The Retail Taxonomy Problem: Why Stores List “Homburg & Godfather Hats” Together—and What Buyers Should Know

 

Have you ever searched for a Godfather hat online, only to find yourself staring at listings for Homburg and Godfather hats? If you’ve wondered whether sellers are mixing up two different styles, you’re not alone. The truth is, many stores put them under the same label, which can be confusing if you’re just trying to figure out which hat to buy.

That small naming detail points to a bigger issue in the way fashion items are labeled and categorized — something industry insiders call a “retail taxonomy problem.”

Before you click “add to cart,” below are a few things to know about why many stores group Homburg hats with Godfather hats and what that means when you’re shopping collections like these. 

What are Homburg hats? 

Although not quite as popular as its cousin, Fedora, the Homburg remains one of the most iconic hat styles in modern history. Since the 1890s, this design has made its way into the wardrobes of countless refined and stylish gentlemen. 

Bad Homburg (the town in Germany) gained some fame for its progressive hat maker, Mockel. King Edward VII first came across the Homburg during his frequent trips to Bad Homburg, where he often visited the spas that are known for their healing waters. He brought attention to the hat when he returned to England wearing one with its distinctive upturned brim and tall, rounded crown.

The first thing to note about the hat is that the Homburg is a hard-soft felt style with a modest crown and a rolled brim finished with a bound edge. It was often worn when people went on boat rides or just for a leisurely walk. For many years, Homburg hats were tied closely to formality, and the colors were almost exclusively grey. 

In the 1950s, it overtook the popularity of the bowler and the top hat, establishing itself as a formal daytime wear. Around this period, more color variations appeared, with black becoming the standard option for more formal occasions.

Over time, the Homburg picked up a few different nicknames as well.

It was often referred to as the “Anthony Eden Hat” or simply the “Eden Hat”. The name comes from Anthony Eden, a British politician and Earl, who was perhaps the most famous wearer of the style. He was often seen in a simple black Homburg, nothing out of the ordinary, yet it became a defining part of his public image. 

What are Godfather hats?

The Homburg Hat almost disappeared from fashion in the late 1900s but found its way back after Al Pacino wore one in The Godfather. The movie was a huge hit when it premiered, earning multiple Academy Awards. Many fans of the film adopted the look, and over time, the Homburg became more widely known by a new name—what we now call the Godfather hat. 

These days, it’s common to see Homburg hats sold under the name “Godfather hats” or even grouped together in the same category. Retailers do this because shoppers often search for the style using the movie reference rather than the traditional name. In other words, the Homburg never disappeared—it just picked up a new alias after The Godfather made it famous. 

Popular Homburg & Godfather hats from Suit Secret

Black and white 100% wool felt GF111 Godfather hat. 

This black and white Godfather hat keeps the classic homburg shape but adds a bit of flair. It’s made from 100% wool felt, trimmed with a crisp white grosgrain ribbon, and finished with a feather you can remove if you prefer a simpler look. The crown stands at about 4 inches, while the brim measures around 2.25 inches—just right for a sharp, balanced profile. 

Bruno Capelo black straw Godfather hat GF200

Let’s go back to the classic colorway that made the Godfather hat such a staple, but this time in a lightweight version that’s made for warm weather. This hat is crafted from breathable straw, finished with a grosgrain ribbon, and styled with a removable feather if you want to change up the look. Inside, a soft cotton sweatband keeps it comfortable and helps with airflow. It’s a fun choice if you like the sharp homburg look but want something a little more playful. 

Burgundy 100% wool felt homburg Godfather hat. 

Burgundy is one of those colors that instantly stands out—it’s bold without being too loud, making it perfect for someone who wants to break away from the usual black or grey homburg. This Godfather hat is made from 100% wool felt and detailed with a grosgrain ribbon, removable feather, and satin lining for a polished finish. With its 4-inch pinched crown and 2.25-inch brim, it keeps the classic shape while adding a touch of personality that’s hard to miss. 

Bruno Capelo ivory straw Godfather hat GF209 

Light, fresh, and versatile, it’s the kind of piece that feels just right for warm weather and outdoor events. Made with breathable straw, it comes with a grosgrain ribbon, removable feather, and a comfortable cotton sweatband. The ivory tone makes it easy to pair with almost anything, while the homburg shape keeps the look sharp and timeless.

Gray Godfather hat 100% wool hat capas

Of course, we cannot end this without the classic gray version. In the early days, Homburg hats were almost always gray—and for good reason. It was seen as formal, neutral, and suited to more occasions. This hat stays true to those roots, made from 100% wool felt, with a 4-inch pinched crown and a 2.25-inch-wide brim edged in grosgrain. It includes a leather sweatband, satin lining, and a removable feather so you can dial it up or tone it down as you like. 

Shop this and more Godfather hats today here at Suitsecret.com.