Over the past few years fedoras, pork pies and other vintage era hats have continuously grown in renewed popularity. They seem to appeal to everyone from alt rockers to Hollywood celebs to…well, suburban dads like me. They even have their own community The Fedora Lounge. Here in San Diego you’ll find an abundance on display for opening day at Del Mar Racetrack. Of course with every fashion trend comes an influx of cheap imports for the masses. When I finally decided to wear something other than a baseball cap, I settled on this hat from America’s other, Bailey of Hollywood. The 100% wool felt “Fairbanks” is still made right here in the good ol’ USA.

My wife and daughter hate it, but my son thinks it looks good. Clearly he knows what’s up. It wears well with winter gear or jeans and flip flops so I can wear it year round.

Hat: Bailey Fairbanks. $70 ($29 Gilt.com) Pictured:

Trucker Jacket: Gustin Waxed Canvas Olive Brown. $139.

Oxford: Merona (Target). Fit is everything. For some reason Targets oxfords and t-shirts fit great.

Wool Shirt: Pendleton. Vintage Jeans: Gustin ‘the Natural’. $81

Mentioned: Borsalino Crushable Fedora. $270. Ouch!

If you like Gustin here’s a Discount Referral Code

BEER PAIRING:

I don’t often drink red ales, but when I do it’s usually Karl Strauss’ “Red Trolley,” which they described as a medium bodied beer with heavyweight malts. Reddish brown in color, like my Fedora. I think of the era in which men didn’t leave the house without a hat, and took the street cars to various destinations.

Red trolley is very malty without being sweet. Nor does it have any hint of that signature San Diego bitterness. Definitely strong caramel flavors shine through what was once just a holiday ale from these original San Diego brewers. If you’re ever in San Diego I highly recommend you enjoy one of Karl Strauss’ many fine ales at their newly remodeled Sorrento Valley location. there’s worse places to drink beer. Karl Strauss Sorrento Valley.

Beer: Karl Strauss Red Trolley

ABV: 5.8%

IBUs: 17