Tilley Cotton Duck Hat

When I left the army in 1955, I gave up wearing hats. Rain, snow or desert sun, I went bare headed, even in the years when I wore my hair clipped up close to my head. A few years ago Goldie and I were visiting in Quincy, IL and stopped in to see Dave Francis of Mississippi Valley Outfitters. It was the Christmas season and it was snowing out. I noticed that my thinning hair was not keeping the snow from my scalp and for the first time in over 40 years I was wishing I had something to protect my head. One of the many displays in Dave’s store was for Tilley Hats. I had heard of these hats from customers in our store, and while I did not really want a hat, I did want something to keep the snow off my scalp. The long and short is: I bought a Tilly hat and found that it not only worked for that trip, it became a regular part of my outdoor work dress. In summer it helps keep the sun out of my eyes and my scalp from sunburn, in winter it keeps the rain, snow and wind off my head. Certified to block 98% of harmful UVA/UVB radiation and delivers the maximum ultraviolet factor of 50+.

Tilley hats don't get thrown away when they get dirty. Mine has been through the washer more times than I can keep track of and it still looks like a new hat. Tilley likes to tell about a zoo keeper's Tilley hat that his elephant liked to snatch and swallow. It seems that the hat went through the elephant several times without serious harm. The Tilley T5K is made of cotton-duck and was designed for hikers and canoeists (they float) but they are loved by all of those who spend hours outdoors. Machine wash on delicate cycle or hand wash (cool water) and do so frequently to ensure sweat will not permanently discolor the fabric. Reshape and air dry.

The front brim measures 2-5/8" wide, back brim measures 2-3/4" and the sides measure 2-1/8". Khaki with olive green under brim. Weighs 4.6 oz. Still handcrafted in Canada. Guaranteed for the buyer's lifetime of normal use against wearing out, falling apart or shrinking.

If you know your hat size, order one size larger for the special Tilley fit. If you do not know your hat size then measure around your head, just above your eyebrows and send us the measurement in inches. Includes a 4-page owner's manual. Please specify size when ordering.