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review

Dashing Tweeds flat cap with reflective weave

9
£55.00

VERDICT:

9
10
A tweed hat to be seen in - literally
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.dashingtweeds.co.uk

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This cap is made of a wool mix tweed but there is more to it than just that. The fabric isn't that stuff you see country folk camoflaged in. This tweed has been removed from the fields and urbanised to make it something special. It uses Lumatwill, a woven fabric created by photographer Guy Hills and top fashion weaver Kirsty McDougal, the people behind Dashing Tweeds.

Lumatwill combines a reflective filament within the traditional tweed wool yarn. It is only when it is dark and has a light shone on it that the reflective pattern jumps out like the first time you do one of those 'magic eye' pictures, You really have to see it in the flesh to fully appreciate it. The reflective properties are so well hidden in the fabric that I can't understand why more clothing manufacturers don't start making this sort of fabric more universal and incorporate it into many different types of garment.

The duo behind Dashing Tweeds also create some other incredibly stylish garments using the Lumatwill tweed including capes and whole riding suits, completely bespoke like at Saville Row, with prices to match. Henry Holland did his whole autumn/winter collection using Lumatwill a couple of years ago which bagged him a gong at the Scottish Fashion Awards. So, the material is pretty special and it's constructed in England.

The wool tweed will keep your head warm during those cold rides home yet works extremely well at wicking sweat if your head gets too hot on your competitive commute. This cap is top quality – what you might expect from such a fine pedigree – and at £55 an absolute steal in my opinion.

Verdict

This could be the finest bit of tailoring you'll ever buy. If you are the sort of person that suits a hat then this one is a treat – and it'll help get you seen at night

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Dashing Tweeds Flat cap with reflective weave

Size tested: to fit 58cm head

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

They use the word dandy at it would appear fitting to such a fine hat.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Made in England using Lumatwill reflective yarn wool tweed.

Available in: Small about 7″, Medium around 7 1/2″ and Large about 7 3/4″

You can go for a completely bespoke size for £135

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

You don't get better than this!

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

It wicks away sweat, it dries quickly, it keeps your head warm, it covers those receded bits and it manages to stay on your head. Plus, it shows traffic where your head is when it is dark.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

This cap, even if worn every day, will last a few years. There aren't many other garments that would hold out that long.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

Not really a hat to be worn during the warmer months, the wool is thick enough to keep your head warm on cold winter night rides back from the pub.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

This is the best fitting cap I have ever put on my head. It stays put even at speed yet doesn't feel tight or leave lines on your forehead. The wool does a good job of wicking sweat and also keeping your head warm.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

This garment is handmade in England by a real textile genius. I would like to see them signed and numbered because they have that unique, bespoke quality.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

When you see this cap in normal daylight then see it at night with a light shone at it you will realise how effective the reflective yarn is. It is amazing.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It looks and fits great and the wool tweed works so well at regulating heat. Plus, it is a great safety garment!

Also, it is handmade in England by real designers.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Dry clean only.

Did you enjoy using the product? Absolutely

Would you consider buying the product? Definitely

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Of course

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

I now want a suit to go with the cap but can't afford it  2

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 180  Weight: 80

I usually ride: Bike that I am testing at the time  My best bike is: Giant CFR pro. Old school carbon converted to fixed. Kinesis Convert 2 fixed. Shorter cafe racer

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed, bare back

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