular in Perú. They are usually brightly colored and can be made of fleece from the alpacas that live in the mountains.
El vueltiao
A symbol of Colombia, the sombrero vueltiao was traditionally made with a cane-like plant and has alternating dark and white rings around the brim.
El bombín
A bowler hat with a round shape, el bombín is a cultural symbol of Bolivia. It’s also called sombrero hongo (mushroom hat) in Spanish and a derby hat in the US.
>>A hat can be a wonderful souvenir from your trip! Learn to ask “how much” in Spanish.
Other words for ‘hat’ in Spanish
Let Rosetta Stone help you with your addiction to fashion with this list of Spanish “hat” vocabulary. You might find it becomes a nice “feather in your cap.”
| Spanish | English |
| el birrete | graduation cap/mortarboard |
| el casco | helmet |
| la gorra de béisbol | baseball cap |
| el gorro de baño/ducha | shower cap |
| el gorro de cocinero/chef | chef’s hat |
| el gorro de natación | swim cap |
| el sombrero de bruja | witch’s hat |
| el sombrero de copa | top hat |
| el sombrero de vaquero | cowboy hat |
| el sombrero pescador | fisherman/bucket hat |
| el sombrero tejano | ten-gallon hat |
| el sombrero tirolés/de fieltro | fedora |
| la visera | visor |
Rosetta Stone’s authentic and intuitive Dynamic Immersion method helps you achieve an even more extensive vocabulary to your repertoire, so you can be understood anywhere on any topic, from fashion to food.
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