Shopping For Hats: The Right Way To Do It

I used to think that everyone loved to shop for hats -- I found out that I was wrong. For many people, it can be a frustrating thing -- I know it is for me. When ever I go hat shopping I find that the salesperson doesn't know what they are talking about -- or I just can't make up my mind about what I want. So I decided to sit down and put together some personal thoughts on shopping for hats - for both me and you .

When you are thinking about purchasing a new hat, just where should you begin? Most people will see the latest trendy design in an ad (especially a print ad) and will head out the door for the shopping mall. I think that is the wrong approach. I think that the best thing to do is to think about the hat's function first. What do you need your hat for?

That may seem strange to you, I know. Function? Yet many hats are designed for a special purpose. If we can get clear in our minds just what we need that hat FOR, then we can ignore all the hats that will not meet our need. This means that we will not get caught up in looking at high fashion chapeaux when all we really need is a rain hat.

Another type of hat you might go shopping for might be a chauffeur hat -- or perhaps a winter outdoorsman's cap. If you fix your mind firmly on what you need your hat for, then you will be better able to resist the sales pitch for a pricey, trendy, high-fashion bonnet that serves no real purpose.

Why do we do that? Because we have been trained to believe that if a hat is functional it must be cheap-looking -- and this is just not so! For example, if you go shopping for a sun protection hat, you will find many great-looking items for sale, yet these are also very functional.

Now, if you happen to need a hat that is simple, old-fashioned fun, I can't think of a better example than the straw hat. And if you are shopping for some headgear for your kids, straw hats are not only cute (think girls), but they are almost indestructible as well.

Let me give you another recommendation: since the winter is coming soon (at least here in the US), take some time when you are next shopping and purchase a good outdoor hat. Again, these are very functional - designed to keep you warm when it's cold outside.

And here's another angle: Crochet hats. Years and years ago, your grandmother may have made one for herself from a crochet hat pattern, but that has largely gone by the boards. Today you can buy many stylish designs in retail shops. They don't cost much, and depending on the materials used they can be very warm.

Well, that's it: some personal information - from me to you - some thoughts on hats and hat selection. I sure had fun writing it -- I hope it has helped you.