Zero Waste Vegan Hats & Beanies (for chilly days)
If the weather’s chilly, consider one of these zero waste hats to put on your head! All are made from natural materials, so they are safe for the planet and safely laundered.
Launder hats made with synthetics (including recycled) in a microfiber filter, to stop microplastics escaping washing machines into the sea.
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.
8000 Kicks (hats made from hemp)
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.
Beanies that raise funds for animal charity
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).
Rapanui (organic and recycled 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 caps and bucket hats)
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.
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.
