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?...ery&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).

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.

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/

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

Does anyone wear traditional looking Knickers?

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.

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/Co...-Cycling-Cap_2

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

http://bikestore.oversupplywarehouse.../39929/big.jpg

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

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.

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.

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-conten.../main30001.jpg