I will be going to Italy in the not to distant future. The top if my head is hair challenged lets say. I was told NOT to wear any type of Baseball Cap. So what type of hat do the italians wear? Any help and possible pics would be greatly appreciated so I don't stand out to badly.
For some odd reason I am thinking a Fedora or Cap.
Steve,
I can't recall any instances of Italians wearing hats at all (especially younger men). Of course, that's not something I was really looking for.
Although I'm not really "hair challenged", I have to be careful in extremely hot weather also as the top of my head gets VERY red, very quickly. I keep my venerable Tilley Hat close at hand and it's extremely effective at minimizing the effects of sun (VERY high SPF ratings!). As far as the aspect of "looking like a tourist", I really don't care in the least what anyone thinks, as I'm sure they can tell I'm a tourist even without the Hat.
Hopefully someone else will have more specific information for you.
Cheers!
For the traveler who wishes to blend in with the locals, this would be an appropriate choice
... and for the traveler not worried about blending in, this one would make a statement anywhere (except in Arkansas, where everyone wears these, on Saturdays in the fall)
Giving credit (or blame, in this case) where due, these pics were posted by Patrick (of Arkansas, of course) last year when a similar question was asked about hats to wear in Italy.
Well, I have to wear something... or I will fry like a lobster. Even with sunscreen.
Why can't you wear a baseball cap? If you want to blend in a bit more wear a cap from one of the Italian soccer teams like AC Milan, or Juventus. They can be purchased at most any souvenir shop or at http://www.soccer.com
I agree, and disagree, with Michael. There is nothing wrong with wearing a baseball cap. Only I'd make it a plain cap with no writing on it and in a neutral color (navy, khaki).
If you wear one with a team on it, your luck you'll go to an area where they hate that team. (Example--wearing an AC Milan cap in Rome.)
Simple solution...wear a Italia National team cap:
"Giving credit (or blame, in this case) where due, these pics were posted by Patrick (of Arkansas, of course) last year when a similar question was asked about hats to wear in Italy."
Good memory, Kent! I'd forgotten about those excellent photos. And Hog Hat season is just starting today!
We traveled all over Tuscany, Umbria, and Rome a couple of months ago and my brother wore a hat like in the photo below (my brother's is darker, but same style). I'm not kidding: people were constantly coming up to him and, assuming he was a local, speaking to him in Italian. This is very rare, since Italians can almost always tell a foreigner by their shoes, their demeanor, or their clothes. But apparently if you get a proper hat it offsets your other shortcomings!
I'll add that my brother is 60 and the hat was age-appropriate for him. But I did see a few younger Italian-looking guys, like in their 20's, wearing similar hats. I'd say for the younger guys, it's a real fashion statement.
My husband is lacking for hair on top so he decided to buy a hat at a hat shop in Rome to protect his head. Thinking since it was an actual shop he thought he'd be safe picking out one. He chose the newsboy style and from what I could tell was the only one inItaly wearing one. In fact, we didn't see Italian men wearing any hats. One very elderly man spoke only Italian to us and kept pointing at my husbands head and talking. I think he thought he was German. After a while he felt self contious and took it off. Maybe a leather one or wool one with a brim would be better.
Patrick & Kent - LOVE your suggestions and pictures!! My children have a knights helmet in their old dress-up box. I think I'll pack it for my husband!
Not many people wear hats in Italy these days (around Rome). A simple ball cap without specific team insigna would be best. There are vendors selling caps of various soccer teams everywhere.
Have fun!
ps. Remember to remove your hat in churchs
This was a fun thread, we agree, not many hats at all except on the tourists. Find something comfy and don't worry about it.
The whole world wears baseball caps now!!!! Wear whatever you want and have fun!!!
I agree with wearing a plain baseball hat with no writing on it. You could get these at outdoors oriented stores (i.e., REI, Eddie Bauer, LL Bean, etc.).
What about a fez?
Wow! What a bunch of cards out there!! HaHa...when we were in Italy both my husband and our friend wore school ball caps...We actually ran into fans for the same team while we're there. Where what you would usually wear and not be worried about "blending in"..it's impossible, so why fight it. Be comfortable, friendly and respectful to your surroundings and you'll have no problems. Be sure to remove your had in churches, and other sacred places...because the Nuns will remind you with a mouthful of Italian. :o)
Baseball caps do seem to be slowly catching on in Italy, especially for outdoor activities. So I second the idea of buying a neutral baseball style hat once you get there. And do take it off when you go inside anywhere, not just churches. They'll appreciate the gesture of respect.
The Whirling Dervishes of Turkey wear those really tall felt hats…you could try one of those conical lids to cover up the bald pate.
You could go for the English look and put a hankie on your head.
When I was there last year, I don't recall seeing anyone wearing hats. Italians are very style conscious and I'd assume that if they did wear a hat, it would be one with no logos/advertisement, etc. My Italian friend has been known to wear a bandana over his head when out hiking, but that's a very informal situation, and not in town.
