I've always loved the look of a felt hat. There's something classic and stylish about them. But living where I do, the question always comes up: can you really wear felt hats in the summer without melting? I decided to find out once and for all, and I'm here to share what I learned.
I've been wearing felt hats pretty much year-round for a while now. Honestly, after a while, you kind of get used to it. I even wore a black one during some pretty hot days. But I started to wonder if maybe I was just being stubborn. Was the black felt actually making me hotter?
I started noticing that on really scorching days, my head felt like it was in an oven. I started questioning my choice of wearing a black felt hat. Was I just imagining things, or was there actually a difference in how hot different colored hats get?
It turns out, there's some basic science involved. A black felt hat absorbs pretty much all the color wavelengths from the sun. This means it heats up a lot more than a lighter-colored hat. Lighter colors reflect more of those rays back, so they don't retain as much heat.
I tried wearing a tan felt hat one day, and I definitely noticed a difference. It wasn't a miracle cure, but it felt noticeably cooler than the black one. That's when I realized that color really does matter when it comes to staying cool in the sun.
But color isn't the only factor. I discovered that the type of felt also makes a big difference. A denser, heavier felt will trap more heat than a lighter, more breathable one. This is why the type of felt used can affect how hot the hat is.
I learned that a pure beaver felt hat is generally more breathable than one made from rabbit felt. Both are better than wool, which can be quite warm and less breathable. So, if you're looking for a felt hat for warmer weather, consider the material it's made from.
While I love my felt hats, I realized that sometimes you need something even lighter for the hottest days. That's when I started looking into straw hats. I found that straw can be pretty good, but it depends on the region you live in. In mild heat, straw feels cooler. But in intense humid heat, a Panama straw hat is the best bet.
I also heard that in dry desert heat, a light-colored felt hat is actually a good choice. It provides more protection from the sun than straw, which can sometimes let too much light through.
I started looking for alternatives that would offer comfort and style. I wanted something that wasn't too heavy and would keep me cool during the warmer months. I was looking for something that I could wear casually, and that's when I stumbled upon WholeCustomDesign Headwear. They have a wide variety of styles, and I found one that really caught my eye.
I wanted something different, something with a bit of street style flair. That's when I found the perfect hat: the Brand Street Style Hip Hop Beanies Brimless Melon Cap. It's a lightweight, knitted beanie that's surprisingly comfortable even in warmer weather.
I was initially skeptical about wearing a beanie in the heat, but the breathable knit material made a huge difference. It's not as formal as a felt hat, but it's perfect for casual outings and adds a cool, urban edge to my look. Plus, it's super easy to pack and doesn't lose its shape.
I got mine from WholeCustomDesign and it’s been solid so far. I can wear it during the day and I feel cool.