Warmer weather has arrived and many are wondering what kind of sun protection they need. Tilley Endurables, the Canadian company long recognized as the maker of high quality outdoor hats, was started in 1980 when Alex Tilley needed a good hat for sailing and couldn’t find one, and decided to make one himself. He spared no effort, sought advice from a milliner, sailmaker and hat maker, and, as he says “got it right”. Only afterwards, when he saw that he had an outstanding hat, did he decide to sell it through stores. The sale of the original hat, and expansion into a range of hats and travel ware, has benefited from Alex Tilley’s imagination and insistence on outstanding quality.
Tilley Airflo
Tilley produces hats in a variety of materials including Harris Tweed and Nylantium. One of their more innovative hat fabrics is hemp. Industrial hemp is an outstanding fiber, useful in textiles, high strength cordage and papermaking. As a farm crop it is relatively pest-free, does not deplete the soil, and requires little fertilizer. Tilley’s hemp fabric has a linen-like appearance and feel. It is resistant to mold and mildew, and to salt water. It has a UPF rating of 50+, the maximum UV protection rating given. The fabric makes up into a truly high performance hat. This is possible because they make the hats very well, of outstanding material, enabling them to offer their lifetime guarantee of replacement if the hat wears out.
Please see the individual hats for care instructions, as care varies with the material used. The hemp, Nylantium and classic cotton hats are washable. Machine wash, air dry. Do not bleach. If your hats must of necessity be dried or stored under warm conditions, regular use of a Hat Stretcher will be beneficial.
Tilley Outback
Tilley also insures your hat against loss. If you do lose it, or the family dog destroys it, Tilley will replace it within two years of the purchase date at half Tilley’s current catalogue price, through Tilley’s mail-order department. (Tilley always try to meet their clients at least half way!) With your hat, you’ll be provided with “The Straight-Shooter’s Statement of Loss of a Tilley Hat” insurance policy. Again, the insurance is for two years, all perils, 50% deductible, and is not issued by Lloyds but by Tilley directly. Simply send your insurance certificate or proof of purchase directly to Tilley and Tilley will send you a replacement hat for 50% of their current catalogue price.
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