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Hipster Hats that Make Me Happy

by Pam Mandel (RSS feed) on Feb 28th 2012 at 9:00AM

We're no Portland or Brooklyn, but dude, you can't swing a cat in Seattle without hitting a 20 something in something tweedy, a vest, maybe, and a flat cap. The thing is, you need a good hat in this town, it's not totally impractical to protect your melon from the relentless drizzle that dampens our spirits and waters down our Americanos. As much as I try to mock the bearded skinny jeans what on earth is your day job and did you think about how that tattoo is going to look when you are 50 plus all that bacon is bad for you set, I can't argue with a good hat. I just can't.

Which is why I left the house in a Tilley Endurable Ivy Cap. I joined the hipster masses and you know what people said? "Nice headwear!" The other style I tried, the Tec-Wool, got the same response. What did I say? I said you can't argue with a good hat. No one even tried.

Here's what I like about the Tilley winter caps. They have quilted lining and tuck away low profile ear flaps, so they're really warm and get warmer when you pull the ear flaps out. There's a secret pocket in the top where you can keep your bus pass or your marching orders or that love letter that really appeals to your brain. They're made of a very water resistant wool and they keep their shape when you smash them in your backpack with your laptop and your refillable coffee canister and all the other stuff you carry around. There's a little cinch strap inside so you can adjust the fit -- a nice touch. Both caps come in a tweedy brown or a textured black that's really a very dark charcoal gray. And I think I mentioned, they look great.

Both caps are $76.00, a pretty penny to drop on a hat, but they come with a lifetime guarantee which includes -- get this, insurance against loss for two years. You'll need your receipt or registration form, so don't lose that too, and if you can prove you bought a hat, Tilley will replace it. Really. I asked, twice, because I didn't believe it the first time. The lifetime guarantee will outlast hipster fashion, I promise you.

These things are great for wearing out and about around town, to the microbrewery, while shopping for artisanal cheeses or smoked meats, or heading to a knitters meetup, but they're also great for travel to blustery cold places where you just need to be warm. Want one? Measure your head (they come in multiple sizes) and to the Tilley website.

Oh, and yes, that's me in the picture. I look like a freaking hipster. I don't care.