Classic & Vintage - Wool caps - options?

I just got my stock wool Walz cap in the mail today. It's probably a good deal for the price, but it wasn't what I was imagining.

I think I need one that comes in my own hat size, or at least something more specific than one-of-two sizes.

What are some other makers?

I'm looking for the wool ones in classic plain and plaid fabric, not imprinted.

Etsy is your friend:
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?ref=auto&q=cycling+cap+wool&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US

This shop has a nice plethora of hats:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArmyAnt?ref=seller_info

What's wrong with your Walz cap? I recently got two (from my honey for Christmas), and I love them. They fit, they're functional, and they're stylish (at least to me).

What's wrong with your Walz cap? I recently got two (from my honey for Christmas), and I love them. They fit, they're functional, and they're stylish (at least to me).

First of all, I'm not dissing Walz. I admire this company. I like the fact that the hat is made in the USA, and that they make traditional styles and fabrics. The quality overall is fine, and the price, for what I got, was very reasonable.

I don't like the big gathering of elastic in the back, first of all. Mine is the smaller size. If I stretch the elastic all the way out (as if the hat would fit my head without the elastic), it could fit a huge head. (I can't imagine what sort of pumkinhead would test the limits of the larger size.) I noticed the elastic in the pictures on the web, but it looked less prominent there than what I see now in the mirror.

Anyway, that's not a huge deal. Here's why I will probably return it.

I am a sensitive creature with delicate little shell-ears. If I ride (or walk when the wind is blowing, for that matter) out in the world when the temperature is below, say, 64 degrees F, I rather quickly develop a blinding pain which I assume comes from the freezing of my eardrums. When I ride my bike in Spring, Winter, and Fall, I pretty much always have to wear a band around my ears to keep from debilitating myself.

So I was attracted to the models with the ear-flap-thing, which is what I got. Because the hat is not properly fitted, however, the ear-flap-thing is made of WAAAAAAY too much fabric. They don't fit snugly against my ears, and thus promise no aural protection from the wind. Plus, from the back or side, with the flaps down, there is a big bulge of gathered material at the back that comes down and rolls under at the nape of the neck, making it look like I am carrying a piece of fruit for my mid-ride snack or am hiding the face of my evil, underdeveloped, conjoined twin.

I tried it on and started planning to to remove the elastic, cut down the fabric, and sew it back together to fit. Then I was like, wait, why don't I just buy a hat that has the fit and features I want? Also, I don't know how to sew.

I bought a cap from Floyd Boberg out of Chicago, mine was not wool or plaid, but she had a lot of that stuff. I believe she sells on etsy.......... http://www.floydboberg.com/

Plus my wife looked at me for a long time and said "You look like you're going to go play golf. It looks like a cycling cap for golf."

I don't play golf.

I bought a cap from Floyd Boberg out of Chicago, mine was not wool or plaid, but she had a lot of that stuff. I believe she sells on etsy.......... http://www.floydboberg.com/

Thanks. I'd like to be able to say I bought my hat from a woman named Floyd.

Ummm, ya...............I bought mine from the woman who makes them. She was at the Chicago Bike Swap in Palatine (there, I did it again :) ) but I did'nt ask her to explain the Floyd thing. I will say that I did get a warm fuzzy feeling buying from a local artisan.

The best and most stylish hat worn in my neck of the woods is the Stormy Kromer http://www.stormykromer.com/ and is made locally.

I have a couple from this local small maker and I love them: http://taddihogg.com/

The best and most stylish hat worn in my neck of the woods is the Stormy Kromer http://www.stormykromer.com/ and is made locally.

I got a Kromer from my daughter for Christmas, love it.

Does anyone wear traditional looking Knickers (http://velocouture.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/knickerbockers-a-personal-history/)?

You didn't mention. Under a helmut? Not? If not, I recommend S. Kromer too. They're great hats. And, the come in sizes, like a real hat should.

First of all, I'm not dissing Walz. I admire this company. I like the fact that the hat is made in the USA, and that they make traditional styles and fabrics. The quality overall is fine, and the price, for what I got, was very reasonable.

I don't like the big gathering of elastic in the back, first of all. Mine is the smaller size. If I stretch the elastic all the way out (as if the hat would fit my head without the elastic), it could fit a huge head. (I can't imagine what sort of pumkinhead would test the limits of the larger size.) I noticed the elastic in the pictures on the web, but it looked less prominent there than what I see now in the mirror.

Anyway, that's not a huge deal. Here's why I will probably return it.

I am a sensitive creature with delicate little shell-ears. If I ride (or walk when the wind is blowing, for that matter) out in the world when the temperature is below, say, 64 degrees F, I rather quickly develop a blinding pain which I assume comes from the freezing of my eardrums. When I ride my bike in Spring, Winter, and Fall, I pretty much always have to wear a band around my ears to keep from debilitating myself.

So I was attracted to the models with the ear-flap-thing, which is what I got. Because the hat is not properly fitted, however, the ear-flap-thing is made of WAAAAAAY too much fabric. They don't fit snugly against my ears, and thus promise no aural protection from the wind. Plus, from the back or side, with the flaps down, there is a big bulge of gathered material at the back that comes down and rolls under at the nape of the neck, making it look like I am carrying a piece of fruit for my mid-ride snack or am hiding the face of my evil, underdeveloped, conjoined twin.

I tried it on and started planning to to remove the elastic, cut down the fabric, and sew it back together to fit. Then I was like, wait, why don't I just buy a hat that has the fit and features I want? Also, I don't know how to sew.

This is why I go with a balaclava under my helmet. I have a thin polypro one made by Wickers that cost almost nothing and provides good wind protection without overheating.

I also have a nice balaclava. 100% Merino wool. Made by Minus 33. Good stuff.

I would think a cap gets mighty warm when it's still 60F out? In such a case, I'd try foam or rubber hearing protectors. That will prevent the air from entering the canal. For some extra protection during colder temperatures , add thin headband or the previously suggested polyptopylene balaclava which will not interfere greatly with the helmet fit.

Here's a good option. At least I hope so, as I ordered one.
http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Zing/Coppi-Merino-Cycling-Cap_2

I like Ibex gear. No experience with their hats but I love their Shak jerseys.

http://bikestore.oversupplywarehouse.com/images/Listings//39929/big.jpg

I have one of those. I'm not sure why as it doesn't get worn.

Does anyone wear traditional looking Knickers (http://velocouture.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/knickerbockers-a-personal-history/)?


http://www.ifc.com/portlandia/videos/portlandia-dream-of-the-1890s

OP, it depends on how you will be using your cap. Will you be wearing it by itself or under a helmet?

By your description, I guess I have a "pumpkinhead" (61-62 cm) and find the Walz Caps ok. But they don't necessarily play nice under my helmet. For that I have some cheapo balaclavas.

RMC, have you tried stuffing your ear canals with cotton or something? That might take care of the sensitivity to cold in your ear drums. Then you have a bit more freedom to wear whatever you want.

OP, it depends on how you will be using your cap. Will you be wearing it by itself or under a helmet?

By your description, I guess I have a "pumpkinhead" (61-62 cm) and find the Walz Caps ok. But they don't necessarily play nice under my helmet. For that I have some cheapo balaclavas.

The pumpkinhead comment was a boorish thing for me to say. I thought I was being cute and got carried away. I should not go around disparaging other people's heads. I apologize. They obviously make the larger size for a reason. I just like things that fit without elastic. The tradeoff for being able to make only two sizes is that some people are going to get a lot more hat than they really need.

I just assumed since the fit was pretty snug and smooth that this type of cap would work well under a helmet. Walz does show a pic of someone doing that on their site, I think, but now I've looked at several of these and can't remember for sure.

Thanks to everyone who posted different makers and alternative suggestions. I'll check it all out. Sorry again for being a jerk.

RMC, have you tried stuffing your ear canals with cotton or something? That might take care of the sensitivity to cold in your ear drums. Then you have a bit more freedom to wear whatever you want.

Yeah, actually, I sometimes use foam earplugs, which are convenient for carrying in a pocket. But then of course, you get the main-***-side effect of dampened hearing, which does provide useful information when you are navigating the street, as you know.

I do like ear bands and ear-covering hats better for this reason--limitation of hearing is not so great.

Also, I wear glasses, the arms of which which tend to create a tunnel for the air to travel right to my ears, so it's an added challenge.

Maybe I just need to toughen the heck up. :lol:

What about one of these? Our welders wear these here at work.

http://www.comeauxcaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/main30001.jpg

I just like things that fit without elastic.



This is why I suggested the Ibex hat. I think what you need is something that's woven, rather than tailored from loomed cloth. From what I can see, the Walz hats fall in the latter camp, but I don't own one so I could be wrong.

take it to a tailor.

Anyway, that's not a huge deal. Here's why I will probably return it.

I am a sensitive creature with delicate little shell-ears. If I ride (or walk when the wind is blowing, for that matter) out in the world when the temperature is below, say, 64 degrees F, I rather quickly develop a blinding pain which I assume comes from the freezing of my eardrums. When I ride my bike in Spring, Winter, and Fall, I pretty much always have to wear a band around my ears to keep from debilitating myself.

So I was attracted to the models with the ear-flap-thing, which is what I got. Because the hat is not properly fitted, however, the ear-flap-thing is made of WAAAAAAY too much fabric. They don't fit snugly against my ears, and thus promise no aural protection from the wind. Plus, from the back or side, with the flaps down, there is a big bulge of gathered material at the back that comes down and rolls under at the nape of the neck, making it look like I am carrying a piece of fruit for my mid-ride snack or am hiding the face of my evil, underdeveloped, conjoined twin.

I tried it on and started planning to to remove the elastic, cut down the fabric, and sew it back together to fit. Then I was like, wait, why don't I just buy a hat that has the fit and features I want? Also, I don't know how to sew.

i had the same issue with my winter wool walz cap. it worked fine, but when i took my helmet off, the ear-covering fabric seemed very poofy and silly looking.

I recently got a Rapha black winter cap (http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAPHA-WINTER-BELGIAN-CYCLING-CAP-BLACK-NEW-/120831613972?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c22201c14) which I like a LOT. there's also a sugoi version as well called the Wallaroo Wool Cycling Cap (http://www.amazon.com/Sugoi-Wallaroo-290-Cycling-Cap/dp/B003O68EXM)

I have a L/XL head (59/60cm) and these both fit me great, under the helmet as well. i think with the one-size-fits all stretchiness of both, they'd probably fit you as well.

Cool! Thanks, jptwins!

Yeah, actually, I sometimes use foam earplugs, which are convenient for carrying in a pocket. But then of course, you get the main-***-side effect of dampened hearing, which does provide useful information when you are navigating the street, as you know...

The attentuation of one sense sense can be mitigated by heightening another. I find that adding a helmet mirror greatly expands you visual capabilities, offsetting the loss in aural information.

The pumpkinhead comment was a boorish thing for me to say. I thought I was being cute and got carried away. I should not go around disparaging other people's heads. I apologize. They obviously make the larger size for a reason. I just like things that fit without elastic. The tradeoff for being able to make only two sizes is that some people are going to get a lot more hat than they really need.

I just assumed since the fit was pretty snug and smooth that this type of cap would work well under a helmet. Walz does show a pic of someone doing that on their site, I think, but now I've looked at several of these and can't remember for sure.

Thanks to everyone who posted different makers and alternative suggestions. I'll check it all out. Sorry again for being a jerk.

No worries, mate. I am not sensitive about my huge cranium. :)

I do get frustrated with the lack of larger sizes. I like the look of cycling caps, but most hurt my head because they are "one size".

As for wearing them under a helmet... Helmets don't expand enough to fit a cap under them when it is filled with my pumpkin :p

Ooo, I like this thread. Good info, guys, thanks.

First of all, I'm not dissing Walz. I admire this company. I like the fact that the hat is made in the USA, and that they make traditional styles and fabrics. The quality overall is fine, and the price, for what I got, was very reasonable.

I don't like the big gathering of elastic in the back, first of all. Mine is the smaller size. If I stretch the elastic all the way out (as if the hat would fit my head without the elastic), it could fit a huge head. (I can't imagine what sort of pumkinhead would test the limits of the larger size.) I noticed the elastic in the pictures on the web, but it looked less prominent there than what I see now in the mirror.

Anyway, that's not a huge deal. Here's why I will probably return it.

I am a sensitive creature with delicate little shell-ears. If I ride (or walk when the wind is blowing, for that matter) out in the world when the temperature is below, say, 64 degrees F, I rather quickly develop a blinding pain which I assume comes from the freezing of my eardrums. When I ride my bike in Spring, Winter, and Fall, I pretty much always have to wear a band around my ears to keep from debilitating myself.

So I was attracted to the models with the ear-flap-thing, which is what I got. Because the hat is not properly fitted, however, the ear-flap-thing is made of WAAAAAAY too much fabric. They don't fit snugly against my ears, and thus promise no aural protection from the wind. Plus, from the back or side, with the flaps down, there is a big bulge of gathered material at the back that comes down and rolls under at the nape of the neck, making it look like I am carrying a piece of fruit for my mid-ride snack or am hiding the face of my evil, underdeveloped, conjoined twin.

I tried it on and started planning to to remove the elastic, cut down the fabric, and sew it back together to fit. Then I was like, wait, why don't I just buy a hat that has the fit and features I want? Also, I don't know how to sew.
Not that I would wish the freezing eardrum pain on anyone, but I am kind of glad to know I'm not the only one.

Picked up a winter cap from Kozy Prery at the Chicago Swap. She makes at least 4 different sizes, XL, L, M, S. Made locally in Chicago with recycled materials including a liner made with wicking material.

http://www.kozieprery.com/products.html

I have several suggestions for the OP:

These days in Sendai, it is below or just above freezing much of the time. My usual way of just layering a handkerchief under my helmet just didn't cut it this year. So I found a cheap version of a US merchant marine or navy 'watch-cap'. Millions wear these things, and even some convenience stores have them. Mine is acrylic and cost less than five bucks. I went to a friend who contracts out exact replicas of the real thing made in the best wool, but he was sold out. But as it turns out, the cheap acrylic is warm and yet vents enough heat while riding. And it conforms and fits perfectly under my Bell Helmet. A Canadian touk has those tassle/pom-pom things on them and are not good under helmets. Balaclavas are overkill for me, but if you are in Wisconsin or Manitoba you probably want one.

Picked up a winter cap from Kozy Prery at the Chicago Swap. She makes at least 4 different sizes, XL, L, M, S. Made locally in Chicago with recycled materials including a liner made with wicking material.

http://www.kozieprery.com/products.html

They look great.

I'll order one today, thanks for posting!

http://bikestore.oversupplywarehouse.com/images/Listings//39929/big.jpg

I have one of those. I'm not sure why as it doesn't get worn.

Me as well. Its just not that great. The logo on the side and underside of the bill is overkill, it bunches up at the back, and doesn't breathe well at all. Definitely got conned into buying it too, it was like .99c but I had to pay like $10 on shipping for it from Portland...

I'm a big fan of Walz caps, for many of the reasons mentioned already. I also like Chuey brand caps when they are available (a few times a year) I grab 2 or 3 new caps per year. I usually check they Chuey Brand Flickr page for updates and send a Flickr Mail if I am interested in any. They accept Paypal and a few times have even sent an extra cap along as a nice thanks for the business...it keeps me going back, and now I am giving them free advertising, so it's a good strategy :)
The caps are made in small batches and most are unique..made from re-purposed cloth:
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6155/6163635975_92879074a3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86677797@N00/6163635975/)
Chuey Cap (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86677797@N00/6163635975/) by Chuey Brand (http://www.flickr.com/people/86677797@N00/), on Flickr
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6177/6163632251_6e7416a9ca_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86677797@N00/6163632251/)
Chuey Cap (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86677797@N00/6163632251/) by Chuey Brand (http://www.flickr.com/people/86677797@N00/), on Flickr