Ok, here's one for you. Is it ok for a guy to wear hats on the streets in London and Paris? I'll be there this summer, and thanks to not much hair up there I wear baseball caps outside to avoid sunburn, but don't want to look like a complete tourist.

I think when it comes down to a choice of "being in style" or getting skin cancer, I'd certainly opt for the hat. Forget what others may say, wear a hat if you want (although please take it off indoors). I'd be willing to bet that when Steven Spielberg is in London he wears a baseball hat everywhere!

I'd also opt for the hat.

I collect hats so maybe you could find a nice one in Paris?

I just realized this was on the US board. You might want to post your question on the Europe board, but I can assure you the fashion police there will demand that you never wear a baseball cap in Europe. (I'd ignore them.)

Ditto on the hat; much better than skin cancer or a bad sunburn. If you wear an obviously expensive American baseball cap, maybe they'll think you're from London or Paris, and bought it on vacation.

Ever consider sunblock, reapplied as necessary? I don't think the ball cap will be a disaster, but you will indeed look like a complete (American) tourist--although it does depend on what else you're wearing. Respectfully, Steven Spielberg can wear whatever the hell he pleases!

I'm amused by the statement that wearing a baseball cap makes one look like an American tourist. Does anyone have any idea how many Parisians wear baseball caps (as well as Nike's or similar)? I don't know where this myth that some clothing items make you look American came from, unless it is an educated guess that all those locals dressed that way are trying to look like Americans also.

smiroglotta:

Yes, wear the baseball cap - my husband does. I also don't get that it makes you look like an American tourist and if it does so what.

In fact my relatives in the U.K. ask us to bring them over as gifts. My husband has also purchased some nice ones in our travel.

Very best wishes for a great trip.

Sandy

My husband, who also needs protection from the sun, has a nice Australian suede hat that he wears because he doesn't like baseball caps.

One of his favorite sayings is, "God only made a few perfect heads; the rest he covered with hair."