Zero-Waste Hats: Beanies, Baseball Caps, Sun Hats
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.
For any hats on the site (not listed here) that contain recycled polyester, launder in a microfiber filter, to stop microplastics escaping washing machines into the sea.
Read about natural sun protection and pet safety in warmer weather.
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).
15°C–16°C) to keep them warm.
Read more on dressing babies safely (and sleeping arrangements) to avoid over-heating, to help prevent SIDS.
Tilley Straw Hats (protect your head on sunny days)
Tilley straw hats are lightweight (also made from raffia) and offer breezy sun protection, natural texture and effortless style. Responsibly-made, this hat is made from 100% raffia, with a packable wide brim sun visor to add shade without a full crown.
The wide brim offers comfortable coverage, and the straw construction is lightweight and breathable in the heat. When you’re on the move, it rolls up neatly, so it’s as travel-friendly as the rest of your summer kit. Spot clean with a damp cloth and water.
800o Kicks Hemp Hat
8000 Kicks (which makes hemp waterproof sneakers) also makes nice hats. Simple yet minimalist, the caps have 6 panels for durability. Hemp is naturally organic and can be locally grown.
Many people consider hemp to be cannabis, but it’s only slightly related to the plant, and won’t make you high! It can (unlike cotton) be grown in England and Europe, and removes heavy metals from the soil as it grows organically.
Years ago people banned the use of farming hemp, but today we know better. And it is increasingly a great choice for all kinds of clothing and bags.
Of the Oceans organic cotton beanies
Of the Oceans organic cotton beanie hat is made from 100% organic cotton, so can be safely laundered in the machine, without releasing microplastics into the sea. This hat is from a brand that produces organic cotton and hemp clothing for men, based in Leicestershire.
The beanie is made up of a double layer for style and warmth. The inner layer is a finer weave organic cotton, whilst the outer layer is a chunkier knit. In five colours: black, grey, kelp green, mustard and navy.
Freedom for Animals organic cotton beanie
Freedom for Animals is a charity that campaigns for zoo welfare (it’s presently trying to rescue 15 penguins stuck in a ‘dungeon’ in a London aquarium, to more suitable habitats. Its organic beanie hats help to raise money for the cause (also in green).
Organic cotton baseball caps
This 100% organic cotton baseball cap contains no polyester (recycled or otherwise) so can be safely laundered, without releasing microplastics from washing machines. In several styles and colours for men or women, this is ideal to keep the sun out of your face on warm days.
Pitod is a London fashion brand that has so many commitments to sustainability (it uses profits to help rainforest reforestation) and Fair Trade, that it’s one of the few UK companies that ranks ‘good’ at the excellent website Good on You (just enter a fashion brand and discover its rating – you’ll be surprised).
These baseball caps are comfortable and chic, various ones featuring unique embroidered designs on the side, like ‘unity’ or ‘equality’. Wear your values!
Rapanui organic cotton beanies
Rapanui is an outdoor clothing company that use offcuts to make organic cotton or recycled cotton beanies (just check each one, as a few contain recycled polyester). Also for women.
Earth Wardrobe organic cotton beanies
Earth Wardrobe is a Scottish affordable fashion brand. It also makes nice caps for men and women, and bucket hats to protect you in sunny weather. This one is made from 100% organic cotton. The brand focuses on affordable organic fashion so everyone can benefit from sustainable clothing.
This is much better for the earth and means you can safely launder it, without releasing microplastics. And it gets pretty nippy in Scotland, so locals will love this beanie for the cold winter months! Or anyone else south of the border!
