When the sun is out and the afternoon is a slog, your cap is doing more than finishing the outfit. It sits directly between your scalp and the heat.
Your head is a significant spot for heat and sweat, with a lot of sweat glands and a lot of blood flow close to the surface. What covers it makes a real difference to how you feel.
The problem with synthetic caps
Polyester and nylon are essentially plastic. They don't absorb moisture well and don't let air move through easily. Sweat sits against your skin, heat builds up under the crown, and the cap becomes a small greenhouse.
What natural fibres do differently
They breathe. Hemp, linen and organic cotton let moisture vapour escape, so sweat can evaporate instead of pooling. That's what keeps your head feeling cooler.
They're kinder to skin. Your scalp and forehead sit against your cap for hours. Plant fibres are free of the plastic content found in synthetics, so there's less to irritate sensitive skin on a hot day.
They get better with wear. Natural textiles soften and mould to you over time, while still giving solid sun protection. A well-made cap in a dense natural weave shades your face and ages well.
Choosing a cap for summer
- Look for natural and plant-based fibres, not blends with a polyester lining or sweatband.
- Check the sweatband. It's the part touching your skin most.
- Pick a breathable weave and a brim wide enough to shade your face.
Two hats we made for the heat
The RAWA Bucket
Cut from a 50% hemp, 50% linen canvas, two of the most breathable fibres you can wear. The brim shades your face and neck while air moves through the weave. It's an easy daily hat for the beach, the market or a long lunch outside.
The Aliran Active Running Cap
A lightweight 5-panel running cap in an 80% lyocell, 20% merino fabric. Merino handles moisture and temperature swings well, and lyocell, made from plant cellulose, adds a smooth, soft feel. A light cap for runs, walks and long days on your feet. Coming soon.
See the Aliran Active Running Cap →
You might not notice the difference at first, but by the third hot afternoon, you will.
At RAWA Co., we make headwear from natural and plant-based fibres, never plastic-based synthetics, and every supplier we work with is OEKO-TEX® certified. Designed for Australian summers and the streets you walk through them.
What's on your head this season? Tag us on Instagram @rawa_global.
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