All Hail the Swordfish
The Optimist x Quaker Marine
What makes a good hat good? A sense of proportion, of individuality, of utility, and, quite possibly, luck. (If you don’t believe in lucky hats then perhaps you don’t fish enough.) Quaker Marine makes good hats. The New York company is responsible for the famous Oysterman, preferred by a certain white-bearded author. They also make The Swordfish, preferred by me.
We partnered together on The Optimist Collection, which is out today, and I am so excited. Each hat is inspired by a setting from the book: Loden green for the Catskills, khaki for Patagonia, light blue for chasing bonefish in the Bahamas. We also made The Angler a military-inspired jacket that I think is perfect for a day on the water. And, yes, you can wear it with a knit tie.
Photos: Chase Winfrey
I’ve always loved the classic Quaker Marine label—it strikes the right balance. We also used old “Made in USA” tags they’ve had in their factory for years. I’ve been wearing these hats to fish and in the city as well. Low crown (less likely to blow off on a motorboat), slightly longer bill (better to shade your face). It’s a good equation. Hopefully it will bring you good luck on your next cast.
See you on the water!
D
Hi David, thanks for the shirt/jacket recommendation. I’m always looking out for a good one, looking forward to getting it. Also, really enjoying the Optimist! For some reason I keep imagining Warren Miller narrating this in my head... I loved watching his old ski documentaries as a kid and find his witty dry humor similar to yours.
As a bald man of 12 years (I’m 37), I have a special fondness for hats that only slow dripped’ developed throughout the years of increased outside exposure. This hat will not only keep me covered, but will totally work with my style - I will order... separately, I will have to ask you soon about the Patagonia Stand Up Shorts - these shorts would pair well with the hat.