Tilley Men's Classic T3

As a southern sojourner in the warm-hearted homeland of Canada, I realized I was an outsider.It wasn't because I was pathologically, if endearingly, incapable of correctly mastering the difference between the true interrogative "eh?" and the vocalized pause "eh."It wasn't because whenever I tried to talk about "hockey," "dollars," and "God," everyone in the room fell silent and turned to stare at me as though I had suggested drinking my tea without milk.It wasn't even because, despite every visual cue to the contrary, I still - sometimes - forgot to take off my shoes when coming into the house.No. It was one thing that set me truly apart.I had no Tilley.My noggin was perfectly capable of bearing proudly this durable canvas, bucket-hat Stetson. I was an unobjectionable model for the detailed Canadian maple leafs on the durable brass snaps (once the brim is secured, outback-style, to its sides). I was perfectly at home in a canoe, with Canucks, paddling placidly along the rivers, although it was good comfort to know that would a hat blow off my head (an unlikely eventuality, given its simple system for securing the hat with a cinch strap and a chin strap), it would nevertheless float until I retrieved it by virtue of the closed-cell foam in the secret pocket - or even by virtue of Divine Providence.And yet - I had no Tilley. Until now. I got my own Tilley T3 Traditional. Now - I have a hat capable of protecting even my broad northern bald spot from sunburn. Now I have headgear that can bravely shed all that warm weather has to threaten - sun, rain and even hailstones quail at the imposing fortifications protecting my pan. Now I can go anywhere, secure in the knowledge that if my hat EVER wears out - and this is promised to me in both English and French - polite Canadian folks will gently remove it from my head and replace it with a new one. And while it is true that most Canadian folks are just so darned polite, it's darned unlikely that I'll ever see that happen - 'cause this one is even more enduring than the peaceful border on Lake Champlain. And that's pretty darned durable.One note on fitting: they recommend you be able to fit two fingers comfortably inside the headband for it to fit correctly. If you're ordering through the mail and cannot try them on first, add a size on to your measured fit. I bought a size conforming to my precise fit, and while it's still fine (it's not constricting on my head, and still roomier than my Yankee military covers), I get what they are aiming for: pure, spacious enjoyment. So try it on in person, or add a little bit to your mail order.

This is my third Tilley hat and I'll keep getting them forever! Best hat I've ever owned. I protects from the sun (my primary concern), sheds rain, has a strap to keep it on in high winds, and is comfortable. It even floats! I have a big head (7 7/8) and this is one of the few hats I've found that actually come in sizes that large.I actually wore one out (20+ years) until it developed a tear on the side. Not only did Tilley replace the hat for just shipping and handling, they repaired my old hat and returned it as well! I'm a life long customer.

almostI highly recommend The Tilley Hat. I got the T3 model and love it.Living in the South and being mostly bald a good hat is a survival tool for Me, not a fashion accessory. I have worn several types of hats and caps with varying results. "Breezer" hats don't work in the southern sun, Your head will burn through the mesh. Of course caps do nothing for your neck or ears.I had seen the Tilley line of hats before and thought I would like one but they are a bit pricey so I put off buying one. Then I received a Gift card and decided to go for it. Money well spent. If anything happens to this one I won't hesitate to buy another. I've worn it for a month now and its just getting broken in. I wear it for gardening, yard work and general loafing about. (I'm retired so I do a fair amount of loafing about). I was in the rain today so I can say it's a good all weather hat.When I removed it from the shipping box it was a bit squashed and the brim was out of shape. Following the manufacturers recommendation I wet the brim with warm water and shaped it like I wanted it and in a few hours it was ready to go. When ordering get the cloth tape measure out of the wife's sewing basket and follow the manufacturers sizing instructions. A properly fitting hat is a joy to wear,an ill fitting hat is like a blister on your foot, it'll ruin your whole day.Once you wear a well made, well fitting hat you will ever again look atthese one size fits all clown hats with the elastic sweat band.*** Update: This is now April 2012 I have been wearing this hat for almost four years now and I still like it a lot. I've washed it in the clothes washer many times now and that works real well. It'll come out all out of shape but ironing the brim flat on an ironing board then stuffing the crown with a towel rolled up till it's shaped then let it dry works well. When dry stretch over your knee till it fits good and your ready to go. Other than a couple stains that won't come out its still in excellent condition.

Actually, this is the second Tilley hat that I've purchased. I bought the first one over 20 years ago, but sadly, through neglect on my part it started to show signs of wear. I wore the first one more than any other hat that I owned, so when it started to go, I had to purchase another one to replace it. The new one fits perfectly, protects me from the elements and, I think, looks stylish on my head. It has become my new favorite. If you want a durable hat to protect you from the sun, rain, and nature's vagaries, this is the hat to buy.

Need a brimmed hat for sun protection. Was gifted my first and have worn one ever since. Light, attractive and versatile it fits my needs perfectly. I have "sold" dozens to unsolicited people who have favorably commented on its appearance.