Hat Trick

If you’re a hat wearer, you know the particulars of hat design are important. Hat styles, shapes and fits are varied for a reason—based on appearances as well as functions. Like tools, you need the right hat for the job. The U.S. Army discovered this last June when soldier outcry prompted it to dump berets—standard issue in combat since 2001—for caps. One beret-hating soldier compared it to wearing a wet sock on his head, according to the Military Times.

Whether you’re working, playing or just strolling about town, everyone can be a hat person in one of these finds.

(clockwise, from top left)
Look stylish yet unassuming in the Six-Panel Enzyme-Washed Cap. Its low-profile, unstructured design and broken-in coloring makes for a classic, easy-going look.
Heritage Sportswear, Inc. UPIC: HERI0002 800-537-2222

Stay cool with the “OTTO Flex” Cool Comfort Cool Mesh cap. Its polyester mesh is breathable, wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
Otto International, Inc. UPIC: ottocap 800-826-8903

The Bally beanie looks soft to the touch, and direct-to-garment digital printing ensures it actually is.
AddVenture UPIC: COMPREST 866-610-2010

The durable, anti-pill properties of polyester micro fleece in the iK30 Fleece Beanie protect against even the roughest wear and tear.
Cap America, Inc. UPIC: CAPAMRCA 800-487-2227

Wide-brimmed hats are a stylish way to protect one’s skin from the sun. Sun ’N’ Sand Accessories, Inc. UPIC: BEACHBAG 800-635-0846 www.sunnsandline.com

Ski, skate, bike or walk all while listening to your favorite tunes through the built-in speakers of the FlapJac headphone beanie.
Tooks Hats UPIC: TOOKS 888-820-3220

Patented U-func® technology in the SilvAG Cap uses pure-silver yarns to keep odors and the bacteria that cause them at bay.
International Merchandise Concepts UPIC: IMC1 800-331-6624

Military style loosens up in the Corps Hat with unstructured, 100-percent organic cotton twill in four nature-inspired colors.
Econscious UPIC: Econ 877-326-6660

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STYLE INSIDER Hats For Health
Forget how cute they look, hats can save your life. Wearing a hat while outdoors can dramatically decrease the risks of developing skin cancer. When developing a hat promotion or building a campaign for an outdoor event, remember to educate clients about the health benefits of appropriate headgear. Here are some guidelines from The American Cancer Society and The Headwear Association:

When it comes to brim width, the bigger the better. Hats with two- to three-inch brims all around are ideal because they offer full protection for ears, eyes, foreheads, noses and scalps. For women, hats with brims wider than five inches are best because they protect the shoulder and décolletage areas.

Contoured shapes are best. Hat styles that follow the natural curves of the head and neck are best for blocking out harmful UV rays.

Stick to tightly woven fabrics. A person’s scalp is also susceptible to sun damage. Hats made of dense fabric or closely woven straw offer more protection.