Men's hats: 3 essential tips to selecting your hat

The hat: the fashion forward accessory

Read on for 3 essential tips to buying the right men's hats this Autumn: fit, fabric and construction. 

Men's Fashion Week in London firmly planted the urban hat on the heads of all fashion forward men.

But as the gruffer of the species we aren't always known for our love of shopping. Are we fellas?  So, how do we stay current in our look with as little fruitless shopping as possible?

1. Find the Fit

When we talk about 'fit', we mean: 'how well does it fit you'. Ask yourself questions like: does the hat pinch at the your temples? Is it snug or tight? Does the peak sit as low across your forehead as you would like?

When you don a hat that fits well, it shows. Whether you're wearing a fedora or a cheese cutter hat, finding a hat that complements the shape of your face and head is a must.

Our hat size chart will give you some pointers on measuring up your noggin for the perfect fit.

2. Select your Fabric

There are two key things to think about here: the kind of fabric and the quality of the fabric.

Firstly, the type of fabric. The range of hat fabrics available is pretty mind boggling. Look for cottons, wools, twills, tweed and polyester blends. It's not the case that viscose and lycra are bad (they are often used for those little design finishes) but they ought to be small proportions of the overall material mix.

Think about when you are going to wear the hat. Consider the season, whether you'll be indoors or outdoors and whether you'll be wearing it during the day or night.

Generally speaking, wool, merino and wool/polyester blends are good winter options. Light cottons and linens lend themselves best to warmer months. Note: don't ignore the linings as they make a big difference.

However, regardless of its kind, material quality is key.

Feel (with your fingers) the softness of the material - there shouldn't be any rough edges or friction when you put the hat on. (If there is, the material quality is low or the fit is wrong). Is there any bobbling or fraying (suggests the item does not wash well).

And finally...

3. Inspect the Construction

How well put together is the hat? Does it feel sturdy and firm?

Pay close attention to the peak and each individual panel . All the seams should be double stitched with no loose threads or material separation. Give the hat a gentle tug at the seams to check.

Even a light hat (eg made from linen) should be sturdy and substantive.

Again, don't forget about the inside linings. Cheaper, less well-constructed hats usually skimp on these details. (That's if they even have an inside lining!)

The perfect hat

So there you have it. A hat that fits well, is made from quality fabrics and is well constructed will look good, feel good and will stand the test of time if looked after.

'Till next time hat lovers.

Laurie Turnbull
Founder/owner
Prohibition Hats NZ
www.prohibitionhats.co.nz
www.facebook.com/prohibitionhats

How is a cheese cutter different from a duck bill flat cap?

How is a cheese cutter different from a duck bill flat cap?

The cheese cutter classic shape

The cheese cutter hat has a wide brow and a peak which starts right at the top of the hat and protrudes out significantly. If you look at its profile, you'll see it has a 'wedge' appearance which is possibly linked to the origin of the name 'cheese cutter' (history is a little vague on that one).

The origin of the cheese cutter

The cheese cutter shape is synonymous with flat cap hats and can be traced back to the 14th century in Northern England and parts of Southern Italy. There it  was more likely to be called a "bonnet", which term was replaced by "cap" sometime before about 1700.

 

Flat caps were almost universally worn in the 19th century by working class men throughout Britain and Ireland. However, versions in finer cloth were considered to be suitable casual countryside wear for upper-class English men (hence the contemporary alternative name golf cap). 

The Duckbill flat cap

The duckbill (called an 'Ivy' in the USA) has quite a different shape to a cheese cutter.

Its origins are from when Irish and English immigrants arrived in the United States, bringing the flat cap with them. 

However, the origins of the duck bill shape is less clear. It is certainly a derivative of the original flat cap (with the same long peak) but it has been influenced heavily by the more modern hat shapes that came out of the States from the 1990s onwards.

Which fits better - a cheese cutter or duckbill flat cap?

Well, this really comes down to the shape of your head (or, to be more exact, your face).

Cheese cutters have a wide brow so have the effect of shortening your face. Whereas duckbills are ideal for people with a square face as their shallower peak and less roomy brow hugs your head more giving the hat a rounder appearance, softening your chin line. 

The best thing to do is try a few on a see what you prefer! Check out my blog '3 tips for choosing the right hat' as well as our 'hat size chart' for help on how to find the right hat for you.

Shop online for the best deals

Prohibition Hats NZ has the best range of cheese cutters and duck bill flat caps at the lowest prices in New Zealand.

We have a huge range of duck bill hats, traditional cheese cutter hats and loads more. Whatever your style, you'll find it here.

So, for the most stylish flat caps in NZ, shop online at www.prohibitionhats.co.nz/category/cheese-cutter-hats

Make a statement with your hat NZ!

Laurie Turnbull
Owner / Founder
Prohibition Hats NZ
www.prohibitionhats.co.nz
www.facebook.com/prohibitionhats
www.twitter.com/prohibitionhats

Prohibition Hats NZ market update

NZ's best premium urban hats & caps at your local Auckland market

We can't think of a better way for our customers to get their hands on the expert craftsmanship of our premium hats and caps. We're so excited to be getting into the wonderful Auckland Market circuit! They're such a great way for us to get out there and meet our customers and get amongst the thick of it.

Prohibition Hats NZ market calendar

Next Market: Saturday 25 May, Tamaki Drive Market

Stay up to date on our market shenanigans by liking us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/prohibitionhats or signing up to our newsletter www.prohibitionhats.co.nz/page/newsletter

The Winter flat cap and making new friends

The locals were loving our range of winter cheese cutters. Particularly sought after were our Brooklyn Flat Caps by Jaxon hats.  This is a great wool cheese cutter ideal for the colder weather but light enough that your head won't spontaneously combust during Autumn!

Lots of people were asking about our winter fedoras. Never fear! Our winter line of fedoras (and flat caps) will be in stock soon. We'll be sure to bring them along to our next market. (Sign up to our newsletter at www.prohibitionhats.co.nz/page/newsletteror like us at www.facebook.com/prohibitionhats to stay up to date.)

Essence of Europe market in Titirangi

The Essence of Europe market takes place every second Sunday at the War Memorial at Titirangi. Click here for a map. It's a great market for all the family selling everything from organic cheese to wood carvings and, of course, the best urban hats and caps in New Zealand! (It also has the best selection of sweet pastries in the Southern Hemisphere - a diabetic's nightmare but ooohhhh so good.)

We'd like to take our hats off to Ange for organising this great event for the local community. Whether you're European or just interested n something a little bit different, you'll love this market. Find them on https://www.facebook.com/essenceofeurope.events?fref=ts

Prohibition Hats NZ: Next market - Saturday 25th May, Tamaki Drive Market

Stay up to date on when and where we'll be by liking us on Facebook or signing up for our newsletter


So, a big thank you to the Essence of Europe Market and the people of Titirangi and surrounding areas. Catch us at a market soon or go to www.prohibitionhats.co.nz to shop online.


Laurie TurnbullOwner/Founder
Prohibition Hats NZ
www.prohibitionhats.co.nz
www.facebook.com/prohibitionhats
www.twitter.com/prohibitionhats

Goorin Bros Fedoras & Trilbys - Winter line

Latest winter fedoras from Goorin Bros

Shop online for the most stylish winter fedoras in NZ. Our range of Trilbys and fedoras are the perfect accessory for you winter wardrobe.

Shop online for our latest fedoras

Stay warm in a stylish wool trilby

The weather is definitely taking a turn for the colder. Keep your head warm in a Prohibition Hats NZ fedora or trilby. We have a great range of wool fedoras that are guaranteed to finish off any outfit and keep you warm.

Shop online for winter fedoras

Best range of Goorin Bros fedoras in New Zealand

Prohibition Hats NZ's winter Fedoras by Goorin Bros are the lowest prices in New Zealand. Our fedoras and trilbies start from just $99.95 with free national shipping when you buy 2 order hats in one order.

And with our no hassle returns, you can buy hats online with no worries.

Make a statement with a Prohibition Hats NZ winter fedora.

Laurie Turnbull
Owner/Founder
Prohibition Hats NZ
www.prohibitionhats.co.nz
www.facebook.com/prohibitionhats
www.twitter.com/prohibitionhats

Winter hats: essential fashion for the urban Kiwi

Winter hats: essential fashion for the urban Kiwi

Hat fashion trends for 2013

Wide brim hats like fedoras are hugely in the at the moment. The classic shape is timeless. Walk down Queen Street and you'll see an abundance of guys (and girls) sporting Indiana Jones' hallmark. Tip - add a design flourish like a textured satin band or a feather to give it a lift. Choose wool and felt materials for winter hats as they offer the most maximum warmth. They're also super stylish: great for office attire.

Beanies are also a great winter hat option as they go with practically anything and come in wide range of shapes and materials. But if you want to keep the ears warm, there's nothing better than a bear trapper or wool bucket hat. Materials abound but wool, cashmere and acrylics are name of the game but keep those ears nice and cosy.

Shop online for great hat deals

As Autumn finally gives way to Winter, you're probably going to start thinking about where to shop for Winter hats. It isn't all that fun getting a head freeze on the walk to the train station, so a few warm hats is an essential part of your  winter wardrobe.

There are some great styles to choose from when you shop in the right boutique Stores. Most good stores will have a few wool or felt fedoras, typically in black or brown which are the most versatile tones. And it isn't hard to pick up a good beanie or knit hat (but make sure you don't go for the el cheapo option or it will fall apart way before Spring). The key thing is to make sure that your winter hats are well constructed, fit your head, your personality and your wallet.

Be kind to your head with a stylish winter hat from Prohibition Hats NZ

Laurie Turnbull
Owner / Founder
Prohibition Hats NZ
www.prohibitionhats.co.nz
www.facebook.com/prohibitionhats
www.twitter.com/prohibitionhats

Hat Size Chart [diagram]

Hat Size Chart

Hat size Chart: see below for the most common hat sizes in metric and imperial.

Measure your head for the perfect hat size

Measuring for your head size is both an art and a science. Grab a tape measure and use a hat size chart as a guide. Grab a tape measure or a length of string (you'll need to hold it up to a tape measure to determine the length). 

Place the string or tape around your head about 1 cm above your ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head. Hold the tape firmly, but not too tightly. Basically you need to measure your head exactly where the hat will sit. If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the next largest size.

Not all hat sizes are standard

All hats at www.prohibitionhats.co.nz come in four main sizes. Extra large, Large, Medium and Small. Remember hats are like other clothes in that sizes can sometimes vary from one manufacturer to another. 

Whenever one of our hats are atypical to the norm, we'll let you know via our hat style guide.

At Prohibition Hats NZ, we offer hassle free returns so that even if the hat size chart doesn't quite work for you, you can be confident in the hat your are buying.

Laurie Turnbull

Owner / Founder

Prohibition Hats NZ

www.prohibitionhats.co.nz

www.facebook.com/prohibitionhats

3 Common reasons for bad hat choices

I feel really confident when I put on a stylish hat. It finishes my outfit, makes me look and feel complete. In fact, I never leave home without one. So, why  do so many proud & bold kiwis hide their locks under average, poorly fitting baseball caps? 

Some common reasons why people wear rubbish hats

1 Reason: I just can't find anything I like on New Zealand's high street. 

1 Solution:  You aren't looking in the right place! Check out the great range of cool urban hats on offer at www.prohibitionhats.co.nz

With our great range of Cheese Cutters, Fedoras and
Newsboy hats you're bound to find the right hat for you

2 Reason: I don't want to spend a fortune on a hat so I'll buy one for the price of a pint of Tui instead!

2 Solution: A quality hat or cap from prohibitionhats.co.nz won't break the bank. Our hats sale prices start from as low as $50! As soon as you put it on you'll feel the difference and look great.

                                          Check our sale hats for prices as low as $50

3 Reason: Can I return the hat if I don't like it? 

3 Solution: You can return any hat Prohibition Hats NZ hat within 7 days of purchase for a no hassle refund. So we practically guarantee you'll find the  right hat for you. And our great range of Trilbies, Fedoras, Cheese Cutters, Army Cadet Hats and Newsboys are sure to provide some inspiration. 

Bruce Willis sporting a cool cheese cutter and Samuel Jackson looking
cool in a brown felt trilby

Don't hide your head. Accessorise it with Prohibition Hats NZ

Laurie
Prohibition Hats NZ
Shop Online at www.prohibitionhats.co.nz
Follow us on www.facebook.com/prohibitionhats