If you chose The Big Ben ivy cap, in its sharp natural or black pin stripe linen blend, or the more streetwear casual ivy called The Thames Cap, I still salute you. In fact, whether its that excellent longshoreman's cap, The Edinburgh, or the hand-finished Kip Ivy (with linen-covered brim) that you finally settle on, or you go for The Raleigh, an ivy cap in houndstooth or perhaps the old-world plaid of that very fine Edward cap -- or even if you choose one of those crackin' khaki ivys (you know, The Kent or The Oxford), I'll toast every last one of you.
As an aside, I should let you know that I don't expect to hang on to The Chelsea for very long. This broad stripe fashion ivy in a cooling linen/cotton blend with mesh lining and back patch has created quite a buzz, as has the tony Kensington Ivy with its subtle tone on tone texture and satin lining. Same story with The Christys' Alastair, which is available both as a six-panel fashion plaid ivy cap, and a satin-lined grey cashmere beaut with leather back. As to which of Christy's collection of panama hats will move fastest, I'm laying odds on that devilishly good-looking snap brim with feather.
Of course, life's just not complete without a wee Scottish tartan somewhere in the manse, and you can satisfy your cravings with The Aberdeen Ivy. If your name is Holmes (and even if it's not), you'd do well to pick up The Kelsey, a 100% wool olive plaid ivy that's sumptuously lined in satin. There's a tweed newsboy, called The Tanner, which deserves a place of honor in every gent's wardrobe; and when wool's what you're looking for in an ivy cap, you won't do better than The Finn, a classic cashmere oh-so-soft creation available in black or camel.
If you're careful, you can bring your Christys' Gambler Panama Hat or that grand Grade 8 Panama, The Outback, or even the other Weatherall-treated, broad brim bleached straw, The Safari Panama, on this year's Serengeti sojourn (yes, the backyard barbecue too), but do take the same level of care you might with one of your dress fur felt fedoras such as the pinched-front Vaughan or The Trilby, with its distinctive deeply creased crown.
Now off with you! There's some serious shopping to be done here.
