"Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" -- Choosing The Best Designer Rain Hats
If you will be traveling out-of-doors this summer or fall, you may be thinking about buying one or more designer rain hats. We'd like to share with you, out of our own experience, some things you should consider.
Quality Still Matters
First of all (and most basically), don't be fooled into believing that you can get by with one of the cheaper varieties of hats made today. By definition, designer rain hats will be used outside when the weather is not good, so they must be able to stand up to the rigors of inclement weather. A cheaper hat will just not hold up properly: the colors may fade, the seams may come undone, straps and tie-downs may become detached. Buy a quality item.
What To Look For In Designer Rain Hats Having resolved to buy only quality designer rain hats, not cheaper imitations, what do you look for? Pay special attention to the materials (fabric) used in the construction. The best designer rain hats are made from a fabric that is waterproof and that 'breathes' (i.e., allows perspiration from the body to pass through and evaporate). Plastic, for example, would make a poor fabric for designer rain hats; although it is completely waterproof, it is not breathable - and using it, you would soon feel sticky and uncomfortable. Water-Resistant or Waterproof? Two terms you will see often in product descriptions for designer rain hats are water-resistant and waterproof - and they are not the same. Water-resistant designer rain hats are capable of blocking rain and snow, as long as it is not too intense. If the rain or snow is falling too heavily, water-resistant fabrics will not provide adequate protection. On the other hand, waterproof designer rain hats will keep out the wetness, no matter how heavy the rain or snowfall. When ever possible, choose designer rain hats that are made from waterproof, rather than water-resistant, fabrics. Designer Rain Hats: Seasonal Considerations Another consideration when selecting proper designer rain hats is to choose one that is appropriate for the season. If you will be wearing your designer rain hat in the summertime you will want something that is made of a lightweight, breathable fabric. A summertime designer rain hat can also include a wider brim all around, to provide protection from summertime sun. Summertime storms are generally not as heavy as those in the fall and spring, so you may be able to use a water-repellent rather than a waterproof fabric. On the other hand, designer rain hats for spring or fall wear should be waterproof - because the rain showers are typically much harder during these seasons - and made of heavier fabric, to provide some warmth and insulation. In addition, storms during the fall and spring are much more forceful, so you may find it helpful to buy designer rain hats with a strap for your chin. Some Guidance On Fabrics For your convenience in selecting your designer rain hats, here is some information about basic fabric types. You may find it useful in making your selections -- Wool - Wool makes a good fabric for designer rain hats that must be worn in the winter, as it is a natural insulator. Wool caps and hats can shed water very easily, but of course weigh more than their synthetic counterparts. Fleece - Another good choice for winter and fall designer rain hats, fleece is made from polyester and provides great warmth. Nylon - Designer rain hats made out of nylon are generally very breathable, as the nylon fabric is woven. It is lighter than wool, of course, and makes a good choice in rainwear during the warmer months of the year. Cotton - Cotton designer rain hats will feel very comfortable when they are worn, but if a cotton hat gets wet it may take a long time for it to dry thoroughly. My personal recommendation: make cotton hats your sunny-day choice, but choose something else for rainwear.
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