Thursday 31 October 2013

Hats for the New Zealand summer

With the clocks going forward a few weeks ago, it became official: Summer's here. And not a moment too soon!

Here are a few tips on wearing the right Summer hats in the New Zealand sun.

Flat caps are still in

Flat caps (or cheese cutter hats) are a classic all year round staple and great hats for men or women. So not just for winter!

They're great because not only do they look snazzy, they also keep the harsh NZ sun out of your eyes but with a sophistication that a baseball cap simply can't muster.

Look for cotton and linen materials as they're lighter than wool and polyester. If you want super light, go for unlined interiors (but watch out for the unavoidable sweat patch).

Bring on the straw hats

This time of year, we get to don the straw hat and make like Gatsby (see more tips on how to look like the great Gatsby himself here).

Straw hats come in all shapes and sizes. This year, striped bands are in with the modern stingy brim fedora shape taking centre stage (closely followed by the more traditional
boater).

In the southern hemisphere, we're a pretty conservative bunch but try and push yourself beyond the brown straw trilby. There are plenty of colours, shapes and styles to choose from. And why stop at one? Buy a couple of straw hats and mix it up a little!

A hat fit for evening wear

In New Zealand, getting dressed up for a night out often means little more than jeans and trainers (or jandals if you're feeling super laid back).

Thats great, but where does the summer hat fit? Well, the great thing about contemporary Urban hats is that they can be dressy without being formal.

Try it out; a light brown flat cap (such as Burbank) looks the business with a pair of light jeans and trainers without being full on dressy.

Perfect for when lazy summer afternoons turn into social summer evenings (without a wardrobe break).

Caring for you summer hat

Summer tends to result in heat and that tends to mean sweat. I know, I know, it's icky but it is what it is.

The good news is that modern hats like ours are pretty darn resilient if you look after them.

The truck is to HAND wash them in a mild detergent then let them air dry. Please don't machine wash or tumble dry them.

Get the best hats from the southern hemisphere

One of the best things about selling hats in NZ (apart from my love for all things headwear) is that I get to bring all the coolest styles over from the northern hemisphere.

Watch out for our Goorin Brothers Hat classics, our favourite Jaxon Hats summer line and a new line of Kangol hats and caps.

Summer's here! Be kind to your head.

Anybody got any fab hats they'd like us to get in? Let me know.

Laurie
Prohibition Hats NZ