There is something to be said for leaving well enough alone.

We took some beautiful raw black denim from Cone Mills White Oak and made a hat out of it. No grand declarations on the front. Just a relaxed crown, natural linen backing, and a leather strap to keep the whole affair in order.

The brim is soft by design. Fold it, pack it, stuff it into a bag. When the occasion calls for a hat again, simply persuade it back into shape. It is remarkably agreeable in that regard.

We like this fabric far too much to bury it under decoration.

It is a very good hat. We see little reason to complicate matters.

Details & care

• Cone Mills White Oak raw black denim; 100% cotton outer
• Natural linen crown backing
• Unstructured crown; soft, crushable brim
• Leather strap with nickel buckle
• Embroidered American flag at rear
• Made in Los Angeles, USA, of imported materials
• Hand wash; air dry