But if there’s one article of clothing that’s being dramatically underutilised, it’s hats. Although the hat look is easy to pull off for some characters, that’s not the case for all. So let’s take a look at the anime creators that dared to bestow their characters with this wonderful headwear.
30. Esdeath
Anime: Akame ga Kill I mean, who doesn’t like to see a lady in uniform? True, that uniform is probably drenched with blood and tears of countless enemies. But my point still stands! With Esdeath it’s really hard to know what you’re getting, as she truly does act like a shy lovey-dovey girl behind closed doors, and yet commits genocide on the battlefield. No wonder Tatsumi couldn’t wrap his head around what was happening.
29. Sadao Maou
Anime: The Devil is a Part-Timer! We have another man in uniform! Granted, his particular occupation isn’t usually put under the sexy category. But that needs to change this instant! Sadao is just out here fighting the hordes of customers and flipping burgers, even though he’s literally Satan. But hey, even the devil had a tough time dealing with capitalism, so it is what it is. The character is funny, caring, hard-working, and boy is it hyped when he gets some of his powers back.
28. Kite
Anime: Hunter x Hunter (2011) It really is a shame that Kite didn’t get a bit more screen time, as he was one of the more fascinating characters in the series. Especially in regards to his Nen ability. If you don’t know, Kite has the ability to summon this little sassy clown who rolls a number between 1 and 9. Every number corresponds to a different weapon, and whatever he gets he has to use. So not only does he have 9 different fighting styles, but he is basically a wild card, which is always good to see.
27. Inasa Yoarashi
Anime: My Hero Academia Of all the characters introduced in the licence exam, Inasa was by far my favorite. Firstly, his attitude was so off the chain and his initial suicidal ostrich impression caught me so off guard that I nearly choked on the popcorn I was eating. Secondly, his Quirk is among the cooler and more powerful ones, as he seems to be on the same level as our boy Todoroki. And when he did fire off the occasional death glare, it was so cool.
26. Ranpo Edogawa
Anime: Bungo Stray Dogs Ranpo is the first character so far where his hat was an actual plot point in the story. I will have to go into spoilers here to explain what I mean by that. You see, Ranpo doesn’t actually have any superhuman abilities. He is just a naturally born genius. However, he has convinced himself otherwise. And now firmly believes that his heightened intelligence can only be achieved by wearing his special hat. Even though he is a bit delusional, you just have to love the guy.
25. Nonon Jakuzure
Anime: Kill la Kill Some short girls opt for really high heels, but that is too basic for Nonon. So she goes the opposite route and just wears a giant hat. Another tactic she has found is really helpful is being extremely powerful, so that other people quiver in fear on the ground while you play some Mozart. On a serious note, Nonon was one of the more lovable characters in the series, as her constant snide remarks and playful orchestra murder sprees made the elite four a lot more dynamic and interesting to watch.
24. Megumin
Anime: KonoSuba How can someone not love Megumin? She’s just this dorky little wizard dude who used all of her experience points on raw destructive power, and likes to blow up a hill every day. She then promptly falls to the ground as she has no more mana, but that’s besides the point… she has made an explosion, and therefore has done her duty. And just look at that magnificent pointy hat. Don’t tell me that you wouldn’t wear that thing on Halloween, or during some roleplays, I don’t judge.
23. Sinbad
Anime: Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic A turban is a hat, right? Regardless, it’s never a bad time to talk about my boy Sinbad. Sinbad is just a baller in every sense of the word. His style is flawless, I mean just look at all those jewels, he’s absolutely dripping. His influence is immense. The man is a king and the leader of a seven nation alliance. And even his own power is through the roof, as he can destroy a mountain just to flex on someone. No wonder he has no troubles with the ladies, the man is just perfect.
22. Koro-Sensei
Anime: Assassination Classroom Koro-sensei is equal parts adorable and terrifying. On the one hand, just look at that big smile, listen to that friendly voice, admire his little teacher hat! On the other hand, the man still does play tag with fighter jets and snaps up battle rockets as a souvenir. And once you learn about his backstory, you learn even more about his non advertiser-friendly side. But then again, the giant tie and little hat combo is just so powerful that I can’t help myself.
21. Nadeko Sengoku
Anime: Bakemonogatari Who doesn’t love the occasional shy girl trying to get her senpai’s attention character? Just look at those uneven bangs and that fluffy hat! Plus, she’s a character of variety. So even if you don’t like her timid side, there’s a certain season of Monogatari where Nadeko is a lot more upfront. And by upfront I mean a danger to everyone around her, but who cares about semantics at this point. Don’t worry, you’ll get that Araragi bastard one day!
20. Chuuya Nakahara
Anime: Bungo Stray Dogs Someone open up a window, because it’s getting hot in here. Chuuya just has all the qualifications needed to be an S-class bad boy. He’s one of the higher ups in the mafia, he has immense power, and can hold his own in almost any fight. He doesn’t like to be pushed around, he has an equally cool rival who he shares a lot of history with, the list goes on. And just look at his outfit. The man is dripping from head to toe without ever trying.
19. Hajime Sugoroku
Anime: Nanbaka Speaking of bad boys, Hajima takes quite the different approach than Chuuya. But it is just as effective. He’s a man in uniform who takes his job and his duties very seriously. He doesn’t take breaks and doesn’t waste time by joking around with anyone. He purely means business. But he also has that brooding and unyielding side to him that makes most of the male guards hate him, and most of the female guards fall for him. Having a huge scar on his face is also a very big bonus towards the bad boy appeal.
18. Teto
Anime: No Game No Life I know that when discussing God characters everyone is always quick to bring up Haruhi. But I will honestly pray to Teto any day of the week. This is because even though he is a God, he just wants to have fun and be challenged. He turned the entire world into one giant game, and even buffed humanity by bringing in Sora and Shiro just so the battle wouldn’t be so one-sided. I’m pretty sure he’s willing to even give up being a God if someone just beats him in a game of chess. And I for one appreciate a God who literally just wants to have fun.
17. Mumen Rider
Anime: One Punch Man I’m being 100% honest when I say that Mumen Rider was my favorite character from season one of One Punch Man. There was something so majestic about seeing all these powerful warriors fighting monsters, and then having the courageous Mumen Rider in the background going ham on his bike, ready to save the day. In terms of being a role-model he’s easily the best in the series, as he teaches his fans to always help those in need. And that even the biggest badasses need to wear a helmet when cruising around the city.
16. Altair
Anime: Re:Creators A good antagonist is essential for any show. And Altair’s reign of terror definitely did the show justice. She was just this mysterious girl in a uniform who could control blades that flew around her body. She wasn’t much of a talker. But her presence alone was enough to cue you in that something bad is about to go down. And then we finally learned the true source of her power, all hell broke loose as the power ceiling was made redundant and Altair became a true powerhouse. She was literally made to be a terrifying antagonist.
15. Crusch Karsten
Anime: Re: Zero There’s no doubt that Crusch is a formidable foe. She has great influence throughout the kingdom, she has a big stack of cash she can use to get any material her men need, and most of all she’s a skilled leader and diplomat. Striking a deal with her seems just as difficult as bringing down her forces honestly. But just look at her tiny hat. That is the most adorable attire they could have chosen for her. And I for one fully support their decision in doing so.
14. Tanya Degurechaff
Anime: The Saga of Tanya the Evil Unlike the previous pick, the hat really doesn’t help with making me forget how dangerous the wearer is. This is because she only wears it when she’s in full uniform, and more often than not before going out to murder a couple dozen people. She simply has no mercy. Not towards her own men, and definitely not towards her enemies. Heck, she can be your arch nemesis and she probably won’t even bother to remember your face. The only time I feel like she isn’t trying to kill me is when she’s dangling her feet from a high chair, that’s it.
13. Itaru Hashida
Anime: Steins;Gate How can I not throw some love to my Super Hakar? From beginning to end, Itaru was such a grounded and lovable character. He never went off the rails and endangered his friends. But he also never stood in the way of his dreams. His good guy points go through the roof once he discovers a certain secret about a certain female. Watching those two just talk it out and be there for each other was very needed wholesome material, among all the mental trauma our mad doctor was having, and for that we thank you Daru.
12. Alucard
Anime: Hellsing Ultimate I doubt that there’s a better power-fantasy character than Alucard. He honestly feels like the God of his universe, as no one ever really pushes him back into a corner. And he always looks like he’s just playing with his food, even if entire squads of enemies attack him. Plus, he has quite the attitude and will to gloat before he sends you to meet your maker. And that outfit is just on point, it really brings out the murderous intent in his eyes.
11. Mephisto Pheles
Anime: Blue Exorcist This man gives off so many mixed signals. On the one hand, he has the name Mephisto and nickname Faust in a world where Satan is the main bad guy. On the other hand, he’s the director of a prestigious school and seems to really hit it off with the students. But then he drives in a pink limousine with that fabulous suit and top hat, and you just can’t help but think that he’s a part-time pimp or something.
10. Momoko Hyakushiki
Anime: Nanbaka Momoko feels like the next step of the tsundere evolutionary tree. On the inside she’s extremely boy crazy, even though in her case BL stands for bald love, and goes haywire whenever Hajime blinks in her direction. However, she just can’t seem to channel her emotions and thoughts in a way that doesn’t terrify literally everyone in a 100 mile radius. Even the stone-cold Hajima freaks out whenever she calls him in for a little chat. Life really isn’t easy for a warden sister, I can tell you that much.
9. Kyōhei Kadota
Anime: Durarara!! This man seems like the most put together person in the entire Durarara cast. While everyone else is being secretive, obsessive, malicious, or vengeful, Kyohei is just out here vibing. And it’s not like he just ignores everything bad in the world, quite the contrary. But it just never seems to rub him the wrong way. He’s always there to help and can honestly throw down with most of the stronger characters in the show. But what makes Kyohei different is that he will then go out for drink with the person who was his enemy a few minutes ago. Complete Chad energy right here.
8. Portgas D. Ace
Anime: One Piece Ah Ace, you lovable bastard. To me Ace always seemed like the cooler and more mature Luffy, and I’m not just saying that because the man is an absolute beef cake. He just had that aura around him that you could never truly tell what he was going to do and how far his powers truly went. But at the very least, he shares a different kind of a bottomless pit with his brother, that being their stomachs. Man, can those two eat. If only someone hadn’t punched a hole through my heart, I could have stayed happy.
7. Mayuri Shiina
Anime: Steins;Gate God she is so precious. You just want to wrap her in a blanket and get her an Audible subscription or something. It felt like a bit of sadness was eviscerated from the world with every “tuturu” that came out of Mayuri’s mouth. She was so caring and kind that whenever she truly became distressed about Okabe’s mental health. A single tear would just magically form in the corner of your eye. Am I overselling her at this point? Just look at that elegant hat and those deep eyes and ask that question again.
6. Hiruzen Sarutobi
Anime: Naruto Although I still have some doubts about calling Hiruzen one of the strongest ninjas who has ever lived, I can’t deny that he was a pretty badass old dude. Everyone in the village looked up to him as a father figure. And he seemed to be really caring towards his people, even when tough decisions had to be made. He was so invested in being the ideal Hokage that you seldom see him without his iconic Hokage hat. Plus, you have to admit that his fight with Orochimaru was legendary. Even though the last half was just standing around.
5. Firo Prochainezo
Anime: Baccano Firo is just one of those characters that put the bar way too high for real men. The dude took on four dudes, one of which had a knife, and they weren’t even able to knock his hat to the ground. Pus, have you seen him interacting with Ennis, the objective best girl that isn’t Miria? The man is as smooth as butter and manages to get through her cold exterior in no time at all. And he comes from an influential and powerful family? How is anyone supposed to beat that?
4. Mister Compress
Anime: My Hero Academia I know this might seem a bit random, as people really like to sleep on Mister Compress, but he’s honestly one of the better villains. His power is among the strongest, to the point where it feels like he can just one-shot anyone. And he’s quite tricky on the battlefield. He knows how to fool his enemies and even how to make a show out of someone’s misery. His crowning moment has yet to be animated. But even without that I think this top-hat wearing magician needs a shoutout.
3. Lucoa
Anime: Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid Okay I’m changing my religion once again and going straight to the church of Lucoa. Be it she did get kicked out because of the whole liquor accident, but that’s something I’m willing to forgive. Lucoa is just so laid back that one must wonder whether she has ever felt stress in her life. I mean, she became a servant to some kid performing a demon ritual just because she was curious. And for you cultured readers, I’m sure you’ll be able to identify another strong point when it comes to this character.
2. Monkey D. Luffy
Anime: One Piece I know I said that I think Ace is a bit cooler and more mature, but Luffy is still just too iconic not to mention on this list. Just like every iconic shounen protagonist, Luffy just doesn’t know when to quit. He can be coughing up his left lung and he’ll still find the energy and willpower to protect his nakamas. And when he gets serious(punching a Celestial Dragon in the face serious) you just can’t help but get goosebumps from all the badassery that is about to go down.
1. Joutarou Kuujou
Anime: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders Kuujou is one of my favorite JoJo characters, only losing slightly to young Joseph, as his raw badass appeal is through the roof. He’s always cool and collected, and consistently manages to come up with schemes so outside the box that even he seems surprised by them. And he always stands his ground and hasn’t ever shown a real sign of weakness. He’s just the incarnation of confidence, testosterone, and sex appeal. So even though his hat is ripped from the back, I’ll let it slide this time around.
