Isn't the hat supposed to protect you from the rain?

November 26, 2007 8:49 AM

What's the best way to protect a new Borsalino hat from the rain?

I purchased a Borsalino Doria driver's cap over the weekend (similar to this, but without that nightmarish patch pattern) and being in Vancouver, I don't want to get destroyed by the rain. Obviously, I'm not going to wear it when it's pouring, but if it's lightly raining or I happen to be caught unaware, what can I do to make the hat waterproof-ish?

The clerk at the hat shop mentioned some spray-on waterproofer; is this a good route to take? How much should I apply, when does it need to be reapplied and will it have any adverse effect on the fabric? Other solutions?

I just don't want to my insanely comfortable (and stylish, IMHO) hat to be ruined by inclement weather, but I don't want to only be able to wear it when it's not raining either. Thanks!

posted by Nelsormensch to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (4 answers total)

I took a wool hat on a hike through Vermont several years ago. I tried the spray-on waterproofing and it didn't work at all -- washed out immediately. Neither the waterproofing or the rain seemed to affect the hat, though.

Maybe you can pick up a cheap but similar hat at a second-hand or thrift store that you can tuck in a pocket and put on when the rain gets to be too much.
posted by cog_nate at 10:15 AM on November 26, 2007

Have you tried contacting Borsalino?
posted by rhizome at 11:13 AM on November 26, 2007

While I didn't take the time to check specifically, I'm betting you can fine the answer to your question at The Fedora Lounge.
posted by OilPull at 11:21 AM on November 26, 2007

I've worn wool hats in the rain - you dont want to rely on it in a hurricane or anything, but for the average rain shower it's fine. This is why they make them out of wool - just like you can wear a tweed jacket in the rain. It gets wet, but it will dry, just make sure you don;t try and heat dry it, or stretch it out too much. Wool felt is more easily stretched, but part of the weaving process to make tweeds is so that they stand up to the elements.
posted by pupdog at 4:53 PM on November 26, 2007