Winter has fallen in New York City, some might say, “Finally!” It’s time to break out that hat you bought at the end of last season, right before the temperature shot up to 65°C.
They keep our heads warm while framing our faces, and hats in particular communicate much about a person when the rest of their outfit is covered by a coat or jacket. Here’s what your hat style might be telling people about you.
– Z.G. Burnett (@zgburnett on Instagram)
The standard for winter headwear, beanies (or toques, if you’re Canadian) are the most common caps seen around town once the temperature drops. Easy to style, they can be knitted or felted, and come in a variety of materials. If you’re wearing a beanie…
A). You know that 40% to 45% of heat is lost through the head
B). You own two or more, because you lose at least one per season
C). If folded up over the ears, you’re not actually cold
For over 50 years, the baseball cap has been the most popular style of American headwear. It’s a blank slate, with most of its expression coming from its embroidery or applied patch. If you’re wearing a baseball cap…
A). You may not own another style of hate, why else would you be wearing it in this weather?
B). Your chill level can be measured by how pristine or destroyed your cap is.
C). A patch is worth a thousand words.
I. You're a current or former a yacht club member, or once visited a destination via tiny airport.
II. You take great pride in your obscure college or athletics club and want to signal your belonging to those who know.
III. You’re a patron of a small business or restaurant near your apartment and are waiting for someone to ask so you can say, “It’s a local place…”
IV. Animals are more difficult to discern; it could be a sports team, a heraldic crest, or even just your favorite beast.
The Flat Cap
The flat cap has become the hat of choice for those who formerly wore baseball caps, but wanted something a little more “fancy.” It’s also the #1 choice for newsies and Dropkick Murphys roadies. If you’re wearing a flat cap…
A). You’re 85 years old, in age or on the inside.
B). You have strong opinions about gluten free beers.
C). You considered a fedora, but thought that was going too far.
The Trapper Cap
The trapper hat is serious business. It has two levels of warmth with the flaps up or down, and usually only emerges once the thermometer drops below freezing. If you’re wearing the trapper hat…
A). You come from somewhere north of Manhattan, aka the Wilderness.
B). You studied abroad in Prague and it was one of the most formative periods of your life.
C). You either know all the drama, or you are the drama.
Z.G. Burnett
Z.G. Burnett is a New England-based writer who specializes in history, fashion, and material culture. She is a contributing editor for Antiques and the Arts Weekly, and her work has appeared in Ivy Style and The Vintage Woman Magazine. Burnett is currently editing her first book, The Preppy Witch Primer. Find more at www.zgburnett.com
Image credit: Annie Minicuci Photography.
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