Anyone Own a Tilley Hat? [Archive]

Walter Sobchak

07-14-2009, 10:24 AM

I have an LTM8 and I love it.

The description says the sides on the crown are mesh, but it's not like a mesh ball cap. Its like a 3-D woven mesh, almost solid. When the breeze blows I can feel it, but it still looks like a solid hat, and light rain doesn't get in. I'm sure a wind-driven, heavy rain would get in there, but that's why OR makes Seattle Sombreros, which are also awesome, but in a different way than a Tilley.

I bought mine on Ebay from Worldsbesthats. Beth was VERY helpful and shipping was very fast. They had a cheaper price by far than anyone else.

Walter Sobchak

07-14-2009, 10:27 AM

Tilley TH5 hemp hat here (sorry for the alliteration)

Great all purpose hat but there is a little backbrain "dork" vibe when I wear it. I can usually ignore it. :biggrin:

- John

Yes, I too feel like a dork who's trying to look Indiana Jonesy when I wear it. But it's all about protection from the sun for me. Trying to avoid cancer takes precedent. I'm always sticking big hats on my kids to help protect them, so I want to set the example.

ada8356

07-14-2009, 10:37 AM

How about the fit?

Do recommend getting a larger size? (as Tilley suggests)

Dennis

07-14-2009, 10:49 AM

I own a Tilly LT6 and use to own a Seattle Sombrero. I much prefer the Tilly. I bought it true to size and it still fits fine, even after many trips through the washer.

blantyre

07-14-2009, 10:49 AM

I have their "Country Cap" which is wool and nylon with ear muffs that pull down. Excellent quality - it has lasted 3 or 4 winters with no signs of wear yet. I haven't tried their summer hats at all.

Emmett

07-14-2009, 10:53 AM

Yes, I too feel like a dork who's trying to look Indiana Jonesy when I wear it. But it's all about protection from the sun for me. Trying to avoid cancer takes precedent. I'm always sticking big hats on my kids to help protect them, so I want to set the example.

Oh, I have no illusions about how silly I look. :redface: As you said, protection trumps aesthetics.

FrankPoole

07-14-2009, 10:55 AM

I'm looking for input on a Tilley hat. I'm looking at the one that REI carries which I beleive in the LT6 airflow.

Are they worth the $$?

Did you use the two-finger method for fitting like they recommend? Or did you get one that was more of a true fit?

I used true fit. Yes I have one and lost it in a lake when the wind blew it off my head while fishing. I filed a claim and got a new hat.

HankG

07-14-2009, 11:20 AM

I used the fingers thing and it seems to work well enough. The hat is a little loose, but very comfortable and only is in danger of blowing off in very heavy winds, and the hat has neck/back of the head cords to keep it on in that situation. I was very daunted about the cost as well. I went in the store wanting to spend about $25 and ended up spending $75. However, I've been extremely pleased with the hat and don't regret the cost. I have the T4IS, and it's great for the sun and rain. Probably my favorite part about the hat is its durability. I've mercilessly shoved it into my backpack many times, and it just pops right back into shape when I pull it out and put it on. The one and only downside to the hat is, as others have mentioned, somewhat feeling like a dork wearing it, but that's not enough to pass up a good hat.

ada8356

07-14-2009, 11:31 AM

MoreSaltThanPepper

07-14-2009, 11:35 AM

I also used true fit and it seems to have stretched a little, as well.

tsmba

07-14-2009, 11:41 AM

I have one sitting in my closet. Its a good hat, but on the pricey side.

HankG

07-14-2009, 11:45 AM

The size thing really bothers me for some reason.

I was trying them on on Sunday and the 7 3/8 provided a nice fit. But their literature says you should be able to comfortably turn the hat on your head. That required a larger size which felt kinda funny just sitting on my head.

So I'm torn: get the true fit OR just trust that Tilley knows what they're talking about (I'm sure they do).

It definitely feels different than a baseball cap. It's a little weird in the wind since you keep thinking it'll blow away with that big brim, but it's not bad. I'd say go for the larger size because of this from the owner's manual:

Is it a shade too large or too small?

If the hat is too small, it is nearly incapable of being stretched to a larger size. If you choose not to return it, consider selling it to a deserving friend. If the cotton hat is a shade too large, and you don't care to return it, try the following:
Soak the crown and the anti-sweat band in hot tap water for about 3 minutes. Remove the hat and let it thoroughly air dry without re-stretching it. It may contract about one size. You might also consider sewing a layer of terry-cloth or such onto the anti-sweat band.

So you can shrink the hat if it's too big, but you can't stretch it if it's too small.

By the way, on the subject of Tilley hats, has anyone here ever used the two year warranty to get a half-priced hat? You don't need any proof of losing your hat in order to do it, so it seems like a good idea if you want a spare.

ada8356

07-14-2009, 11:51 AM

Just to add to the confusion, I used the sizing guide on the Tilley website and it says I should order a 7 3/8.

And I guess since that's the size I thought fit the best when I tried then on, that's the size I would go with... but it certainly isn't as large as their other literature suggests it should be.

Jatte

07-14-2009, 11:53 AM

I have one , it was my fathers, i find for him it was too big and always flew off his head into the lake, good thing theres that floating disk huh :)

his fits me great, nice and tight, get it so it fits comfy, if you dont want it loose dont get it loose,

i wish i had the one that was eaten by an elephant and survived though :001_tongu

has anyone else seen the picture of the elephant trainer and his elephant lol

Confilo

07-14-2009, 11:57 AM

I have one, use it in the summer when camping and hiking and it is woth every penny. My scalp is exposed due to head shaving. The Tilley protect it from the sun & rain

DS/B MCS

07-14-2009, 03:38 PM

I have a couple (T3 and LTM3) of Tilley hats. One stays in my car and the other in my wife's car. I'm planning to buy another one, but just can't decide which one. If I was buying today it would be the LTM6.
Both of mine were ordered a little tighter than Tilley recommended, but they fit great and are not too tight. Ordering per Tilley's specs, the hat just felt too loose. Guess I'm too used to wearing ball caps :001_tongu

Yes, they are expensive. However, as I've found to be the case with other costly items (Watches, Guns, and Knives) they are Worth Every Penny :cool:

Mr. Clean

07-14-2009, 03:42 PM

I've tried one on more times than I can count at various retail outlets. Just never walked one to the cash register. I have a couple of "boonie" hats, plus various straws, beaver, wool, and ball caps.

Emmett

07-14-2009, 03:45 PM

I got mine true to size (7 3/4) and am very satisfied. I can't stand a loose hat. They fit snugly but not tightly and haven't shrunk. I hand wash in cold water, which have something to do with that.

MoreSaltThanPepper

07-14-2009, 03:51 PM

And, totally off topic, Karen Tilley is awfully cute

Despite her odd obsession with head lice . . . :biggrin:

strat1117

07-14-2009, 04:08 PM

Stetson

:kyle1:

BullGoose

07-14-2009, 05:28 PM

I have the LTM6 Airflow. I wear it year round especially when I take my Weimaraner to the dog park (which is a daily task). The wide brim has saved me many a sunburn. As advertised, the Tilley hat sticks to your head like no other. Highly Recommended

Walter Sobchak

07-14-2009, 09:01 PM

If you have an EMS nearby you can try one on in the store. If not, and you decide to order from worldsbesthats, they have a good exchange program. I got mine a smidge too big so that I could fit my fingers between the sweat band and my forehead. I'm glad I did. It still fits snug enough, but it doesn't squeeze.

Gafer

07-14-2009, 09:07 PM

How about the fit?

Do recommend getting a larger size? (as Tilley suggests)

The size thing really bothers me for some reason.

I was trying them on on Sunday and the 7 3/8 provided a nice fit. But their literature says you should be able to comfortably turn the hat on your head. That required a larger size which felt kinda funny just sitting on my head.

So I'm torn: get the true fit OR just trust that Tilley knows what they're talking about (I'm sure they do).

Go with what feels right. I had the "true fit" first and found it to be too snug. I gave it to my wife and ordered another one in the next size up. Fits great. This was purchased back before REI came to town and you could try them on in the store. I have the all canvas one not the open mesh air-flo which weren't available in those days either. Great hat, just a bit too warm in the Texas heat.

Walter Sobchak

07-14-2009, 09:22 PM

Go with what feels right. I had the "true fit" first and found it to be too snug. I gave it to my wife and ordered another one in the next size up. Fits great. This was purchased back before REI came to town and you could try them on in the store. I have the all canvas one not the open mesh air-flo which weren't available in those days either. Great hat, just a bit too warm in the Texas heat.

I've purchased several hats in the past that felt just right in the store only to feel too snug once the blood starts flowing, or I get out in the heat. I don't know if my head expands slightly or what, but I know that I didn't want to drop Tilley-size bucks for something that was going to squeeze my head. Especially since they have straps if necessary.

BrightFutur

07-14-2009, 10:24 PM

I have several Tilley hats for sailing - They are worth every penny.

Topgumby

07-14-2009, 10:33 PM

I've heard good things about Tilley hats, but the darn things are so...well, so granola munching Seattle trendy that there is no way I could wear one around here. That, and for me a real hat should have some dead animal parts in it.

For the same money you could get a top of the line Akubra, complete with dead rabbits and cows. If you can't abide fur felt (I see Tilley has a fur felt fedora made for them now) then how about a nice Panama or straw?

galopede

07-15-2009, 11:27 AM

I have a T5 in natural cotton duck. It gets a lot of use! Great hat. Haven't worn it for an hour or so though!

Mine is the next size up to my actual size, but not as loose as they recommend. Suits me fine and it also keeps our regular rain off, between the odd sunny period!

I also have an assortment of fur felt fedoras which I love, including my best ones from Akubra but the Tilley is much cooler when the going gets hot!

Gareth

Taipei Personality

07-15-2009, 12:48 PM

I have an LTM6 and a T4. I went with one size larger than a true fit, smaller than what Tilley suggested, and have found it to be the most comfortable. I also always use the rear cord but tuck the chin cord into the pocket under the crown. I wear mine all the time - dorkiness be damned! :biggrin:

jazzman

07-15-2009, 01:35 PM

I love my hemp.:cool:

kingfisher

07-15-2009, 02:48 PM

I have one, too. Best danged hat in the entire world!

Buy one at once.

Stetson, Schmetson. The Tilley is da Truth!:biggrin:

ada8356

07-15-2009, 02:52 PM

:biggrin: YESSIR

DS/B MCS

07-15-2009, 06:35 PM

For the same money you could get a top of the line Akubra, complete with dead rabbits and cows.

Where are you finding Akubra hats for Tilley prices? Difficult to find any Akubra for much less than $100...much less a top of the line model. I bought one of my T3's from beltoutlet.com for under $60 :biggrin:

Topgumby

07-15-2009, 08:07 PM

I got some sweet deals on some Akubra hats a few months back...I think the exchange rate was favoring the Yankee consumer more then.

This place (http://everythingaustralian.com.au) ships to the USA. So does Australian Gear (http://www.australiangear.com/index.php).

A Stylemaster shipped for $89 US is still not bad, when you consider that a Stetson fedora of, IMHO, lesser quality runs almost twice that.

My Summer lid, a (shudder!) polypro Akubra Capricorn was less than $40 shipped. I know, "Plastic Hat!" :eek: but after reading up on it, I decided to give it a go. Leather sweatband, looks and wears like Milan straw, and if I get it dirty I can hose the darn thing off, perfect for sunny/wet Seattle Summers. In fact, the cheap straw hat I had purchased for yard-work sits idle most weekends because the Capricorn is cooler, keeps the sun off better and is more yard-work proof.

I don't dislike the Tilley as a hat, but around here they are almost a uniform, and since I'm starting to be an old fogey I am exercising my newfound right to be a style defying curmudgeon.:001_tt2:

OldSaw

07-15-2009, 08:42 PM

Here's (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=56743) my inquiry and ultimate purchase of an LTM3 (http://www.tilley.com/detail.asp?catId=&gender=&extractBy=CategoryId&id=1&productNo=LTM3).

rickw

07-15-2009, 08:47 PM

I've got three of them. The last is a LTM6 Airflow, in gray, that I got about two years ago at Niagara, Ontario. It has probably been to the Eastern Mediterranean twice.

OldSaw

07-15-2009, 08:49 PM

How about the fit?

Do recommend getting a larger size? (as Tilley suggests)

I normally wear a 7 1/4", but with the Tilley I opted for a 7 3/8". If I had gotten the cotton version, I may have gone another 1/8" bigger. I like the fit and have been wearing it most days this summer. I burn very easily, but not this summer, thanks to my Tilley hat. :thumbsup:

OldSaw

07-19-2009, 06:29 PM

:biggrin: YESSIR

So, have you gotten one yet?

ada8356

07-20-2009, 05:39 PM

OldSaw

07-20-2009, 08:57 PM

I got a 7 3/8.:thumbup1:

The 7 1/2 felt like it would fit just fine too but the smaller size just seemed to look better for some reason.

In exchange for buying this hat I promised myself I'd get rid of a few of my Filson hats (I have four of the things!).

Cool. I think the two finger fit is just a guide. I can get two fingers in the band but it's a bit tight. However, I also thought the 7 1/2 was just way too big. The hat must stay above my ears.

I have a picture, on my other computer, of me in my Tilley while shooting trap. I'll see if I can get it posted soon.

ada8356

08-18-2009, 02:40 PM

Well I'm just back from Costa Rica and my Tilley performed like a champ!

Just a terrific hat all around.

rac

08-25-2009, 04:04 PM

hi
t3 for me ,have 4 ,two green to light sand , one is 10 years old now , been all over the world with me ,one at a time of coarse,always have them on a larger size ,cooler when hot ,can get two fingers in easy ,sometimes wear a wet bandanna underneath when been in the jungle .before now even put a slim ice pack on top of my head , its so cooling .have the bug outs fitted as well . another good hat that i like is the usa boonie hats .

Lavaine

08-28-2009, 09:55 AM

I can't say enough about my Tilley hat. I bought it in 1991, and wear it all the time in summer. I love the wide brim on sunny days for keeping the neck cool. It is just about time to buy another one, as my curent hat, while still servicable, shows stains that no longer come out in the wash. Almost no longer golf course friendly.

Parataxis

08-29-2009, 07:30 PM

I have two, for winter and summer. Buy one. You will not regret it.

+1

I have the winter Tilley, which serves me very well for any temperature or rainstorms. Plus it looks dashing. Fantastic hats. High quality, Canadian-made, and always innovative.

Parataxis

08-29-2009, 07:35 PM

(I see Tilley has a fur felt fedora made for them now)

Great, now I need to buy a new hat. Thanks. =P

ada8356

11-01-2009, 06:54 PM

I love my LTM6 airflow so much I'm thinking of getting the hemp TH4.

Anyone have experience with these? They look like they might be a little 'nicer' looking.

J.B. Books

11-02-2009, 05:43 AM

I have the Airflo. It is a great hat, tough and wears well. And yes follow Tilley's instruction in determing your correct size.

WhosYerBob

11-02-2009, 06:12 AM

I've heard good things from those that wear them, but they never look right on me.

lamina

11-02-2009, 07:05 AM

...sometimes wear a wet bandanna underneath when been in the jungle ...another good hat that i like is the usa boonie hats.

You shouldn't wear a wide brim hat in jungle...the brim will obstruct your vision from dangers coming from above such as poisonous tree snakes, toxic tree frogs, dropping leeches, monkeys or poisonous foliages/branches.That said just one/two folds of your bandanna over your forehead, for better perspiration absorption, and a knot it on nape.

Agree about boonie hats, nice in open fields or desert.

I own myself too a Tilley, nice hat, the LTM06 wider brim, higher crown, brass vents holes, Nylamantium(?!?!) fabric..no longer made this model, i think.The recent ones have all mesh ventilation. One thing happened with mine was, at purchase time it was tip-top, two fingers loose etc (7 3/4) and fitted nicely. After some washing machine these last years it shrinked and no longer have a comfortable fit.It constricts my forehead leaving a red mark around where it lays...I've already sent a post to Tilley Canada, they answered me, politely and fast sent answer, to try stretching it on knee, pushing softly...i've done it but residual differences on size or non-noticed. That said i have a non-utilitarian hat laying around, still in good shape but useless. Any thoughts?

scottish steve

11-04-2009, 05:58 AM

My $00.02 here. I have a TH5 and, while they do seem a bit pricey at first, I think they definitely prove worth it after a while. The sort-of-worn-in-already feel of the hemp and that fact that there are no "animal parts" gives it great lasting power and it does not need to be mollicoddled. I love my Stetsons but can get a bit protective of them, especially when the brim's been all shaped and looking just the way I want it. This means I can't put it down on a flat surface or go to a "boisterous" party with it. The TH5 can go anywhere and be used for anything and be none the worse for wear. That counts for a lot in my book.

ada8356

11-04-2009, 02:20 PM

ScottishSteve -

Have you ever seen the TH4? I'm curious how much different the two are from one another (TH4 v. TH5).

scottish steve

11-10-2009, 09:29 AM

ScottishSteve -

Have you ever seen the TH4? I'm curious how much different the two are from one another (TH4 v. TH5).

Hi ada. I get a bit mixed up with the model numbers, but as far as I know,the th4 has a slightly smaller brim, whereas the th3 has a significantly larger one, and looks pretty Australian/bush in apperance. There's not a huge difference between the 4 and 5.....the 4's more "city" but the 3's much more of a Bohemian statement. If they did a TH4 I'd probably go for it but I think they only do it in cotton/nylantium annd I wanted the hemp. One thing about the sizing.....I deliberately got a size smaller than suggested and it's still just a tad loose for my personal taste and a tad low on the ears. I like my hat to feel more secure than is strictly necessary and got rid of the std issue thong. I replaced it with a slimmer bootlace and got a springed catch from a rucksack drawcover to secure it. I also glued the lace to the inside of the hat as I was always faffing about with making sure they were even lengths. If you do go for one, please actually go into the shop and try them all on...its a must with such a personal item!