Back in Victorian times many soldiers and even civilians donned “pith helmets,” which were often not made of sola pith but rather cork. The material, which grows on trees in Spain and Portugal, is widely known for its use in corkboards and of course wine bottles.
But now Tilly Endurables, a Toronto-based hat maker, is utilizing a new material developed by Schoeller Texitle that comes from cork. And unlike the sun helmets of years ago, which used virgin cork, the Corkshell material is actually a byproduct from the production of wine corks. Just as cork was useful in protecting a wearer’s head from sun the Corkshell has the potential to provide 50 percent higher thermal insulation than other fabrics, plus it is soft and pliable.
The first product from Tilley Endurables is a classic bills hat that evokes a style of Indiana Jones or similar character. Good enough to wear to work, but durable enough for the trails – or treasure hunts.
Corkshell Official Website
Tilley Endurables Official Website