These have to be some of the sharpest hats I’ve seen in a long time. Besides my tour visors, I’ve been sporting hats from The Masters and from State Traditions, but I may have to add one or two of these Saltwater Bum Caps from the fine folks at Orvis.
J, great post. I’ve lost three of my favorite hats this summer, so I’m in the market.
Have you even caught a tarpon, permit, or bonefish???
More particularly, on a fly?
That’s what a I thought… don’t be a poser.
@Moss
I used to subscribe to your theory, until I realized that caring that much about what other guys wore said more about me and my insecurities than it did about the people wearing it. It’s a nice hat. Why should someone have to have caught a bonefish on a fly to wear it? Orvis certainly doesn’t expect that…they’d go out of business if they did. Still, I guess as long as you’re consistent. So no Wranglers if you’ve never wrangled a calf or goat, no ropers for similar reasons. No Sperrys if you don’t own a boat. You get the idea. It’s untenable. Give it up. Wear what you like. Let others do the same.
@ J.M. Mosley
Your analogy is flawed. I didn’t ask him if he played baseball, thus allowing him to wear a baseball cap.
The items you listed: jeans, boots, and shoes are items designed with a specific purpose or sport in mind. These items serve a utilitarian purpose and result in a product that is hardwearing and comfortable. Everyone can appreciate the qualities of a rugged boot or a good pair of jeans.
My problem with the hat is the DECORATION emblazoned on it. It is there for no other reason than to make a statement. If wore a Gamecocks hat, you would rightfully assume that I am a Gamecocks fan. If the author of this blog wears a hat with a specific gamefish next to an Orvis logo, I would rightfully assume that the wearer is a saltwater fly fisherman.
If I see someone wearing this hat at a bar, I may strike up friendly conversation with them on the assumption that they also fly fish in saltwater. When I discover that the wearer has no knowledge or experience of this sport, I will rightfully conclude that they are a poser and only interested in consuming the certain image that the sport of fly fishing connotes.
Whether this matters to you, or the author, is another story. My advice is this — don’t try to be something you are not. Don’t put a ducks unlimited sticker on your Tahoe unless you actually duck hunt and don’t wear a Grateful Dead belt unless you are truly a fan.
Be genuine.
Your distinction is well taken. And to be honest, if your original post had been as articulate as your most recent, I probably would not have responded because I would have realized that you were more than just a kid who was feeling froggy. I still think that the logic of your position falls apart in the end, but I recognize that it’s more considered than I originally thought. Long story long, I have just realized that it’s not right getting bothered about whether someone else deserves to wear the clothes he is wearing, because who am I really to make that call? If I strike up a conversation at a bar with a fellow wearing a Braves hat because he likes the way it fits but doesn’t know John Smoltz from Adam, I’ll still drink a beer with him and shoot the breeze about something else. As long as his bill’s not flat.
@Moss
Where did you get your degree in Fashion Policing?
I’ll throw my $.02 in only because I love a good internet debate. Actually, F’it. Our esteemed host I think has put the final nail in that particular coffin.
@ IKG
@ Randall
Y’all can’t even come close to touching me. Way to elevate the discourse with your poor grammar and flaccid rebuttal, gentlemen.
JMM, you’re alright. I want to like you, but in the end we could never be friends because you try so damn hard.