Hat maker Quaker Marine Supply seems to be something destined for “discovery” by your favorite local Americana loving menswear shop. Originally founded on the Philadelphia waterfront, the company has been making classic hats (mostly geared toward the seafaring set) in the U.S. since 1946.
The company changed ownership recently and relocated to Portland, Maine in 2003, though it continues to produce some seriously iconic cover – and for reasonable prices. Take for instance the wool and suede ball caps pictured herein. You’ve probably seen versions of these hats in a variety of different stores of catalogs, but the Quaker Marine versions aren’t the cheap imported variety you are accustom to seeing, these are the real deal. Made in the USA and all for 28 bucks.
In addition to the wool ball caps and the long brim fishing hats that Quaker does so well, the company also makes a truly iconic white bucket hat that it calls the “Classic Sailing and Tennis Hat,” which I think has to be in the original Preppy Handbook. I’d actually investigate further but I can’t seem to find my copy. These babies are back-ordered, but even though summer has just been transformed from reality to a not so distant memory you might as well order one now and get a jump on next years grass courts and G&Ts.
the swordfish longbill cap has suited me well in the desert. and their customer service is terrific. Mr Bennett at Well Spent turned me on this spring… http://well-spent.com/2011/04/26/quaker-marine-co-summer-headwear/
I’m not sure if you are familiar with the brand Ebbets Field and their wool ball caps. If not, take a look: http://www.ebbets.com/category/Ballcaps
Bought a dozens swordfish caps from LL Bean many many years ago and they’re the best caps ever, Quaker Marine carries the mantle for sure.
I was just going to comment on the fact that the Classic Sailing and Tennis hat was actually imported, but I see on QM’s website that they’ve resumed production in America. Good for them!
LOVE seeing American production and well crafted classics. Thanks for sharing this inspiring business. We’re in good company!
This company is the real-deal, genuine article. Great looking caps.
Great looking hats, but I would just offer a word of warning that if you sweat through the suede brim once you’ll never get the stain out. i have one — not sure if it’s a Quaker hat — and I don’t wear it any longer because the sweat stain looks bad.
Their ball caps look pretty great but for the rest of their wares, I’d have to forward their info to my grandfather to find an interested party.
@Alex Frankel
I agree, but then I tend to associate “high end” ball caps with men of a certain age. Not that there is anything wrong with being a certain age.
Personally, I’m hoping for the pendulum to swing away from the ball cap so we can wear something a little less tired and with a little more variety of functionality without it seeming like an affectation.
@ Alex Frankel
I have no idea where the current trend for baseball caps to be the quintessential male headwear came from, but they are not suitable for anything besides actual ball-playing. The other hats on QM’s site are purpose built and designed for specific outdoor activities where blocking the sun, reducing glare from the surface of the water and shielding the wearer from saltspray is required. If you’re just looking for something to put on your head, the ball caps will be fine. But if you happen to engage in any of the activities that actually require you to protect your head from the elements, you should take a lesson from gramps.
Their Transatlantic Yacht Cap series is the tits.
yeah, i would never wear one of these… im more of a 59Fifty guy. ebbets hats are the shiz too.
Nice. I just might buy one for my Dad.
@ Peter
Have you tried to find some kind of treatment for the rest of the suede that would darken it to the point that the stain is no longer noticeable?
And then you’ll be all like “hey look at me everyone I got a George Costanza hat!”
I rarely wear hats, but when i do something like this would be great. Nice looking caps.