How is an online hat shop different to a high street shop?

New Zealanders aren't necessarily noted for their love of hat fashion. Or are they? Our experience at Prohibition Hats NZ is that Kiwis who are looking for a good hat, are a pretty discerning bunch.  At least when it comes to buying hats online.

Why wear a baseball cap when you're really looking for a cheese cutter hat or fedora? And for that matter, beanies are great but from the Warehouse?!

The unfortunate truth is however that many affordable high street stores in NZ have a rather 'safe' collection of hats and an even safer range of sizes.

So, what makes an online hat store different to your run of the mill high street retailer? Well, allow us to enlighten you.

An online hat store has lots of hats to choose from

This sounds obvious but the bottom line is, if you're serious about buying a certain kind of hat, you're going to need a decent range to choose from.

Now I'm not talking 100s of hats to buy online (necessarily) just a broad enough selection of hats so that you get some choice. You see, we figure that if you're actually taking the time to search online to buy a hat, the likelihood is you'd prefer to find a proper online hat store.

That's why we have a plethora of cheese cutter hats and fedoras ranging from tweed to leather to corduroy. Plus great brands like Kangol Hats and Goorin Brothers.

We also stock all sizes (none of this one size fits all rubbish). So you get to make an informed choice about the kind of hat you think looks good on your noggin.

But 'high street retailers let me try the hat on in store'. Right? Well yes, but so do we. In a manner of speaking.

How can I try a hat on if I buy it online?

Well, you can't exactly try the hat on before you buy it so we offer the next best thing. We offer a no hassle return policy which means that if you change your mind or the hat doesn't fit, we'll swap it or offer a full refund. (There are a few tees and cees but not many - honestly!)

It's really easy to shop online with Prohibition Hats NZ. All you have to do is measure up your head (using our easy online guide) read our suggestions for the mind of head this hat best suits (and attire) and then place your order.

Your lovely new hat will arrive in your post box within a few days and you can give it a try. Relax, if it doesn't look like a million dollars, just send it back. We want you to be happy after all.

A Specialist hat store for specialist hats

It's worth pointing out that we love hats. LOVE them. That's why we're an online hat shop rather than say a handbag shop. Or mobile phone shop.

And when you love hats as much as we do, you find it important to be a specialist. Knowing hats inside and out, helping our customers to find the right flat cap or trilby for them, is what gets us out of bed every morning!

That's why when you email us, we will always do our best to advise you of the best hat options for you or point you in the direction of another hat store if we can't help you out.

What make us hat specialists? Well, for a start we know about the different kinds of hat materials available, the way that different hat shapes affect the perceived shape of your face (honestly!), the many different and subtle styles of flat caps and cheese cutter hats available and the importance of quality construction.

Sound like a lot? Well it is but we think you're worth it.

Northern hemisphere hat fashion

Hat fashion in the northern hemisphere is perhaps a little more leading than down south. Mostly because our northern hemisphere cousins tend to have more pronounced autumn and winter seasons than us and therefore wear more winter hats.

So how does this compare to the typical New Zealander? It generally results in a wider variety of clothes and a more varied annual wardrobe (us Kiwis tend to like to stick to our shorts/jeans jandals/trainers combinations right?).

And when it comes to hats, we don't tend to wear that many varieties. But, head over to London and walk down Oxford street on a Saturday afternoon in January and you'll see a medley of hats and scarves in all shapes, sizes and colours.

So, how can we take advantage of this hat renaissance in UK, Europe and USA?

Take a plunge and buy your winter hat online

If you think you need a hat and aren't sure where to look, take a punt and shop online. Hop into Google and search for the type of hat you think you want to buy and take a look at a couple of online hat shops.

Shop around. Try some hats on and throw that baseball cap out!

Whatever your hat aspirations, remember to wear something which suits your style and makes you look and feel great.

Be kind to your head.


Laurie
Founder
Prohibition Hats NZ

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

3 tips to really wearing a hat

3 tips to really wearing a hat

Ever heard somebody say, "I just don't look good in hats."? Yep, me too. In our humble opinion there is a hat for every head. Read on for some tips.

Even Walter White found a hat style

1.  Shop around for different hat styles

The hat you wear to work, to Ponsonby or Panama Street for a night out with friends should make a bold statement about who you are.

You've got the outfit, you're ready to go, now is not the time be timid. The high street is fine if you want to look like everybody else but if you want to make a bold statement, you need to shop at a boutique. Sure, we'd love you to buy a hat from our website but the truth is we'd be happy just to know that Kiwis are getting out there and being individual.

2. Choose the hat style that fits your head shape

We've talked a lot about getting he right hat size but what about the right hat shape? There's a hat for every head but not every hat suits every head.

Let's take me for example. I have got a fairly large head (it keeps all the brains in) particularly at the nape of my neck.

So, the best hats for me to wear are newsboy hats and cadet hats. They both have a generous amount of space at the back to cover the nape of my neck. Flat caps (or cheese cutters) and trilby hats less so as they tend to have a higher cut.

Our hat style guide on www.prohibitionhats.co.nz and detailed product information should help.

3. Accessorize people!

Don't just have one hat for every outfit. Think about how your hat will complement your look.

A baseball cap is great for an afternoon at the park but is it right for a night out? A trilby is undoubtedly cool and will make you stand out from the throng at the Viaduct  but is it doing you any favours in the cinema?

You don't wear the same shirt every day do you? Don't wear the same hat every day then.

There you have it and remember, buying the right hat for you is easy with Prohibition Hats NZ. We offer hassle free returns on all hat sales and we welcome queries for sourcing alternative styles and sizes.

Now, get out there and make a statement about your head wear!

Laurie
Prohibition Hats NZ
www.prohibitionhatsnz.co.nz