National Hat Day 2019

Docker Cap

A docker cap is a mix of a beanie hat and skull cap, with perhaps a bit of baseball cap thrown in. 

Docker caps got their name from the dockers in the early part of the 20th century that wore them. Later they were adopted by sailors and other manual workers such as builders.
Now they are considered more of a bohemian headgear.

They are a soft hat that fits the shape of the head, they should not come lower than the ears, they don't have a brim or peak but do have a turned up edge around the circumference of the crown.

They are usually made of 6 to 8 panels of fabric such as wool, cotton or leather, but they can also be knitted, the panel ones also tend to have the same button on the crown like a baseball cap.

This one also has an adjustable band like a baseball cap.

Umbrella Hat

Umbrella Hat

 In theory, this is a great idea i.e. a hat that collapses and so you can stuff it in your pocket. 

However, keeping your head dry is much better served with a normal hat or even the hood of a rain mac which can scrunch down to much smaller units. 

 This is a novelty hat only.

The hat as shown collapses umbrella style, but in lieu central pole has several braces which fit into an elasticated band which grips to your head in a very uncomfortable way, that probably would not keep your hat in place in a gust of wind. 

I can see myself chasing this hat across a beach if there is a breeze.

 On the plus side the wide brim does provide extra sunshade and a little shoulder protection from the rain, so might be of some use, but unless I want a laugh I will pack a bucket hat for emergency use.

Hatmas

I was lucky to receive 6 hats for Christmas this year, although I have only photographed 5 as one is the same headlight beanie is repeated in a different colour.

So thanks Sam, Dom, Rich, Amy, Jock, Bridgette for my great gifts.

I will post about these individually in 2019 sometime

I also got this hat themed skull ornament, another great gift.

I also have a hat in mind to buy myself with Christmas voucher.

Christmas Cheer

Party cone hats

Happy Christmas

Christmas Tree Hat

This cheap festive hat is a perfect replacement for the typical Santa hat 

It has one downside, it malts tinsel everywhere, I've tried giving it a big shake even a vacuum, but still does not stop random bits of tinsel falling off everywhere 

On the upside, you can take the hat off, leave it on a shelf, desk, dashboard and you also have great static Christmas decoration.

Just noticed the star on top of the tree is twisted, so can't be seen in any of these photos.

Minotaur

This foam, latex and faux fur mask was made by Mandala Studios 

Mandala have cracked it when it comes lrp masks, their masks are comfortable and always have good vision, this one included, they are as practical as a mask can be. 

This one comes with a strap to hold in place

Desert Hat

This hat is designed for hot, dry, dusty places.

It comes with lots of ventilation, all round detachable sun high UV sun protection, a large bill brim.

 Lightweight and easily pocketable 

The only downside is you may look the most stylish person out in the desert, however, you may get the last laugh when the high sun hits and even high factor sun cream does not stop your skin crisping in the UV rays.