ditch the tie, give a hat this father's day

We gave my dad plenty of neckties. Now he's retired. He never wears them. Yet it remains this stock image for father's day gifts, cards and clever crafts.

Is the necktie really a meaningful motif for Father's Day anymore?

Shifting gender roles and economics mean both parents are likely working. And while most fathers I know do still work outside the home, few wear ties.  For those who do, is giving them a piece of their work uniform really a way to celebrate a bond with their children?

Going to a job to pay bills is not the most fun or rewarding part of parenthood. The modern dad is more than just a guy who puts on a tie and goes to work. Therefore,

I declare the hat should be the new clothing symbol of father's day.

Steeb and Andy: two dads not at work, wearing hats.

Whether a fedora or a baseball cap, these days wearing a hat usually symbolizes being OFF work and (potentially) spending quality time with your kids. For yard work or fishing, going out to a concert or just hanging out with a frosty beverage, most guys have a go-to hat they put on when the work day is done. If the tie is what men wear to leave their children for the office, then the hat is what they wear to come back home. The hat is what they wear when they are most themselves, most relaxed and most connected.

If your dad's a guy who appreciates one of a kind American made goods, consider giving these styles from moth and squirrel this year instead of a necktie to celebrate the whole man:

The Harlow.

This hat was designed for my friend Harlow Friday (read this old post about how awesome he is.)

The Harlow hat is classic and masculine. I wear one myself, but it really is the one I make for the gents. When the right guy tries on the right one it is like he has owned it forever. I've just made some in wool tweeds as well as the popular cotton plaid.

Harlow Friday offers this tip for working dads: Always go to work when you are sick so you can use your sick days for your real life.


Summer Weight Johnny Cap.

If your dad likes cycling or camping, the classic cotton johnny cap would be a great one to toss in the bag for adventures. Keeps a little sun and sweat out of his eyes, tames wild hairs or protects the scalp. Made from reclaimed t-shirts, it is breathable and machine washable. I just stitched up some larger men's sizes. This one with the bass fishing image is just waiting to be someone's Father's Day gift. seriously.

Pick up a hat this Saturday at the Bellingham Farmer's market to get it in the mail in time,
Take a day trip to Edison with your old man and try one on at the Lucky Dumpster,
Or be your own father figure and get a hat for yourself.