The year was 1980, and Alex Tilley had just founded his company, then a sailing apparel retailer. Among its first available pieces was the T3 Hat , a humble hat that packed a punch, made from cotton duck fabric and featuring a wind cord designed to keep it steady on the tousled heads of seaward sailors.

Tilley Spotlight: The T3

The year was 1980, and Alex Tilley had just founded his company, then a sailing apparel retailer. Among its first available pieces was the T3 Hat , a humble hat that packed a punch, made from cotton duck fabric and featuring a wind cord designed to keep it steady on the tousled heads of seaward sailors. 

Before long, Tilley expanded, attracting the attention of worldly travellers and big dreamers alike, offshore and on. Adventurers both aspiring and on the move donned the hat, a champion of practical comfort, functionality, and style. Over time Tilley has evolved and changed as the world did, but one thing has stayed the same: the beloved T3.

Today, the Tilley name is synonymous with freedom of movement; out of doors or in. With hats and apparel built to travel with you over hills and through trees. From city to trail, from now until forever. They are built to last a lifetime.

A souvenir from our nautical origins and a symbol of Tilley’s evolution. To don the T3 is to engage with an exciting piece of our history and future. The Heritage Collection, including the T3, is and always has been made in Canada. Now available in kids' sizes too!!!

T3 COTTON DUCK HAT

KIDS MINI T3

T3 COTTON DUCK

Every seasoned trekker knows that success on the trail begins with appropriate preparation. That means a well thought-out pack, and a foolproof layer- ing system. Establishing a layering system that works for you takes some trial and error, but there are three universally acknowledged components that every system must include. Shop our top picks. 

A Moisture-wicking, breathable baselayer. 


As much as we all love cotton, it won’t serve you well in performance layering. There is a place for beautiful cottons and a hot day on the trail isn’t one of them – the last thing you want when temperatures drop is something sweat-soaked and damp next to the skin. Instead, opt for something synthetic that breaths as well as your favourite tee but won’t hold onto moisture. Bonus points for sun protection and extra stretch, so you can safely and comfortably wear it alone when things warm up midday. 

Look for breathable styles made with UPF50+ fabrics. 

Once you’ve established your baselayer, next up is what goes between your base and outer-most layer; the mid-layer. What you’re looking for here is something moisture wicking like your base, but with a little added cozy factor. Look for fabrics that keep you warm without adding bulk, like fleece. You want this layer to fit comfortably between your first and last layer, so opt for a slightly roomier fit. 

Learn more about styles designed to keep you warm. 

The last piece of the layering puzzle is the shell, so-called because it should be equipped to keep you protected. This piece should be breathable like the other two layers but with the capability to keep you insulated from wind, rain, and snow. Keep an eye out for products boasting DWR finish and seam-taping, which will help keep water out. Bonus points for small- packability and extra pockets! 

Learn more about styles made with durable water repellent (DWR) fabrics.

UNISEX PACKABLE HOODED PONCHO

MEN'S MOCK NECK SHIRT

MEN'S LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVERSE VEST

Today, defined by iconic Canadian style and inspired by life outdoors, Tilley celebrates the beauty of natural landscapes. Upheld by four main pillars, Tilley endures beautifully as it responds to a growing desire to live a better life outdoors.

What Makes Us Us

Since 1980, Tilley hats have been thoughtfully designed out of simple necessity, and a love of adventure and the great outdoors. 

Today, defined by iconic Canadian style and inspired by life outdoors, Tilley celebrates the beauty of natural landscapes. Upheld by four main pillars, Tilley endures beautifully as it responds to a growing desire to live a better life outdoors. 

On the Great Lakes, there was a sailor in need of a hat – so he made one. Decades later, we bring this ‘real deal’ energy to everything we do. Oh, and we still make the hat. 

Backyard. Even when we walk the streets of cities around the world, the beauty of our shared Canada outdoors always lives in our core – from our apparel to home goods and stories we share. 

We dared to made the perfect hat without knowing a thing about making hates. True story. Great stories lift us up, and we love to tell them almost as we love to hear them.

If you’re going to do something, you may as well do it right. Lean in. The joy in a life truly lived. For decades now, this love of life has driven our work and play – That’s the Tilley Way. 

TODAY, DEFINED BY ICONIC CANADIAN STYLE AND INSPIRED BY LIFE OUTDOORS, TILLEY CELEBRATES THE BEAUTY OF NATURAL LANDSCAPES. 

Weekender

Explore

Tilley Spotlight: The T3