Straw, felt or knit: choosing by season

Straw is for light and heat. A woven panama or a wide beach hat lets air through and shades the face without holding warmth against the head.

Felt is for structure and cooler weather. Wool felt handles wind, holds a block beautifully and looks better the more it is worn. It also survives a light shower far better than most people expect.

Knit is for cold and travel. A fine merino beanie layers under a coat collar, folds into a pocket and keeps its shape after a week in a bag.

The overlap is where the good outfits live: a felt fedora on a mild autumn day, a straw hat with a linen jacket in early summer, a cashmere beanie with a wool coat in January.