Tilley Hat User Guide

Alex Tilley

Tilley hats are carefully manufactured in Canada where Mr. Tilley can closely monitor all stages.

Article written by Mr. Tilley:

"Just like a Rolls-Royce, it is exceptional and deserves to be talked about. Designed out of exasperation, the Tilley hat is the result of necessity. As an art dealer and consultant to large companies, I had become, over the years, quite demanding when it came to quality. I couldn't find a hat that met my standards and was worthy of my little floating palace (a 9.4-meter Brandelmayr sloop, a jewel made of teak and mahogany, brass and fiberglass).

A good sailing hat should be able to float, stay in place, never shrink, last indefinitely and look good. In January 1980, I set out to create this dream hat, not only for myself but for all other sailing enthusiasts. Fortunately, I knew nothing about it: I didn't know that designing such a hat was then considered impossible! A milliner gave me advice on design and a sailmaker on materials to use. I then started production of the hat in collaboration with a local hatter. By March, a few prototypes were ready. My family and I put them to the test during a wonderful cruise in Belize - caressing winds, relatively low waves (because of the reefs), beautiful islands, sensational snorkeling and a warm atmosphere. (On the last day of the cruise, while docking, I managed to wrap the mooring line around the propeller shaft...)

That said, don't think for a moment that the Tilley hat is reserved for sailing enthusiasts! It is just as suitable for an expedition in the desert or in the Himalayan mountains as it is for a day of gardening, golfing, trout fishing, or for a walk in the rain in London. It is even distributed to members of the Canadian armed forces in times of war and for peacekeeping missions. Your Tilley hat is practically indestructible, although your dog might prove otherwise. The 10-ounce cotton sailcloth and 11-ounce HEMP, water-resistant and mold-proof, are the best of their kind. Each lightweight LT and LTM hat is made of Tilley Nylamtium®, a sturdy nylon that is water-resistant and mold-proof.

The Tilley hat is entirely handmade (obviously, small but very powerful sewing machines are used to assemble the durable canvas). Rest assured, the sturdy threads won't come undone; the seams are lock-stitched, like all the seams in everything we make. All LT and LTM hats are sewn with cotton thread that swells when wet, thus forming a watertight seal at each stitch. Will rain infiltrate through the ventilation eyelets and mesh? Yes, but so little... just enough to cool you off.

Tilley hats are not firefighter hats, with the exception of our TWP waterproof ventilated hat. Its design with waterproof nylon seams and a refreshing zippered ventilation system when it's hot make it an all-weather, all-purpose hat.

Tilley LTM8 Hat in Nylamtium with Mesh

Where is the front?

If you see the "TILLEY HAT" label right-side up when putting on your hat, it means it's facing the correct direction.

How to know if it fits well

The Tilley hat is the most comfortable there is. It's designed to be worn low and not too tight. It stays in place by gravity, not because it squeezes the head. There should be enough space between the front of the hat and the forehead to easily slip two fingers flat. You should be able to rotate the hat from left to right and tilt it from front to back without feeling friction on your forehead. When it's windy, use the cord! You'll surely appreciate this feature, especially in hot and humid weather.

You sweat... or you expire

Each pore of the skin releases beneficial moisture. Without this perspiration, our body could not control its internal temperature and we could not survive. Of all body parts, the head releases the most heat and requires the most control... We must protect the wonders it contains! The ventilation eyelets and mesh allow heat and moisture to escape. The headband is soft and comfortable, and it helps absorb sweat from the forehead.

The cord keeps the hat in place

The tether cord is a long lace simply knotted at its ends. When the wind blows, slip the knotted part behind your head and the rest under your chin. The sliding knots glide easily to allow you to adjust the length. If the wind is light, you can use only the back part, like an RCMP or State Trooper hat. (It took me weeks to figure out this simple method to keep the hat in place when it's windy.)

To adjust the cord length To tighten the cord under the chin, slide the knots at the back of the cord away from each other until you are satisfied. When you don't need the cord, remove your hat, bring the knots closer together, and tuck the cord into the hat's crown. Some people slip it into the pocket at the bottom of the hat. Personally, I prefer to leave it as is!

Like the Titanic, it floats, but it can also sink

The air trapped in the water-resistant fibers helps your Tilley hat float, but it owes its buoyancy mainly to the layer of closed-cell polyethylene foam inserted in the crown. This foam has also cushioned many a blow to the noggin! (Some have even claimed it saved their lives!) Some waves can sink your hat... and you too, for that matter. You'll find that your Tilley won't sink - and it won't fly overboard either - as long as the cord is in place behind your head and under your chin.

The hat has good buoyancy in relatively calm water; waves and rapids can make it sink and keep it at the bottom for hours. It's up to you to take the precaution of tying it. The cord is like a seatbelt; it's useless if you don't "buckle" it. Be sure to secure your hat!

Tilley R7 Raffia Hat

Washing instructions

Your Tilley hat could one day become part of the family heritage! Wash it often and it will last a long time. Sweat secreted by the skin can alter the fabric and ruin your Tilley. As you do with your clothes, wash your hat often to prevent sweat stains from penetrating the fabric.

You can machine wash the hat in warm or cold water, or hand wash it using a soft brush and soap, powdered soap, liquid soap, or even shampoo. The hat is not bleachable. Do not use soap containing bleach.

If your old Tilley hat turns yellow because you accidentally used bleach, use TINTEX brand decolorizer to correct the mistake. While it's still damp, reshape it with your fingers and let it air dry. (There's no need to dry it on an upside-down pot!) Don't machine dry it; it would come out all misshapen and look quite sad. When it's dry, stretch it as American sailors do, by putting your knee in the crown and pulling hard.

We have pre-shrunk the fabric mercilessly, but like jeans, it can contract and expand. When you need a little more space - in hot and humid weather for example - remove your hat and stretch it a bit using your knee.

Water resistance

LT, LTM, and TWP hats feature the water resistance you desire. Over time and washes, other hats lose some of this resistance. To restore it, we recommend using a spray-on waterproofing agent. Even a Rolls needs a tune-up from time to time!

False creases

Wrinkles at the corner of the eye are attractive, but not on headwear! To remove creases from your hat, fill the crown with lukewarm water and swish it around a bit. Also, wet the outside of the crown. Your hat will arrive at its destination crease-free even at the bottom of your suitcase if you stuff the crown with socks and underwear.

Excellent protection against UV rays

Tilley hats are certified to block 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays and offer a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+, the highest rating given. Since Tilley hats are guaranteed for life, this may be the last sun and rain hat you'll ever buy. In addition to the protection offered by Tilley hats, we strongly recommend using SPF 15 sunscreen and sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays.

Is it a bit too big? Or too small?

If it's too small, it will be practically impossible to stretch it to the right size. If you decide not to return it, you can always sell it to someone you know...

If your cotton hat is slightly too big but you still prefer to keep it, you could soak the crown and headband in hot water for about three minutes then let your hat air dry completely... without stretching it; it should shrink about one size. Or, add a band of terry cloth or soft fabric to the headband. Please don't return it to us if it has been worn or if you've tried to change its size.

Some advice from seasoned Tilley hat owners

• Using a permanent ink pen, write your name and phone number (with area code) inside the hat (history buffs can add the date of purchase). If you lose your hat, you may have a better chance of it being returned to you.
  
  
• At the beach, or simply for everyday unexpected situations, keep a key, a business card, a credit card, or some cash for emergencies in the pocket at the bottom of the hat.
  
  
• Sailing, walking, or hiking in the rain? Wear the hat under your hood. You'll be warm, and you'll enjoy better protection. Your hood will follow your head movements. Your glasses will also be better protected. The brass of the grommets acquires a superb patina when exposed to salt air.
  
  
• When the front of the sweatband becomes damp, turn your hat around... the back edge takes over. And what a pleasure, the fit isn't too tight.
  
  
• Not sure where to store your glasses? Slip the arms of the glasses through the two ventilation eyelets on the side of your hat; the inner Velcro® tab will secure your glasses in place. Most glasses will fit very well. Of course, LTM, TM (mesh) and TWP hats do not have ventilation eyelets.

The Tilley story

In 1980, from the basement of the house, we began selling the Tilley hat by mail order. By 1981, we had already created the nearly indestructible classic Tilley shorts. The shorts and hat proved themselves during the 1982-1983 Single-Handed Around the World Race and were worn by the Canadian team during the America's Cup in 1983 and 1986. (Tilley hats, the classic shorts, the GAMP [multi-pocket vest] and all Legends jackets, vests, pants, shorts and skirts

Non-conformists have a lifetime free replacement guarantee against wear.

In 1984, we embarked on the great adventure that Tilley Endurables has become, and we greatly benefited from the experience gained! Today we design, manufacture and sell classic and elegant travel clothing for men and women. Durable and comfortable, our clothes are equipped with secret pockets and security pockets to protect your valuables. Their washing instructions are unbeatable: "Give them a hard time!" You'll appreciate our catalog.

We strive to produce the best in the world and, thanks to your suggestions, we continually improve the quality of our products. In winter, you'll love wearing our hats that resist water and snow.

Insurance

All Tilley hats are covered by an all-risk insurance policy, with a 50% deductible, for two years. If your hat is lost forever, stolen, or destroyed during the two years following the date of purchase, we will replace it at 50% of the current catalog price, plus taxes and shipping. Consult the insurance policy for more details.

Our guarantee

If, by chance, your Tilley hat (not bleached) wears out, please send it to us by mail along with a check for $7.50 (in North America), £4 (in the UK) or $15 (in other countries), or provide the name, number and expiration date of your credit card to cover shipping costs and we will replace it free of charge.

If you wish to keep your worn hat, we have no objection! Finally, you'll find "buddy coupons" at the bottom of the hat. But be careful, they might get you into trouble! Read them and you'll see! Contact us when you've used them all, and we'll send you more free of charge! Enjoy your Tilley hat to the fullest and let others enjoy it too!

P.S.: THE SMALL JOYS OF LIFE. Occasionally, you may meet exceptional people thanks to the Tilley hat. And beautiful friendships are born from these encounters. That's one more thing that makes it worthwhile! Much more than just hats! Twenty-five years later, Tilley hats, which became famous overnight, are still as popular. Nowadays, they are offered in thousands of stores (listed on our website) in many countries. Our QUICK-DRY underwear really dries overnight. You'll prefer them to all others for reasons too numerous to list here.

Our INDESTRUCTIBLE socks are guaranteed "hole-free" for three years, even on teenagers' feet! They also dry overnight and are exceptionally comfortable. Our catalog and associated retailers await you."