You may have been staring at my head shot wondering “What is that handsome hat she’s wearing?” (You haven’t? Well here it is again.)
This, my friends, is a Tilley hat, and I wear it proudly. Tilley Endurables Inc. is a Canadian travel wear company founded in 1984 by Alex Tilley. The hat was the first product Alex created in 1980 to suit his own needs as a sailor. Now the company sells not only dozens of models of hats for women, men, and children, but also travel clothing and accessories. They have a few stores in Canada’s main cities, and sell some of their items through other retailers across North America. (*)
The story
I bought my hat in early 2007 for the price of $75 CAD (plus taxes) and have been wearing it on every trip ever since. Wait. $75 for a hat? “Isn’t that a bit rich for a budget traveller?” I hear you say.
That used to be my view as well. However, there would come a point on every trip where I really wished I had a hat to protect me from the sun. If I hadn’t brought with me an ill-fitting cap (probably acquired on a previous trip), then I ended up buying a cheap and even crappier hat at my destination. In the end I was left with 8 or 10 headpieces, each worth about $10 or $15, none of which I really liked. You see how the math works here?
Finally I said “enough is enough”, bit the bullet, and bought my Tilley, a TH4 Hemp Hat. I have never regretted it and wished I had bought it sooner. It protects my head from the harsh sun of the tropics, from rain, wind, dust, and splashing water on boat trips. It makes me look good and provides camouflage on bad hair days (which happen frequently on the road).
Tilley hats come in 13 different sizes and you are properly fitted when you buy one at a store. (Tip: two fingers should fit comfortably between your forehead and the hat).
A new convert
In 2012, while preparing for our trip to the Galapagos, my best friend decided she also wanted a Tilley hat. So I took her to the Queen’s Quay Terminal mall in Toronto (**), where I had originally bought mine. I normally hate shopping, but the Tilley store is very pleasant. You can browse all you want, yet it’s very easy to get help from the knowledgeable staff when you need it. You can even help yourself to coffee and cookies!
Sporting our Tilley hats on Española (Galapagos)
Tilley hats are forever
Besides protecting my head and making me look good, my Tilley hat is also a confidence booster. If for any reason I feel nervous or intimidated, I put it on my head and instantly, I feel unfazed and adventurous again. I’ve noticed people staring at it, and it seems to mesmerize babies!
On top of all that, it’s easy to wash. Just soak it in warm water and liquid detergent in the sink for a bit, and watch the dust from all those countries seep out. Then give it a squeeze and leave it to air dry, preferably fitted over a bowl to restore its shape. (The label says you can machine wash it, but I’ve never dared.)
Tilley hats also come with an unusual warrantee: all (except a few models) will be replaced free if they ever wear out! So you’re basically set for life with one hat. When the metal grommets on mine oxidized from exposure to salt water, Tilley replaced them free of charge, and even gave me a new chin strap. Amazing.
Do I have anything negative to say about the hat? Well, its deep mocha colour has lightened up with the years of sun exposure; it’s more like a light brown now. Better the hat than my head though!
(*) You can also buy your hat online at Tilley.com and have it shipped internationally. Instructions on the web site help you determine the proper size. The current price (as of June 2018) is 90 CAD.
(**) The Tilley store at Queen’s Quay Terminal in Toronto closed down in 2015.
Note: This post contains affiliate links to Tilley, so if you buy any of their products through these links, I make a tiny commission that helps me maintain my site. However, I’m a true fan of the Tilley hat, and this review was written years before Tilley even came up with an affiliate program!
Alternatively, if this post has helped, inspired, or entertained you, consider donating a few dollars to the BigTravelNut fund to help me continue my work.
Thank you!
at 7:02 AM
hello..!!!!
Such a genuine review.. Loved it.
at 9:59 AM
Thanks Jane! I truly love my Tilley hat. In fact, I’m travelling in Philadelphia with it right now! 🙂
Big Travel Nut recently posted…Free summer events in Toronto
at 6:54 AM
Hi Marie,
Like you, over the years I had gradually built up a collection of weird and not so wonderful hats, none of which I found particularly comfortable to wear.
Then I bought my Tilley Airflow. As soon as I tried it on in the shop it was so comfortable I knew I had to have it. I nearly fell over when the shop assistant told me the price but I bought it anyway. Never regretted it, I love it.
at 7:13 PM
That’s good to hear Alan. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Big Travel Nut recently posted…7 travel screw-ups you can easily avoid
at 12:57 AM
Hey!
I completely agree that tilley hats are protecting head and make looks good. I would love to wear hats all the time during travelling. It protects my head from the sun rain, wind and dust.
Thanks for sharing this nice post!
at 1:01 AM
Yes indeed! I can’t imagine travelling without my Tilley now!
Big Travel Nut recently posted…Solo travel: men vs women
at 5:30 AM
Hey,
You have shared a great post.
I love this theme! Hats add so much character and can really change up a look!
Thanks for sharing!
at 11:48 PM
Hey BTN… I purchased an original Tilley in Toronto back in ’85 while on a canoe/backpacking excursion with three other buddies.. we are from Ohio.. My Tilley has been through it all, and back again.. I don’t wash it because I don’t want to lose the “patina” character, or laugh lines, of my old friend.. these days it is my lawn and gardening hat.. My kids have ordered an Airflo for Father’s Day this year, I guess… They think it is time for the old man to upgrade a little while out in public.. now a grandpa, the Airflo will watch many ball games while sitting atop my noggin’… About five years ago, my wife gave me a wool winter Tilley equipped with earflaps, for snowblowing the drive, and walking in the winter wonderland… No other hat will ever, ever take over the top spot on this greying noggin’…
at 9:45 AM
Ha ha ha Mike! Glad to see that you’re such a Tilley fan! But Tilley hats love taking a bath. 🙂 (Have you seen my video from the “easy to wash” link above?) Enjoy the new Airflo.
Big Travel Nut recently posted…First solo trip: 6 travellers’ tales
at 11:02 AM
I love both your hats in the picture. Are they both TH4 Hemp Hats? They look nice from the front. But I saw a side picture of it on an online shop, and the brim looks too long at the front and back. Any recommendations for a different one?
at 7:25 AM
No, my friend has a different one (not a TH4), in a different fabric. Can’t remember what it is now. If you can, it’s better to find a store that sells them, try them on, and feel the fabric to see what you prefer.
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at 6:35 PM
I always have a hat on my head , have done for years , I am looking to get a airflo but can’t seem to find a stockist near where I live.
I normally wear a size 57/58 but not sure how true to size Tilley are.
Also as I always have my dog with me I was curious if they made a dog version ( now that would be cool)
at 5:18 AM
As an avid traveler and sun protection enthusiast, I was delighted to stumble upon your Tilley hat review. Your thorough analysis and personal anecdotes truly made me feel like I was trying on the hat myself. I appreciated your honesty in addressing the potential downsides of the hat while also highlighting its many benefits. Now I’m itching to get my hands on one for my next outdoor adventure! Thank you for sharing your valuable insights and helping your readers make informed decisions.