Shelta Hats vs. Tilley: Find Out Which Hat Is Best for Golf

In golfing attire, finding the right hat is important in staying comfortable and looking the part. Whether you prefer a Tilley or Shelta hat, both offer superior protection and style when you’re out on the course. But, shelta hats vs tilley, what is the difference? 

The main difference between Shelta Hats and Tilley hats is the size. Shelta hats are smaller and generally feature a lower, wide-brimmed style. Tilley hats are larger and often feature a higher, narrow-brimmed style. Both hats provide excellent sun protection for golfers.

So, which is better for the golf course? Each has its own good sides and drawbacks to consider, so let’s take a closer look and compare the two.

Shelta Hats vs. Tilley

Overview Of Shelta Hats

Shelta hats are an iconic headwear style in golf and have existed since the early 1900s.

Shelta hats are made of woven straw and have a unique, wide brim. This brim sets them apart from other hats and remains distinctive even today. 

While Shelta hats are mainly used for golf, they are also trendy fashion pieces for many people who appreciate classic style.

Shelta hats offer sun protection, comfort, and a touch of class, making them great for golfers who want to make a statement on the course.

Overview Of Shelta Hats

Overview Of Tilley Hats

Tilley hats are a popular option for golfers, as they offer a classic style and durability. Tilley hats are crafted with natural and synthetic fibers to ensure a lightweight and breathable hat.

Unlike Shelta hats, which are not adjustable. Tilley hats feature an adjustable drawstring and a toggle closure, providing an ideal fit.

The brim of a Tilley hat is also smaller than the brim of Shelta hats, making the Tilley hat more compatible with golf courses’ dress code. 

Read Also: Ping Hoofer Vs Hoofer Lite: Which Golf Bag You Should Get?

Shelta hats vs Tilley: Comparison Table

If you’re a golfer, you know that the best way to stay cool on the course is by wearing a hat. But which one is better – Shelta hats or Tilley?

To help you decide, we’ve compared the two hats side by side with ten of the most important hat features for golfers.

Features Shelta HatsTilley
UV ProtectionUPF 50+UPF 50+
Fabric Polyester + Cotton100% Supplex nylon
Waterproofing Water-repellent Waterproof 
WindproofingYesYes
BreathabilityGoodGood 
Sweat managementGoodGood
Lining MeshNone
Visor Brimlower, wide-brimmed stylehigher, narrow-brimmed style
Shape RetentionYes Yes 
Color Options30+10+
Price$$$

Read Also: Lag Shot Vs Orange Whip: Which Golf Swing Training Aid To choose? 

What Are The Differences Between Shelta hats and tilley?

The two main contenders in the golfing world when it comes to hats are Shelta hats and Tilley. But with so much similarity between the two hats, can you tell the difference?

We’re here to break it down and explain the differences, so you can make an informed decision.

Material

Regarding the material of the hats, Shelta hats are made from polyester, creating a lightweight but durable product.

Tilley hats are blocks of 100% Supplex nylon, cotton fabric, and canvas, making them one of the most comfortable for everyday wear. 

Design and Style

When it comes to looks, Shelta hats come in various designs, so you can choose one to suit your personal style.

Design and Style

They’re a bit more versatile for your everyday needs, making them a great option for those looking for a hat that can transition from the golf course to the park. 

On the contrary, Tilley hats have a recognizable appearance and are known for superior wind and rain protection.

Design and Style Of tiley Hats

While they lack the fashion aspect of the Shelta, they have a classic and timeless look that most golfers appreciate.

Sun Protection

When it comes to protection from the sun, Shelta hats have come a long way in recent years, with their hats now offering UPF 50+ protection.

They’re also waterproof, making them perfect for long days in the sun. Tilley hats, however, boast a UPF rating of 50+, the highest rating you can get.

The fabric blocks out 96% of UVA and UVB rays, making these hats perfect for those playing in the intense summer sun.

Read Also: Golf Shoes vs Sneakers: Which One Should You Choose?

Breathability

Golf can be an incredibly tricky game when it comes to temperature. While you want something to keep the heat away, you also don’t want something that blocks the air from breathing. 

Shelta hats have a mesh structure at the back, allowing exceptional breathability. Tilley hats, however, are made entirely of nylon, cotton, and canvas, giving them incredible breathability and ventilation.

Durability

It’s an important factor in any hat, as you want something that will last through a few long rounds of golf.

Shelta hats have been designed with this in mind, using lightweight materials that can withstand multiple washing and wearing.

Tiley Hat
Tiley

Tilley hats, however, have a reputation of lasting decades due to the quality of the material they use and the lifetime guarantee they offer. 

Fit and Comfort

Shelta and Tilley offer a great fit for comfort. Shelta hats are designed with light material that doesn’t restrict movement, and Tilley hats offer adjustable straps and bands to customize the fit. 

Both hats also offer extra padding to provide support and comfort during long rounds of golf. 

Price 

The biggest difference between Shelta and Tilley lies in the price. Shelta hats can range from affordable to more expensive, depending on the size you are looking for. 

Tilley hats are priced at a premium due to their lifetime guarantee, but for those looking for a long-lasting hat, it is well worth the price.

Read Also: Precision Pro NX7 Vs NX9: Find The Best Rangefinder!

Shelta hats or Tilley: Which hats To choose for golfing?

Both Shelta Hats and Tilley offer great choices for golfers. Shelta Hats are lightweight, comfortable, and can be customized for a unique look and a perfect fit.

Tilley’s hats are more expensive and offer more stylish designs but lack the customizability of Shelta. 

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual golfer to decide which hat suits their style, budget, and needs.

Whether you are looking for aesthetic appeal or performance, Shelta or Tilley,  you can’t go wrong.

No matter which of the two hats you choose, you can be sure that you’ll have a reliable, comfortable hat that will help keep you safe from sunburns and other elements you may encounter on the course.

Read Also: Oakley Half Jacket vs Flak Jacket: Which One Should You Choose?

FAQs.

Golfers have long enjoyed the performance, comfort, and style of Shelta and Tilley hats. Here are some questions to help you decide which hat is the best choice for your next round of golf.

Is one hat better for golf than the other?

Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and your playing conditions. If you’re playing in hot, humid conditions, then Shelta Hats may be the way to go, thanks to the breathable fabric.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more water-resistant, then Tilley Hats could be the better option. 

Which Brand is More Durable?

Shelta hats are designed to be quite lightweight and thin, which also makes them less durable than Tilley hats. That said, Shelta hats can be easily cleaned, packed away, and last for several golf seasons.
However, Tilley hats are made of heavier-weight material, making them more durable and longer-lasting.

Does one hat last longer than the other?

The Tilley hats are considered to be the more durable of the two due to their thicker fabric and stiffer construction.
The Shelta hats use a lightweight fabric, so they may not last as long as the Tilley hats. With proper care, however, both hats should last for several years. 

Which is more affordable? 

The cost of a Shelta or Tilley hat will depend on the style, material, and features. Generally, Shelta hats are the more affordable option, ranging from $59 to $79, while Tilley hats can range anywhere from $59 to $130.

What kind of warranty do Shelta and Tilley hats offer?

Shelta hats are backed by a lifetime warranty that covers any defects in material or workmanship and free repair of any minor repairs needed.
Tilley hats are backed by a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects or a model-specific lifetime guarantee.

Similar Posts