A head for hats?

I used to think I didn’t have a head for hats. I liked them from afar, but never dabbled.

I think the more I got into Ivy style, it was inevitable I was going to have to caps into my wardrobe. I love the practicality of them, the designs and different fabrics, hence why my collection is quickly growing.

I thought I’d share a few with you that are my favourites in my collection.

2nd Academic – Graduate Cap

Crafted from 100% stonewashed cotton in green (my favourite colour) and featuring a collegiate-style arc logo.

There’s something about the depth of this hat I love; it’s shallow and the peak sits right where I want it to. Because I wear quite chunky glasses, the peak of a cap often touches them which can be quite annoying.

Bruman – “B” Cord Cap

This is a beautiful 6-panel corduroy cap made in Korea by Bruman. I actually got this one from the brilliant All Blues Co. in Leeds. As I mentioned before, this is a must-visit for anyone into Ivy style.

Due to the thicker cord fabric, this makes the cap a great choice during the colder months, acting as a great alternative to a wool hat.

An Ivy – Pennant Cap

What’s not to love about this one? If you’ve not heard of them before, AN Ivy is a menswear brand based in Copenhagen, offering a wide range of Ivy-inspired clothing.

I found this range of caps through the label's collaboration they did with illustrator Aaron Chang, and whilst this isn’t one of the pieces from that collection, I had to have it.

It comes in a washed navy cotton, giving it a worn, vintage look, finished off with a neatly embroidered pennant label.

Percival X Aaron Chang

I mentioned Aaron Chang before, and if you’ve not heard of him after this, I highly recommend you check out his work. He’s an illustrator and brand designer based in Seoul, South Korea.

I’m in love with Aaron Chang’s work. His Instagram is a lookbook of Ivy style, featuring his “Ivy Boy” illustrations wearing real garments, serving as a mecca of inspiration.

A couple of years ago, Aaron collaborated with Percival, who specialises in embroidered garments, making it a perfect match. My only regret is that I didn’t buy more!

Ebbets Field – Osaka Tigers 1945 Baseball Cap

Ebbets Field is well worth checking out if you’ve not heard of them before; their hats feature beautiful designs inspired by vintage baseball caps. In this case, the inspiration is the cap worn by the Osaka Tigers 1945 team.

The Osaka Tigers are a Japanese team who play in the Nippon Professional Baseball League. In 1945, they were the only team in the league during World War II to use English lettering on their headwear instead of traditional Kanji.

Also, the construction needs a mention. Making the hat even more authentic to the period, the cap has a 100% wool upper with a horsehair buckram crown, satin taping, and felt emblem. It’s a thing of beauty.

There are five of my favourites, in no particular order.

I’d better get a bigger hat stand.

All the best and thanks for reading.

Tom

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