Tilley hemp hats (almost indestructible!)

Tilley hemp hats are known as being of high quality. They have hidden wind cords and are guaranteed for life, with a waterproof coating. Remove this and the foam crown before washing. Made in Canada, they also make wide-brimmed natural raffia hats.

Do you really need to wear a hat?

Not everyone does, but they do provide protection as you lose heat from your head in cold weather. And in warm weather, they can shield your eyes (and protect men with bald heads from getting burned!)

Use wide-brimmed hats to shield the face, neck and eyes from sun damage, and beanies to protect against rain and wind. Many runners like caps to provide a focus shield against distractions.

Hat safety for babies

The Lullaby Trust says that hats (and outdoor layers) should be removed when moving indoors or into a warm car, to prevent overheating (babies regulate temperature through their heads, and keeping them covered inside risks making them too hot).

They say to keeps rooms at around 18°C–21°C and use hats outdoors when it’s cold (below 15°C–16°C) to keep them warm. If a baby is crying intensely or sweating, he or she may be too hot. To check, feel their chest or back (rather than hands or feet, which often feel cooler).