Rain hat instead of hoods? - YouLookFab Forum

I’m considering adding some kind of waterproof, somewhat warm ( lined, quilted) hat to my outerwear capsule , for mildly rainy days/ unpredictable weather. This would be mostly for running errands or going to dinner or someone’s house, so, parking lot to indoors, not long walks.

I have several rain jackets/trench coats with attached or detachable hoods that I tend to only wear in milder temps. I’m also thinking I might want to make better use of them in cold weather by layering over fleece jackets and/ or vests. Especially because the actual time “ out in the cold” isn’t very long.

But when I wear my heavier coats, down jackets & coats , I usually don’t have a hood, partly because the 2 heavier ones have detachable hoods with faux fur trim , which I don’t like to wear, and especially don’t like to keep them attached for regular wear.

In addition, while hoods are convenient to pull up quickly when needed, and don’t get left behind or lost, I struggle with visibility— getting them folded or adjusted so they’re covering head but not being “ blinders”. This aspect is important because of walking through parking lots, as opposed to taking a long hike. But, my rain “ shells” have adjuster cords that I’m probably not taking enough advantage of, if I want to experiment more with layering.

I guess I also don’t want to spend big bucks— so was looking at some quilted hats on sale to try something out. Plus need easy returns because, hats, fit, small head. I’m also a bit worried this would be something I might leave behind or lose , but, probably can keep up on typical errands where I’d use a shopping cart. Plus I don’t want a giant hat that then has same vision- blocking properties as a hood.

What experiences or advice do Fabbers have? Pros & cons? Styles, like bucket, sou’wester, cloche? Or keep working with hoods?

3 months ago

notsaf

Veteran

I have a couple of fedora-type hats that I wear in the rain to good effect! Not in a downpour, and trickier when it's very windy,, but they stand up to a shower really well!

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by notsaf

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rachylou

My extra long puffer from LL Bean has a pull at the back of the hood that prevents it from slipping over the eyes. It’s pretty brilliant, but must say the coat can’t handle a downpour. My current rain gear is pretty sketchy (Daiso slicker and Ikea bucket hat made from their bag material, lol) , so I’m following this thread.

My mum has fleece lined waterproof bucket hat she got at Target years ago. It’s the gold standard. I’ve been searching for a duplicate ever since.

Suz

(website)

For real downpours, hoods are the way to go (with umbrellas, maybe!) and preferably ladjustable ones so you don't lose visibility, as you mention. Several of my rain coats (one is insulated) have some version of this feature.

I also own a cute rainhat. It matches an umbrella I own. It's a bucket style with ties. I confess to not wearing it very often. But it fits easily in a pocket or purse.

For light showers in cold weather, I just wear a toque -- if wool or cashmere, it sheds the water pretty well. I also have a water repellant cloche.

J.Crew

Long downtown field jacket

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by Suz

Hudson's Bay

Parkhurst Water-Repellent Wool Hat

unfrumped

Thanks for those ideas!
Suz, I do think I’m not taking advantage of just regular knit hats in mild drizzles. Maybe a flatter, denser knit or a felt.
The beanies I have tend to fit very snugly to protect ears. I might have some hat- hair resistance despite having a short, low- maintenance haircut. No idea why I should feel that way.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I've found that a hat will only work in very light rain - like the infamous Seattle drizzle. For heavier rain - hoods are by far best. There is no substitute! Umbrellas blow inside out

Firecracker (Sharan)

I agree with Angie. My most-used hats, however, are a brimmed knit beanie by Echo, a men's flat driving cap, and a wool-blend and faux-leather baseball cap. I wear these mostly with a traditional trench that doesn't have a hood. I just ordered three more flat driving caps, from Boston Scally (new-to-me company--I got my current one at Nordstrom, and it's a brand that doesn't seem to make this style anymore) because I think I'd like to wear this style more often. It doesn't give me much hat head; it's warm enough for all but the coldest days, especially when worn with a scarf that covers the neck and earlobe; and the brim shields my glasses from light rain. I like that it's a bit sassy looking, and it seems to suit my face shape.

The gray knit hat in Finds below is the one I have, and I wear it morel ike a beret, more on top of my head. But pulling it down over the ears like the photo is a good option to have in winter. The other one in the Finds is not mine, but similar.

Here's a post where I'm wearing the driving cap and trenchcoat.

Macy's

Gibson Girl Newsboy Hat

Nordstrom

GOORIN BROTHERS Glory Hats by Goorin 'Mikey' Driving Cap

$30.00

pirouette

Active Member

Totally agree that hoods are the best for heavy rain but they need to be adjustable. I have a waxed rain hat I bought in Cos it does keep my head dry but the rain gets in under my collar so it’s only ok if it’s not heavy rain. If you use an umbrella in Dublin you could end up like Mary Poppins as we usually get strong winds with heavy rain.

Carol

Oh, I really like the idea of a cowboy hat, like notsaf mentions. I can see that with a duster at night in a Western movie. I bet you a worn, sturdy cowboy hat would be great for rain.

Barring that, a vinyl bucket hat is what I'd pick for budget. They seem to be all over the Internet for a few bucks.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....e&

Joy

Try Walmart for cheap bucket hats. They have a fleece lining that is warm. What they need is a tie to keep them on in the wind. Otherwise they will blow off. They are cheap and come in basic neutral colors. They may be on sale soon .

Mita

Hi there thank you for this question.

Living in Seattle, I always wonder how folks wear nice (say wool or cashmere) coats that don't have hoods. For example, I love trench coats but what to do about rain? I wear glasses so if I don't cover my head the glasses get wet (and blurry). I do have one bucket rain hat. Should have gotten a neutral as it is leopard print and it feels loud for Seattle ;).

Would love tips from your lovely fashionistas (or photos).
xo

Thanks, Joy. I am indeed checking out some bucket hats.
Since I do have time for a bit of aimless store- browsing, I think I’ll also look try on a few bucket hats of any sort, to see if the style itself is even appealing, and if worth honing in on specific materials.

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