A Programmer's Guide to Practical Hats

Why wear a hat?

  • protect against cold air
  • protect against cold wind
  • protect against sun
  • be easy to spot or recognize
  • look cool; look distinctive
  • declare social identity to others; attract folks with similar identity

When to especially wear a hat?

  • extreme weather
    • very cold or windy
    • very sunny
  • long exposure to weather
    • going boating
    • going hiking for > 2 hours
  • weak or missing natural protections
    • reduced or no hair
    • sensitive skin
  • if you want to appear older or more mature, as these kinds of people are more likely to know how to use, afford, and store hats

There are a huge number of hat types. Here are a few kinds I work with commonly:

“Paperboy” / “taxi driver” (One-piece cap.)

  • General purpose for cold weather and mildly sunny days, for men.
  • Compact: Folds. Pocketable.
  • Medium insulation and wind resistance.
  • Light sun resistance.

Beanie

  • General purpose for cold weather, mostly for men.
  • High insulation.
  • Medium to low wind resistance.
  • Compact: Folds. Pocketable.

“Fisherman’s cap” (Medium brim.)

  • Good for sunny days, for men and women.
  • Medium sun resistance.
  • Compact: Folds. Pocketable.
  • Medium insulation and wind resistance.

“Explorer’s hat” (Wide brim.)

  • Excellent for sunny days, for men.
  • High sun resistance.
  • Medium insulation and wind resistance.
  • Stylish.
  • Not (usually) compact: Unpocketable.

Baseball cap

  • Good for sunny days, for men and women.
  • Medium sun resistance.
  • Medium insulation and wind resistance.
  • Stylish if you want an informal look.