Anyone who has spent a few winters in the British countryside will tell you that the right hat matters more than almost any other item in your wardrobe. A decent coat keeps the worst of the weather off your shoulders, and good boots save your feet, but a hat is what stands between you and a cold trickle down the back of your neck. It is also, rather happily, the one piece of kit that lets you show a bit of personality. So let us talk about the best country hats for wet and windy days, and how to choose one that will see you through many seasons.
The Waxed Cotton Flat Cap
If there is any hat that has truly earned its name, it is the flat cap. Whether you visualise a gamekeeper on a Scottish estate or your granddad spending the afternoon in the garden, this headpiece has been keeping British heads warm for centuries. This waxed-cotton version is the practical cousin of the traditional tweed cap, and it is extremely durable. The waxed coating protects you from the rain, while the visor keeps drizzle away from your eyes, which is important when you are trying to spot a stile across a muddy field.
If you are always cold, look for one with a quilted or fleece lining and some stretch at the back so that it fits your head comfortably without giving you a headache. Over time, a waxed cap develops a lovely worn-in character, creasing and fading in all the right places. Just remember to re-proof it once a year with a tin of wax dressing, and it will happily outlast several coats.
The main disadvantage of flat caps is the wind. It’s amazing how quickly they can fly off your head in a storm, which means if you are on a windy hillside or a coastal walk, you might want to try something that fastens a little more securely.
The Classic Tweed Cap
The tweed cap is another classic. Harris tweed and other heavy wool varieties are naturally water-repellent thanks to the lanolin in the fabric. A good tweed cap will cope with light rain and keep you warm on a crisp morning. These stylish country hats are oozing with character. Herringbone, check, houndstooth, and subtle shades of heather all look right at home against an autumn backdrop of russet and gold.
A mossy green or rust-coloured hat will blend perfectly into the scenery, while a bold check will make you easy to spot if your friends tend to walk ahead of you. One thing to consider is that tweed will not cope with heavy rain very well. When wet, it becomes heavy and takes a long time to dry.
The Bush Hat and Wide-Brimmed Waxed Hat
When rain is pouring all day, it’s time for the wide-brimmed hat. The waxed cotton bush hat has a generous brim to keep the rain from getting to your face and neck. Many of these hats have chinstraps, which can be very useful in windy weather. While they may not be the most fashionable ones around, they are certainly very helpful. A good wide-brimmed hat will keep your head dry for hours of steady rain, and the brim offers a little shade on those rare, bright autumn days when the low sun comes straight at you.
If you want to look a bit smarter, a felt trilby or a wide-brimmed wool felt hat treated with a water-repellent finish is a lovely alternative. It will not cope with a monsoon, but it carries itself well on a pub lunch walk and looks smart enough to wear into the snug afterwards.
The Bobble Top and Wool Beanie
Not every autumn walk is a rainy one. Some are simply cold and breezy, and for those days, nothing beats a chunky wool beanie. Wool is the clear winner here, as it insulates even when slightly damp, unlike cotton or cheaper synthetics that go clammy and cold.
Both merino wool and lambswool are great choices, and a lining of fleece or windproof fabric will make a huge difference in harsh environments. A bobble hat may feel a little childlike, but it can be a real mood booster in a nice burgundy or mustard colour. Pair it with a good scarf, and you will be perfectly toasty.
Deerstalker and Fur-Trimmed Options
For dedicated enthusiasts, there is the deerstalker. Although often linked to fictional detectives, the actual item is really practical, with earflaps that fold down in very cold weather and a peak at both front and back to keep rain off. Made in tweed or waxed cotton, it is as functional as it is eccentric. For those who walk in cold and windy regions, a hat with earflaps is simply a winner. Ears are among the first things to suffer in a biting wind, and a hat that covers them can be the difference between an enjoyable ramble and a miserable one.
Guide to Choosing Your Hat
When selecting hats and caps, it is important to consider where and how you want to wear it. A flat cap made of wool or waxed cotton will suffice if you are sticking to sheltered, woodland trails. If you will be traipsing through wet moors or along the coast, it is better to choose hats with a low fit or a chin strap. Wool beanies are suitable for simple needs where versatility is desired.
Fit matters enormously, as a hat that’s too tight causes headaches and one that’s too loose is likely to fall off. If possible, you should try your hat on before purchasing it, keeping in mind that natural fibres tend to stretch slightly over time.
Finally, look after your hat. Use a soft brush to clean tweed, re-wax cotton once a year, and let it dry naturally away from direct heat. Treated well, a good country hat becomes a trusted companion, rather like an old pair of boots.
So go on, pick your favourite and head out. The weather may be wet, and the wind may be wild, but with the right hat on your head, you will be walking in style.
