Living in New Zealand, especially during summer, means spending a lot of time outdoors. Whether it's hiking through the stunning landscapes or simply working in the garden, protecting myself from the harsh sun is a top priority. And for me, that means finding a good sun hat. But there's always been one big problem: finding a hat that actually fits my head!
I've always had a slightly larger-than-average head, making hat shopping a constant source of frustration. I remember last summer desperately needing a sun hat with a decent brim for hiking. I wanted something reasonably priced but also durable enough to withstand regular use. I started my search, visiting countless stores, but finding an XL size seemed almost impossible. Most places only stocked standard sizes, leaving me feeling defeated and sunburnt.
It felt like a never-ending quest. I'd walk into a shop, get my hopes up seeing a hat I liked, only to discover it was far too small. The disappointment was real, especially knowing I needed that protection from the sun. Being bald and working outside quite a bit, a good work sun hat is essential for me.
Just when I was about to give up, I started asking around and doing some research. I stumbled upon a few suggestions that completely changed my hat-buying experience. It turns out I wasn't alone in my struggle!
Someone mentioned a local business called Hills Hats. Apparently, they specialize in custom-made hats! This sounded like the perfect solution for someone like me. I checked out their website, Hills Hats, and was impressed by the range of styles and the option to get a hat tailored to my exact head size. I decided to take the plunge and get one made. The result? A hat that fits perfectly and provides excellent sun protection. It was a bit more expensive than a standard hat, but the comfort and fit were well worth the investment.
Another suggestion I received was to check out local flea markets. Apparently, some hat sellers at these markets often have a wider range of sizes and styles than regular stores. I decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised. I found a few decent options, including a wide-brimmed hat that was perfect for gardening. Plus, the prices were very reasonable.
I also remembered someone mentioning Hunting and Fishing stores. I hadn't thought of them before, but it made sense. They cater to people who spend a lot of time outdoors and often stock hats in various sizes. I paid a visit to my local store and found a few suitable options. The quality was good, and the prices were competitive. This became another go-to spot for my hat-hunting adventures.
While finding a sun hat was my initial focus, I also needed a good winter hat. Living in New Zealand means dealing with chilly weather, and a warm hat is essential for staying comfortable. That's when I discovered Wholesale Hats by WholeCustomDesign. This led me to a product on their site that I absolutely loved: the New Winter Bear Ear Beanie Hat.
I ordered the New Winter Bear Ear Beanie Hat Autumn Women Fashion Cute Faux Fur Slouchy Beanis for Girls Outdoor Warm Knitted Skullies Hats White-One Size from Wholecustomdesign. I wasn't sure what to expect, but when it arrived, I was immediately impressed. It's incredibly soft and warm, perfect for those cold winter days. The bear ear design adds a touch of fun, and I've received so many compliments on it. It's become my go-to hat for everything from walking the dog to running errands. The quality is excellent, and it's held up well to regular use. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a cute and cozy winter hat.
Based on my experiences, here are some tips for finding the perfect hat, especially if you have a larger head: