I love hats. Ask my husband. I have a nice little variety of styles, colors and materials for all seasons. I spent some time reading about what type of hats are best for my heart shaped face and super short hair and I found that I didn’t have a summer weight bowler hat! God knows what possessed me to buy a case of them. I know it goes against what I have said about better living with less stuff, but I had a moment of weakness.
Also known as derby hats here in the States, these favorite hats of Winston Churchill were traditionally made of wool felt. The bowler hat was a fashionable alternative to the top hat in conditions when the taller top hat may get knocked off or damaged.
In order to find the proper size, I used the measuring tape from my sewing kit to measure the circumference of my head. To measure properly, I start the tape on my forehead between my eyebrows and my hairline. Ensure the tape is completely straight around your head. You should see about an inch between the top of your ears and the tape. Reputable online listings will offer a hat sizing guide and make a size recommendation based on this measurement. When right on the line between sizes, size up because a lot of materials have little or no stretch. Fabric should be chosen based on your lifestyle- wool is too hot for Florida, straw will not keep you warm in frigid Canada and a woven paper beach hat won’t work in rainy London. Color is completely personal- some people prefer traditional black and brown. I personally enjoy colors that cheer me up. Some hats like cowboy hats have removable hat bands that can be changed depending on the need for color or formality. The straw bowler that I chose has a non-removable black grosgrain ribbon and bow. I like the contrast of the black with the bright straw. But, of course, I’m an overachiever. A pre-made feather arrangement from the local craft store glued it to the inside of the band above the bow gives it that extra little “I’m wearing this hat, it’s not wearing me” personal touch.
So why did I buy a wholesale case of the same hat in 15 different colors? Because I’m deeply troubled. I know its overindulgent, but I absolutely love them. I pick a hat that coordinates with my outfit that day, thus I am the most stylish girl on the dog walk most mornings.
Look, I know a lot of people shy away from hats, but you have nothing to lose and so much to gain- sun protection, comfort in a variety of weather conditions, a unique fashion statement. Whether you try a traditional fedora or a hard-to-ignore Kentucky Derby fascinator, try something outside of your ball cap comfort zone.