Hatsinthebelfry

Panama Hats For Dummies

When is a Panama hat a Panama hat?

The story of Panama straw hats dates back all the way to President Theodore
Roosevelt’s trip to Panama at the turn of the 20th century, or at least that is
how they were named. It is because of his visit that these hats were named
“Panama” hats, although the bodies are actually woven from Ecuador. Regardless
of where the hat originated, or where the name came from (there
is a ton of history about the Panama hat online), the word Panama is perhaps
one of the most popular used phrases in our shops and online today.
We consistently have customers coming in and asking specifically for a “panama
hat”. The term Panama is often used to describe what could be any generic straw
hat on the shelves. We always try to inform and educate the customer on what
exactly a Panama hat is. This fall we actually saw a cheaply made felt hat that
was named “Felt Panama Hat” on the Banana Republic website. While we are a fan
of the brand and love the clothes, this simply isn’t what the hat is. Our hunch
is that the vast majority of their customers will inevitably think they are
buying a Panama hat from them though.

These are some of the things we have learned throughout our 35 years in retail
about Panama hats. We hope this helps you find the right Panama.

1. A Panama isn’t just a straw hat. It is specific to Ecuador, and has a very
specific weave to it. There is a grading system to Panama hats, but it is very
subjective. People will say just about anything to make you think it is a fine
Panama (even if it isn’t). Disregard the grading system and look for quality of
weave instead.

2. Most Panama hats have an official seal of Ecuador burned into the interior of the
body, but this can be very hard to read if the body has been bleached or dyed
after the mark was made. It is possible to be a Panama and not see the mark on
the inside of the hat, although we have never seen this mark on a hat that isn’t
a Panama.

3. Panama hats have a very distinctive weave pattern. This weave pattern starts
at the top of the crown and then weaves outward in a circular pattern. The
better quality Panamas have thinner fibers and a tighter weave patterns. This
takes longer to produce, but also gives the hat a softer more pliable feel. Some
of the highest quality Panama hats often feel like cloth.

4. Panamas can come in just about every color, pattern and shape. The one thing to note about the material is that it is very organic and natural in appearance and generally smooth. Other straws and summer hats are made from paper, hemp, coconut, seagrass, raffia and synthetic materials. These other hats can still be very high quality weaves and expensive, but that still doesn’t make them a Panama. Panama is made from the Toquilla straw plant.

5. Panama hats are wooven in Ecuador, but can be blocked and finished just
about anywhere. This is also the case for other materials like Harris Tweed.
Just because it states that the hat was made in the U.S.A. or Italy doesn’t mean
it isn’t a Panama. It just means that the straws bodies were shipped to other
countries for the production and finishing.

6. In many cases we have seen that Panama hats finished in countries outside
of Ecuador are of better quality. Why? Because these manufacturers in outside
countries are simply better hat makers and have better quality control
standards. The artists and craftspeople that weave these Panama fibers usually
don’t have anything to do with making the actual hats.

7. Yes, there is such a thing as a Montecristi hat, but be very careful
before buying one and ask as many questions as possible before buying it.
Montecristi hats are made from a specific region in Ecuador, but more
importantly they are the finest quality Panamas available. These hats have very
fine fibers and are woven super tight. In some cases it can take one of these
expert weavers up to a year to make the Montecristi body. That’s a lot of time!

8. Panamas don’t last forever. They are in fact organic material that will
dry out and crack over the long run. Some people can get years out of a Panama
hat if they know how to handle it. Don’t grab or pick the hat up by the crown or
the pinch (top of the hat). Almost all cracking comes from this. Instead pick
the hat up and hold the hat by the brim. Not pinching the crown will ensure you
get the maximum life out of the hat.

9. Expect to pay more for a good Panama hat. Each hat is a one of a kind. We
have heard that 1 out of every 2 Montecristi’s woven are scrapped before
becoming a fine quality hat. This is because they are just so hard to weave. The
length of time it takes to weave a Panama compounded with the relatively small
amount of people weaving them makes it a very specialty item. In Panama as with
everything, you get what you pay for.

10. The amount of Panama bodies available in the market today is much less
than there were ten years ago. This is a highly trained skill that just isn’t
being taught to the younger generations. While there are younger weavers, the
amount of them are shrinking and the seasoned weavers are getting old and
retiring. Panama’s (particularly the finer ones) will likely continue to become
harder and harder to find over the decades.

PS – I have yet to find a Panama with a “Made in China” label in it. Not that
it will never happen, but the cost to transport the bodies to, and the quality
of hats being produced probably make it cost prohibitive. We’ll update this if
we ever do see a Panama hat blocked or finished in China.

Should Have Put On A Hat

This week’s post is dedicated to those celebrities that should have just covered up their head and called it a day. I realize that everyone has a bad hair day, but at least some of us are smart enough to know when we NEED to be wearing a hat.

Shia Labeouf – I understand a guy that wants to look like he isn’t trying too hard, but give me a break. I realize that he is raking it in with the Transformer movies and possibly doesn’t want to be recognized in public. Shia, you could have easily thrown on a Belfry Street Army Cap with those shades and no one would have had to take this picture.

Katy Perry – I like that Katy is always changing her look and blazes her own fashion trails. I even like the pink hair, but I will say this, there is nothing like a hat to protect your colored locks from the damaging effects of the sun (not to mention cover your blond roots in between color touch-ups.)  Katy, you can still be fashion forward and sensible. Put on this Straw Big Brim from the Protection Collection.

Robert Pattison – You have teenagers swooning and calling out Edward even when you try to make other films, but this is taking it a little too far. Shaving half your head for a movie role? How dare you. Keep these asymmetrical locks under wraps at least until the last Twilight movie has been released. The Kangol Summer Ivy Cap should do the trick.

Kate Bosworth – I don’t know what has come over you, Kate. Usually your hair looks flawless. Are you having some sort of Britney Spears-esque kind of crisis? To save us all from enduring another second of this disastrous do, please, put on something like the Sea Breeze Cotton Sun Hat from the Protection Collection.

Al Pacino – This hair needs an intervention. Al gets a break because he didn’t choose this look for himself. He is filming a movie about music mogul, Phil Spector who did wear his hair like this on purpose. My advice is to cover that do as soon as you get off the set with a hat like the Belfry Smith fedora.

No matter how bad a hair day you are having, we always have a hat that is sure to help you through. – Shannon

Celebrity photos from peoplemagazine.com

Summer Style for Men

The summer is a time to relax, get casual and enjoy some fun in the sun. But all that time spent manning the barbeque, out on the boat/beach and watching 4th of July parades can leave a guy exposed to harmful UV rays. My suggestion…put a hat on! Choose a hat that compliments your style and you will not only be protected from the sun, but look damn good, too.

T-shirt and Shorts guys – A guy with casual and comfortable style (like this Abercrombie look) can keep it simple with a hat that can be worn through all the seasons.

The Belfry Street Army cap gives the same amount of sun protection as a baseball hat and is light weight and comfortable.

T Shirt and Jeans – If you are a t-shirt and jeans guy whether it is July or November, let you hat be the seasonal twist to your wardrobe. A basic grey Banana Republic shirt is the perfect backdrop to let your hat make the impression.

The Belfry Street Santiago is a great light weight cap that adds a super stylish element without looking like you are trying too hard.

Button Up and Shorts – If you are a casual guy who prefers a button up to a regular t-shirt (J.Crew style) your hat choice should complement your look while keeping it simple.

Go for a natural color straw that will go with any color combination in a style like the Belfry Straw Jazz.  

Classed Up Casual – When putting together a stylish casual look (like this one from Banana Republic) you have to make sure your hat doesn’t make you look over the top.

The Belfry Street Cabana fedora is absolutely on trend for this summer. The snap brim style is perfect to wear day into evening.

Classic – The classic polo look from Brooks Brothers lends itself well to great hat style. A perfect panama straw will keep you cool while making you look cool.

The Belfry Delay is similar to a Safari style, with a downturned brim for optimal sun protection.

Trendsetter – If you are into wearing the latest in men’s casual fashion, make sure your hat is as stylish as the rest of you.

The Gonzo from Makins in raffia straw is a favorite this season and goes great with a casual summer style.

Button Up and Jeans – If you are a jeans wearing kind of guy who isn’t afraid of color, keep your hat style clean a simple. A khaki driving cap looks great with an Abercrombie colorful plaid button up.

A style like the Belfry Street Gilmore will work with your style for every season of the year.

On the Golf Course

Finally, summer fun is in full “swing” and many people are spending time outside doing their favorite things. For some members of my family, the dream of living on the golf course doesn’t mean you have a house near a course. It means (if your wife would let you) you would spend every waking minute playing the great game of golf. That is all well and good as long as you are protected. The summer sun can do a number on a golfer who has little to no relief from UV rays on the course. 

Not everyone has the same hat style on the course, so if you haven’t found your perfect golf hat, here are some pros and cons to the most popular hat styles for golfers.

Pub Cap/Driving Cap – The driving cap is a classic style that will provide some protection from the sun, but still leaves the back of your neck exposed.  These styles come in light weight fabrics, like cotton and linen that keep your head cool in the summer heat and are easy to roll up and stuff in your golf bag or your pocket.  Some materials can be thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning, but make sure to check the tag before doing so.

Pros: easy to store and transport, light weight, washable                             

Cons: limited sun protection (same goes for baseball hats)

Raffia Straw – Raffia straw hats come in various styles with both short and large brims for different levels of sun protection.  Raffia straw is one of the most durable straws making these hats good for packing.  They will travel well in a suitcase if you are planning a golf getaway.  Sometimes this straw can be warm to wear in the hot sun since it is not as lightweight as other straws.

Pros – durable and packable, good sun protection (dependent on the brim size you choose)

Cons – can be warm due to heavier straw

Panama Straw – Panama straw hats come in various styles with both large and small brims.  They are one of the lightest weight straws, allow air through the crown and provide great sun protection.  A Panama straw hat is handmade and of the utmost quality.  If cared for properly, this hat will last for years to come.  A Panama straw hat does require conscious care.  They should not be handled by pinching the crown and should not be left in a hot car. Never sit on your Panama hat!

Pros – light weight, breathes well, quality construction, great sun protection

Cons – fragile crown, should not be pinched or squashed

Toyo Straw – Toyo straw is a paper straw that is very light weight.  Toyo straw hats come in various styles and offer good sun protection.  These hats are less expensive than some other straw hats and are considered a one-season wear.  Toyo straw should not get wet and should not be left in a hot car.  The best way to store a toyo straw hat is on a hat hook or upside down (on the crown) in a cool place.

Pros – very light weight, inexpensive, good sun protection (dependent on the brim size you choose)

Cons – fragile, one season wear, cannot get wet

Canvas – Canvas sun hats offer ultimate sun protection.  They are often weather proof in the chance you get caught in a random summer down poor.  These hats are generally very durable and last for years of wear. Because the canvas allows no rays to pass through, they also allow no air to pass through which can make this a warm choice for a summer golf hat.

Pros – weather resistant, ultimate sun protection

Cons – heavier weight means it can be warm to wear in the sun

Before you schedule your tee time, make sure you have packed your hat! - Shannon

Biltmore Hats are Back!

There is so much to be said about a hat that is made with a level of quality reminiscent of days when your hat was a required piece of attire to remain of a certain social stature.  The saying “they don’t make them like they used to” does not apply when it comes to hats made under the Biltmore brand.   They make them just like they used to.  We at Hats in the Belfry are honored to have been a supporter of the Biltmore Hats even through their recent financial struggles and couldn’t be more pleased that THEY ARE BACK!

Biltmore Hats was founded in 1917 and moved to Guelph, Canada in 1919.  In the 1950’s they employed over 350 people producing hats with hand sewn details and a quality that made them one of the most popular brands of the time.  Sadly, in recent years Biltmore fell on financial troubles and were in search of additional investors.  Biltmore’s owner, Eric Lynes, was adamant that they were going to keep Biltmore producing from their facility in Guelph, they were not going to file for bankruptcy and they would continue to produce quality hats for their loyal customers.

The doors did close in 2010 and the twenty remaining employees were laid off. 

 “It was a dark period and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. We kept believing we were going to open this place again and we weren’t going to be pushed around or file for bankruptcy.” said Lynes.  And open again, they did.  Seven months after closing, the American company Dorfman Pacific agreed to purchase the company, keep Lynes on to manage the business and keep production in Guelph.  Sixteen employees that were laid off were back to work and the demand for iconic Biltmore hats was on the rise.

It is an amazing thing to see a company stand their ground and just know in the bottom of their hearts that what they are creating is meaningful.  This is such a great story of never giving up and working towards a future with the same ideals that made them successful in the past.  Welcome back, Biltmore hats!

“Biltmore is a legacy brand to us.  There are so few brands out there anymore that still make hats the same way they did 50 years ago.  Biltmore is one of them, and we are so happy to carry their line again“ -Ryan Seth owner of Hats in the Belfry and President of The Headwear Association.

Dudes of the Derby

With so much excitement surrounding preparation for the Parade of Hats at the upcoming races, I wanted to take a moment to recognize a group that is often overlooked for their hat fashions on Derby day.  MEN!  The tradition of wearing hats at horse races started in the United Kingdom long before the start of the Kentucky Derby.  Men wore top hats and would never be seen in public without their hat.  When the Derby started in 1875, it was still customary for men to wear hats, but as time went on the prevalence of men’s hats at the races started to dwindle as women continued to don over the top designs.

In recent years, we have seen the fashionable males bringing hats back to the races, but the styles have changed from the top hat days.  Men are choosing hats that reflect their personal style and make a statement at the same time.

Mr. Hugh Hefner seen here with his “Girls Next Door” stars went for the classic straw fedora in 2008.  He understands that the ladies are the stars of the Parade of Hats, but that is no reason that a man can’t be dapper as well.

In 2008, Dwayne Wade was ahead of the stingy brim trend, with this great straw fedora.  The tobacco colored straw hat was the focal point of his ensemble with an understated cream suit, proving that the hat can be the star of your Derby outfit even without having feathers and flowers.

Joey Fatone, former boy band member turned actor turned television game show host is not always known for his fashion sense.  But he did a great job of keeping things casual while still being Derby appropriate at the 2009 races.  He wore a classic grey suit with black sneakers and a great black snap brim fedora.  I like a guy that doesn’t take himself too seriously.

At last year’s Derby, the guy that turned heads with his hat style was without a doubt, rocker Pete Wentz.  He went for a throw back with his Newsboy cap, bowtie and high socks.  Some said that he looked like he was wearing a costume, but I think he looked great.  The Derby is a day when you can step out of your normal fashion comfort zone and get creative.

So while you are sipping Mint Juleps in the hot sun, Guys, don’t forget your lids. - Shannon

Fedoras – Let’s Discuss

With growing popularity of shows like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire, the fedora hat is back in the spotlight.  This style of hat never went “out”, so I wouldn’t say that it is making a comeback.  What I would say is that mainstream media has helped gain new interest in the classic fedora style.  So if you have never before worn a fedora hat and are looking for the style for you, here is a brief guide to the basic fedora styles.

Wide Brim Fedora

The wide brim fedora is the style that most people think of when they envision 1920’s-1950’s menswear, but in actuality this style is timeless.  Celebrities like Frank Sinatra in the 60’s, Michael Jackson in the 80’s and Johnny Depp in the 00’s have kept this hat in the spotlight and made it part of their every day style.  This type of hat is traditionally worn with the brim snapped down in the front, hence the term “snap brim fedora” which is another name for the style.  The wide brim edora comes in a wool felt or a fur felt in the standard colors black, grey and brown, usually with a grosgrain band.  This style of hat looks best with professional attire.  It is great with a suit or classic trench coat. 

Stingy Brim

A stingy brim fedora is a style that is growing in popularity by the day.  It is no surprise that young celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo and Benji Madden are often seen in this style.  The stingy brim has a smaller brim than the classic wide brim fedora, so it is a little less formal.  This hat can be worn with the brim up or snapped down in the front.  Classic stingy brims come in wool felt, fur felt and materials like velour and cotton, but new styles in alternative materials are on trend for 2011.  This is a great style for someone who is just starting their hat collection and has a more casual style.

Safari

The safari style fedora is most commonly associated with the Indiana Jones hat.  This style has a brim that is turned down in both the front and back.  The brim can range in size, but is usually larger than a stingy brim.  This style hat comes in a wide range of materials including wool felt, fur felt, canvas, oiled canvas and leather. Styles in this category range in formality depending on the material it is made from.  Fur felt and wool felt styles look more professional.  Canvas and leather styles are more rugged and made to withstand the elements (and you sitting on it).  I always think of the safari style as a hat that can be worn in between seasons.  When you are looking for something after straw goes out, but before you are breaking out your winter coat, the safari is a good pick. 

Tear Drop Crown

The tear drop crown is a design feature that is found in wide brim, stingy brim and safari styles.  I have had customers that have a wider face say they prefer the look of a tear drop crown as opposed to a crown with a center dent, but choosing a hat with a tear drop is really a matter of personal taste.  It does not usually change the fit of the hat. 

Pork Pie/Diamond Crown

The pork pie hat is a stingy brim hat, but with a round crown.  Technically, this is not a fedora, but it often finds itself hanging out with the fedora family.  The diamond crown lives somewhere in between the pork pie and the stingy brim fedora.  I don’t know why, but these hats are very popular with musicians.  If a guy comes in the shop asking for a pork pie, 9 times out of 10 he is in a band.  That doesn’t mean you have to play an instrument to wear this hat.  I recommend this style for anyone who is looking for an alternative to the classic fedora.

Fedora Trends

Some new trends in the world of fedoras are stylish embellishments that take this style from classic to contemporary.  Things like printed bands, alternative materials and super stingy brims are on trend for a fashionable fedora statement.  The Goorin Pebo mixed a printed band with a plaid body that makes this style very accessible.  The wide corduroy styles in the Belfry Street line also make for great accents to a t-shirt and jeans look.  The super stingy brim in a houndstooth print on the Belfry Bryant is a trendy twist on the classic style.

For the Ladies

I know I left the ladies out of today’s post, but the fedora style is also a great choice for the fashionable woman.  If you saw our Best and Worst Hats of 2010, you would notice that 3 of the top 5 ladies were chosen for wearing fedoras.  While the new trends in fedora styles lend themselves well to being incorporated into a women’s ensemble, there is always something about a woman in a classic men’s fedora (i.e. Jennifer Aniston posing for GQ Magazine).

-Shannon

Hat Picks - Shop Favorites

Here at Hats in the Belfry it is our mission to provide not only a great selection of quality hats, but also expert advice and assistance when you are searching for the hat that was made just for you.  We are passionate about hats and dedicated to our customers whether they are first time hat buyers or have been shopping with us for years.

This kind of dedication and service doesn’t just happen by accident.  We have a team of people who make it their mission to provide a great hat shopping experience.  And today, I want to introduce a few of them here on the blog.  The question of the day was,

Why is Hats in the Belfry more awesome than any other hat shop?

Daine, Asst Shop Manager Fells Point and Inner Harbor Baltimore - What makes us better than any other hat shop is that we aren’t like any other shop.  We started as a hat retailer and now we are designing our own hats.  We are constantly moving forwards to become not only the coolest hat shop but the coolest shop online, too.

 

 

 

 

Jennifer, Shop Manager Annapolis - Caps and hats have really become the “it” accessory, just as important in your wardrobe as a scarf and gloves.  Our selection is the best and our store atmosphere is warm and inviting.  We are the place you want to be to transform into your “character” which is what a hat can do.

 

 

 

 

Keith, Shop Manager Fells Point and Inner Harbor Baltimore - I think what sets us apart from other hat stores is our selection. I really like that I can remember selling so many people their first hat whether it was because they didn’t think they looked good in hats or that  they had been searching for the perfect hat and were finally were able to find the right hat at our store.  Those customers really stick with you it’s an experience that is not only memorable for the customer but is memorable for me as well.

 

 

Our dedicated shop managers are the people you want to go to for hat advice.  They have been matching people with their perfect hat for years and have seen many a hat trend come and go.  So I asked them,

What is your favorite hat in your shop right now? 

Daine - My favorite right now is the Belfry Hancock.  It’s a classic, timeless look and it is eye catching.  The Steel Blue color stands out above your basic Black or Brown fedoras.  That’s why I love it.

 

 

 

 

Jennifer - My favorite style right now is the pub cap because it is great for both men and women.  I have a couple hats that I wear all the time in the shop, but my favorite right now is the Belfry Calais because I like the patchwork.  It is stylish without being too trendy.  If I’m not wearing a cap I also like the Goorin Brothers Minna Timeless.  The Minna collection has a story to tell and are very one of kind. I really like this hat.

 

 

Keith - Shop Manager Fells Point and Inner Harbor Baltimore My favorite hat at the moment is the Belfry Ross. I really love herringbone patterns and I like its classic ivy shape. I worked on mine a little and once I got the right curve to the brim the Ross is perfect.

 

 

 

Robert, Shop Manager Philadelphia - My favorite hat? It’s hard to choose from, there are so many, but one that stands out is the Belfry Coltrane.  This hat is timeless. It brings you back to the days of KOOL. You know the Rat Pack and the Jazz scene days.  This is a great hat to pair with a stylish scarf.

  

 

 

The Manager’s favorites might just be the perfect place to start if you are looking for your perfect hat. - Shannon

Best and Worst Hats of 2010

As 2010 comes to a close, I wanted to take a look back at the great hats and celebrity hat wearers of the year.  Hats are seen on every type of celebrity from musicians and actors, to athletes and reality TV stars.  We live in a fashionable time where an accessory can make or break you look.  Some people got it very right and some very wrong.  Here are the best and worst hat looks of 2010.

Best Men’s Celebrity Hats

#5 – David Bekham.  David is a style icon without question, but his looks this year were on the casual side.  I love the matching scarf and knit cap.  He doesn’t look like he is trying to make a fashionable statement, but he does anyway.

#4 – Brad Pitt.  Brad has worn all different styles of hats this year, from knit to flat cap and fedora on occasion.  This white summer straw is one of my favorites.  It is clean and classic, but still very modern.

#3 – Talib Kweli.  This year the flat cap has become even more popular with styles ranging from classic to contemporary.  I love this plaid cap and love how he paired it with a clean stylish t-shirt, jeans and jacket.  This cap could compliment anyone’s style.

#2 – Neyo.  The famous R&B hat wearer never disappoints with his hat choices.  Throughout 2010 he has worn dozens of different fedoras, but the classic black snap brim is my favorite and his signature.

#1 – Johnny Depp.  A man who doesn’t take his style too seriously is sure making a statement with his rumpled fedoras this year.  Seen in London, Paris and the States in different versions of the “worn” fedora hat look.  You think he must have just come across it at some thrift shop somewhere and threw it on his head.  Easy and effortless, Johnny is my number one pick for 2010.

Best Women’s Celebrity Hats

#5 – Katy Perry. Although she is known for the glitz and glam looks she wears on the red carpet, Katy Perry has been spotted out and about is some really cute fedoras this year.  The tilted back stingy brim is a little reminiscent of the 1980’s, but looks adorable and current with movie star shades.

#4 – Gwen Stefani.  Gwen has always pushed the envelope with her rocker style with a glamorized twist.  This year, she has been seen out in fedoras, flat caps and baseball hats, but this straw fedora with a simple red band that goes perfectly with her signature red lipstick is my favorite look of of hers this year.

#3 – Kim Kardashian.  Even if she isn’t your favorite reality TV personality, the girl has an eye for fashion.  This brown floppy with the simple add on band looks glamorous without being over the top.

#2 – Ashlee Simpson Wentz.  As a young mom, Ashlee has totally redone her look this year.  Her adorable blonde pixy hair cut with this black snap brim fedora set on the back of her head is a fashion YES! in my eyes. Paired with the leopard print that was very popular this year and she looks really put together without being too dressed up.

#1 – Taylor Swift.  I know I might get some backlash for picking Taylor as my number 1, but this is a great look.  The bold red knit paired with the black biker style fitted jacket is a statement without being a big Kentucky Derby brim or feathered sky high work of art.  The girl knows how to turn heads and this simple and stylish hat does just that.

What were they thinking?

#4 – Brett Michaels.  I know this guy has had an up and down year, but please, find a new hat look in 2011.  This straw cowboy hat with the bandana underneath is killing me.

#3 – Khloe Kardashian.  I just came back from NYC and I realize that these fuzzy animal hats are on every street vendor’s corner, but Kloe…seriously….this is awful.

#2 – Will.I.Am. I know every once in a while you have to take some risks in fashion, but the Lego hat worn on the AMAs is just too much for me.  How uncomfortable that thing must be.

#1 – Lady Gaga.  I’m sorry to do it as I am a Gaga fan, but the silver glitter lobster was just too much.  It just looks dangerous.  I can’t believe we haven’t heard of any of her outfits injuring her.  This would be one I would be nervous about.

I am really looking forward to seeing what hat trends will emerge in 2011.  Until then, have a safe and happy New Years! - Shannon

Not Just a Knit

It was a very cold December day when a group of people came in the hat shop, looking for something very specific.  They asked me if we carried “breaking and entering” hats.  I had never heard of a hat being called this, but knew exactly what they were talking about, a basic black acrylic knit hat.  I can only hope that they were not going to wear these hats while committing a crime.  It was freezing outside, so I am pretty sure they just wanted something warm. 

Knit hats have come a long way since the basic knit was the go-to for a warm hat for the winter.  We have changed up the materials, revamped the styles and expanded the color choices so that everyone can have the warmth of a knit without looking like they just knocked off the nearby 7-11.

An alternative to the basic knit style is an army cap, like this one.  This Military Jeep Hat by Goorin Bros. is the perfect mix of fashion and function and comes in black and olive.  It is made in a soft acrylic knit, easily rolls up in your pocket and keeps you warm all winter long.  Military style wasn’t just popular this fall, the trend carries over to winter wear this year. 

If you want the classic style knit with a little more style, the Belfry Street Eugene is a perfect pick.  The unique thing about this hat is that it is an alpaca knit.  Alpaca is a silky knit, that is warmer than wool and contains less allergens.  You know that itchy feeling you get on your forehead after wearing your acrylic knit for a while?  That won’t happen with a knit like this.

One of my personal favorite knit styles for women is the Knit Beret from San Diego Hat Company.  This knit is the perfect shape to wear all the ways a beret can be worn, off to one side, behind the hair line pulled back or pulled down like a classic knit hat.  It comes in great colors, like fuschia, green, purple and yellow as well as the basic black and ivory.  It looks adorable on young girls and classic on women.

If you are looking for the basic black knit style, do not fear, we still have the classic knit.  The Belfry Street Chicago is a Bamboo knit.  Bamboo is a sustainable material that many clothing manufacturers are starting to use more and more.  This is a warm knit with cool max material that will keep you dry if you sweat in your hat.  It is lighter weight than a wool or alpaca, but keeps you just as warm. This hat does have a matching scarf that I always like to tell people about. It is a really long scarf, but it is light weight so it doesn’t pull on your neck like many heavy wool knits.

What ever style you choose this winter, stay warm out there! Have a great holiday and a very Merry Christmas. -Shannon