The Obtainer - 11/8/23, Wednesday
↦ We Asked Cool Guys About Their Caps
Wednesday, November 8th Edition
Have you noticed all the cool caps crowning the heads of cool guys around you? My collection of hats continues to grow from restaurants I’ve gone to and record shops I’ve visited. There has to be more to hats than keeping the sun out of your eyes, right? So please, feel free to stare.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Market Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Buying Guide
The Best Caps Aren’t Just Accessories
The “dad hat” became a trend almost ten years ago and has proven that it's got some serious staying power. Just take a look around at the men in your life and it's clear the cap isn't going anywhere anytime soon. But you certainly don't have to be a dad or any parental figure to wear (or appreciate) one. While New Era caps are the official hats for multi-million dollar baseball players, the '47 brand is for the fans in the stands and people keeping the sun out of their eyes. And unlike the flat-brim fitted caps of the early aughts, guys today are happily pulling on broken-in curved brim caps.The real defining factor of this style of hat is what's emblazoned above the brim. Not unlike the graphic T-shirts of your youth, they're designed to get noticed and make a statement—and when your eyes are shaded by a brim, it can be the first thing someone notices about you. But that's kind of the point. Whether you're purchasing a hat from your neighborhood deli, local record shop or favorite online retailer—there's something about why we gravitate toward specialized hats. Is it their ability to help us stand apart from the crowd? The subtle transmission that we're in-the-know about a restaurant or brand? All of these come into play with a winking IYKYK type of hat.Personally, I have several hats that I love to wear, and I always consider them based on the font, logo and discrete branding. They range from a churro restaurant in New York to one of my favorite podcasts. The one I can't seem to keep off my dome is this one from A24. Besides making killer movies, the cult film production company also makes some of the best merch in the entertainment game. I rolled with this because the retro graphic reminded me of the old Sony Music or the original CBS logo. Wearing a hat with a story behind it almost creates an unwritten community and sparks curiosity and conversations. Dad hats are all over the menswear space, and it's not just about how they're wearing them but why the hat speaks to the wearer. We caught up with a few guys who were kind enough to share the stories behind their hats and why it's much more than an accessory.
Danny Dooreck, Ceramicist
The HatI got it from my friend Jordon Onia from @rrrewearrr, a vintage supplier in Costa Mesa.LifespanSo far, I've had it for about six months now.BackstoryI rarely wore hats because of the shape of my head, but once you find your ideal shape, it's hard to turn back. I found the perfect one that fits—a camo pattern with the Rewear logo.The ConversationsIt hasn't sparked too many conversations so far, but my family pokes fun at me saying I'm a hunter or I look like I'm “from the Bayou,” ha!
Icon hat, $42 by Rewear
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
L.L. Bean's anorak sweatshirt is made from a brushed cotton blend and the half-button snap closure with a kangaroo pocket makes it a versatile choice for casual and outdoor activities.
$79.99 / $39.99by L.L. Bean
This classic hoodie has been garment-dyed and washed with a unique technique to achieve incredible softness. The thick material makes it look and feel a whole lot more expensive than it is.
$54.95 / $43by Gap
The classic 501s get a rework for today's modern guy. These are distressed for a lived-in look, and there's 1% stretch—just enough for added comfort with all-day wear.
$79.50 / $54.98 by Levi's
Velva Sheen's pigment-dyed T-shirt is made from soft cotton slub fabric without side seams for a smooth finish. It's got a vintage-inspired fit, making it suitable for layering under a shirt or wearing on its own.
$68 / $51 by Velva Sheen
Dickies classic knit beanie is made of wool blended fibers and is a durable and stylish choice for keeping your head warm in the wintertime.
$32.99 / $23.09 by Dickies
This quilted jacket is reliable and environmentally conscious. The compostable shell is weather-resistant and the natural wool insulation is a warm choice, but the real draw is that it's really damn cool looking.
$250 / $200 by Finisterre
The best story from around the web.
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The core merits of personal shopping are obvious—no hunting for sizes, no queueing for the tills, no risk of ‘cubicolia’. But it was the element of discovery that surprised me most.”
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October 1
