HARTFORD YORK CEO STEVE SINGER GIVES THE SCOOP ON THE TOP THREE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HATS

1. Hats Are For Old People
“I think this mistaken belief has been pretty well disproved by the young celebrities who are consistently photographed wearing hats of all shapes and styles. From Johnny Depp and the Olsen twins to Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, fedoras, porkpies and cowboy hats have made a huge mainstream comeback.

Don’t get me wrong: hats are for old people too. Willy Nelson just looks so much better in his western hats than bareheaded - and, although he’ll never be a truly attractive fella, Billy Joel’s new album cover shows him quite presentable in his stingy brim.

2. Regular People Don’t Wear Hats
Look around next time you’re at the beach, ball game or when you’re going fishing. These are “regular people” activities, and it’s likely that a large percentage of those around you are in hats. Once people are comfortable in summer hats and ball caps, it’s just a matter of time before they graduate to a more sophisticated look and incorporate headwear into their work-a-day lives.

3. Hats Go Out Of Style Too Quickly
Oh well, you got me there! I’m kidding of course–hats have been around as long as people, and styles haven’t changed all that much. The cloche comes to mind as a modern spin on a medieval concept. For over a hundred years, we’ve had the cowboy and western hats in pretty much the same mode; the fedora and bowler haven’t changed silhouettes, nor has the walking hat deviated from its roots.

If you’ve got a classic hat, well-made and cared for, it’s timeless (sort of like me).

This little list won’t change beliefs, but I’m determined to put it out there nonetheless. Fight me if you must.”