Caps

[david4king]

I want to get some caps. I have never had one before. Any suggestions? I have hear people say to get cotton because it is cool. I have read to stay away from linen because it is hat. What about wool? I was thinking about a nice herringbone. I want to get 3 or 4 nice caps. What is a good price range. I have seen them between $25 - $65. Any Ideas of where to buy one I have searched around here and found some places. Anyone use any of these?
http://millerhats.com/menu/mens_caps.htm
http://www.bencrafthats.com/
http://www.hatterdashery.com/hatstyles.htm
http://www.hatpeople.com/tourshop/catalogue/cat.html
http://www.tweed-jacket.com/Tweed Caps and Hats/Tweed Caps and Hats.html
http://www.classic-caps.co.uk/
http://mariposa.yosemite.net/bwear/

Can you tell me about what makes a good cap and what makes a bad one? I have seen most only come in S, M, L, Xl. I would like one in a 7 3/8. I have learned a lot on here about felt but nothing about caps. I think they only come in three kinds: 8 piece or news, pub, or flat. Is that right?Thanks,

 

[leprechaun]

New here and don't have any caps, but I believe a 7 3/8 is considered a Large.

 

[Belegnole]

David, you may wish to check out this thread it has lots of comments, ideas, thoughts and opinions on caps.....plus some pictures

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=4972

 

[Duper]

Tilley makes some nice wool Ivy caps. I own a black one. I like the ear flaps for those cold and windy winter nights walking the dog. Also they are adjustable for a better sizing. I see that Noggintops carries them. They are more expensive then some, but they are a quality product.

The sierratardingpost website has a few caps on discounted sale if you can find your size.

As an example: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/218,52157_Goettmann-Wool-Gore-Tex-Driving-Hat-Waterproof-For-Men.html

 

[Inusuit]

I have three caps from these folks:

http://www.hatterdashery.com/hatstyles.htm

They have a variety of fabrics and will make a cap to your specifications. I think they are excellent quality and reasonably priced. I have a linen (that's not particularly hot) and two wool tweeds. One is a medium weight. The other is heavy wool, Goretex lined, and has ear flaps. It's my go to lid when Wyoming weather dishes up a blizzard.

 

[Dewhurst]

Flat caps (often called Ivy caps) are mostly what I own! The comfort is just worlds better than most fedoras. And they are floppy and convenient.

You should really try out http://www.hats-plus.com/t-caps.aspx. They have a wide selection of caps AND carry a large number of those hats in a range of sizes.

For price, a good cap costs a fair penny. You may find a good cap at lower prices (Jaxon hats caps are reputed to be good for the low price, Hats in the Belfry's Purple line IS NOT), but you generally want to stick around the 40-100 dollars range for a decent cap that will last but is not TOO expensive. This is all very subjective.

As for brands. I recommend Jonathan Richard of Ireland, Wigens, City Sport and Borsalino. Great caps. There are different styles of flat caps (not including the 8-panel newsboys and what not, seperate) most commonly the "five-point" and "three-point". Five point will typically give you a slightly more flat and angular look. Three point gives you a more round or curved look. I prefer five points.

Material: cotton is decent. Linen makes a nice cap but some people don't like it. I don't find linen uncomfortable. A good wool cap is the be all and end all as far as I am concerned. My favorite cap material (although I adore a few others, both less expensive and more luxurious as well). Herringbone (which you expressed interest in) is one of my favorite patterns. Nailhead is also nice. Subtle windowpane and plaids can also be very nice. Also, you should consider getting a "patchwork" or "patch" flat cap. These can be tons of fun to wear and basically go with almost anything by their nature. Finally, one "solid" versatile color is obligatory in this sea of patterns.

Anyway, grain of salt and all that. Hope this helps.

 

[Ed13]

I wear tweeds in winter and Borsalino linens in summer. I also wear a 7 3/8 and I recommend trying on the caps first or purchase properly sized caps. Ill fitting caps are a waste of money.

 

[Geesie]

 

[Dewhurst]

Ill fitting caps are a waste of money.

As with most hats (all?), it varies by preference.