If you favor fur felt caps (and face it, who doesn't?), you'll be all a-tickle when you see The Driver, a structured ivy cap in pure fur felt from Rod Keenan's Michael Kors collection and waiting for you in Black or Oatmeal. The suede-finished Ascot Ivy (in smooth Brown or Black) is a Christys' creation for the conservative gent in fine dress. Its velvety texture is a delight both in the hand and on the head. Speaking of Christys', they have an Italian Collection I'm happy to carry, and fine examples of these caps include: the fashion ivy cap I call The Sardinia, handsome in a wool and cashmere blend; The Piave, a cushion front patch cap; and The Tiber, an all-wool cap featuring a herringbone pattern (which is to die for in Olive, I must say). The longshoreman cap (with its profile longer than the traditional ivy) is also available from Christys'. Called The Milvian, it's made from 100% wool, and comes in two great patterned herringbones.

Although wool is certainly delightful, it should be noted that ivy caps come in linen, silk blends, and leather too, of course, and all deserve your devoted attention. These leather hats, for example, include The Sven from Wigens in Robust Rust or Gallant Green, as well as The Gustav, rich, rugged and warmly lined (and also made from unblemished shearling lambskin). Sam Saba (he of the Great White North) is another hatter who offers outstanding leather ivy caps, such as The Ivy Fleece, crafted from the best Nappa leather money can buy and fashioned with fleece-lined drop-down earflaps. Too comfortable for words, really (although that's never stopped me before).