The Sou'wester Waxed Cotton Bucket Hat

This hat is perfect for travel to places that might have rain and cool temperatures, although it’s fine in the warmer weather. The lining is a soft warm material and the ear flaps make it cozy when it’s cold. And it even looks nice on. I was borderline on size so had to return the medium for a large, which fit, and I got it very quickly and in time for my trip.

I purchased this hat for a trip to Ireland in May. This hat arrived very quickly. We encountered some rain storms in Ireland and this hat kept me warm and dry. I like it much better than an umbrella because it keeps my hands free. It has a cincher so it won't come off in the wind. It is waterproof. I will get lots of good use out of it here in the Seattle area too. I am happy with this very good quality hat.

I bought this hat so that I could walk my dogs without an umbrella when it's not pouring out, freeing my hands up from carrying an umbrella. Just love it. Definitely water resistant, still really waterproof since I have only had it for about a year. Even great in winter, as it has ear flaps (you really can't see them) that are flannel lined. Adjustable strap keeps hat on my head on windy days here on the CT shoreline. Buying one for my friend who is a dog sitter!

This rating would be a 5 star except for the potential downside of the wax factor mentioned at the bottom of this review.Waxing aside, I LOVE this hat. I wear glasses so keeping the rain off of them is important. So is having both hands free to do productive things (instead of holding up an umbrella). This hat works GREAT. Plus it keeps my ears and neck warm and dry.It is also lighweight and easy to stuff in my coat pocket to take along or leave hanging around my neck when out of the rain (it is so light that I forget it's hanging there!).And, I am told it looks cool too...Only possible downside is that the directions say it must be ""waxed"" periodically (annually I suspect) to stay totally waterproof. There was no mention of this until I received the hat and found the notice attached to the hat. I don't know yet where to get the ""wax"" or how to do that but I'm hoping Village Hat Shop will be able to supply the product and advise the how to. If this process turns out to be easy then it is an automatic 5 star rating!