What hat for HOT weather?

[James MacMillan]

I recently found out that my bald head has developed some skin cancer spots, and I am undergoing treatments. Everything should be OK, but I have been told that I can no longer go out in the sun hatless.

My question to the group is: What hat do you wear when the weather is really hot, especially hot and humid?

In cooler weather, I have no problems wearing my glengarry or balmoral, but when the mercury climbs, I (now used to) go hatless, because of the sweat. The sweat would run down in my eyes, get the headgear wet, and cause ugly salt marks.

I have one golf style, flat hat, that I guess wouldn't look too bad. -And for the most casual of occasions, I guess a baseball style hat will be used.

Your thoughts - - -

[Clockwork John]

I wear a cotton flat cap just about every day. I don't have to worry too much about humidity out here in the desert, but with temps near or above 100 degrees, sweat can be an issue... It's not too bad in the flat cap.

[GMan]

Whatever you feel comfortable with, just make sure that is nothing but class.

[Yaish]

I like something in this style. Mine isn't a Tilley, but I suppose it's just a matter of time before I pony up and buy one.

http://www.tilley.com/detail.asp?cat...&productNo=LT3

As you can see, both WalkerK and myself enjoy a similar style of hat. (Pictures from the Monterey Highland Games, I'm the bottom one.)

[kallen]

My personal favorite is the Boonie Hat.

You can get them in several color options
camo


digi-camo


hunting camo(natural gear, my personal fav.)


or non-camo


Or, just for kicks...you could go British

[apack]

I wear hats most times, now that I get sunburned on the top of my head! It works out OK for me, as I like to wear hats anyway.

For summer, I suggest a driving-style cap or irish flat cap made from a light weight material like cotton, linen, or silk. There are many varieties of this style. You can see some examples in linen here:

http://www.hartfordyork.com/category/linen-caps

Those include some really top makers, like Borsalino, but you can find cheaper versions too. The Tilley hats that were suggested previously also look really good!

[TimC]

I'm as bald as a bowling ball and have been for many years now and I too have had cancer spots. I put on sunscreen everyday now - no matter what the weather is and I wear a baseball cap most of the time as they tend to go with just about any outfit. When I throw, I go with a bandana / "do rag" to keep the sun off me. Hope it helps.

-Tim

[Brian F]

Well, I wear a greasy ball cap everyday... makes the best sweat rag or fan. But, as you said, that would only work for the most casual of occasions.

[PiobBear]

J. Byous Co. advertises a "tropical weight summer wool" unlined balmoral on their web site. I have one of their caubeens which I'm quite happy with.

[Rigged]

I have a straw "panama" hat that I bought at the San Jose Flea Market for... I think $1.50. I've had it for years. It looks good, keeps the sun off, and its loose weave gives plenty of air flow.