Fashionista - Fashion Designers, Models, Shopping, Style

Aug 08, 2008 @ 2:35pm

hat from burberry show.jpg A tuque is defined as a knit winter hat with no brim and a tapered top standing off the head. Also known as my childhood snowman-building accessory of choice.

It's made a comeback for Fall and was spotted on runways like Burberry and Alexander Wang. I was surprised and kind of tickled - my elementary school wardrobe was getting a nod, but in cashmere and cable knit.

But, no matter how amazing the hat feels or what designer label is sewn inside, we're totally aware of just how silly these hats look in person.

The unattractive look is twofold: for one, you look a lot like a hobbit with a hat standing a good six inches off the top of your head. And then when you try to correct that by taking it off, your hair looks kind of like a hairball thanks to the magic of static.

But, not only do tuques keep your head truly warm, they also add a certain "what the hell is that?" to your boots and coat outfit.

So, would you wear a tuque? Or is this best left to 4-year olds who don't care for mirrors?

--KYLE HAYES

posted by guest

Aug 08, 2008 3:45PM

clearly, "what the hell is that?" should be everyone's accessorizing mantra...

posted by Urban elle

Aug 08, 2008 3:50PM

I know plenty of people who would look cute in a tuque! I never could pull it off though...

posted by superflippy

Aug 08, 2008 4:10PM

I always heard it called a "toque." Or is that just the Canadian pronounciation?

Aug 08, 2008 4:39PM

Tuque/Toque are the same thing, though toque is generally the preferred spelling. For Canadians, myself included, we make no distinction between winter 'beanie' hats and toques so I think it's normal to wear a hat in winter, depending on the climate. They can be worn a variety of ways and perhaps one of the best is simply ironically.

Aug 08, 2008 4:51PM

t-o-u-q-u-e, and up here in canada we ALL wear one. havent you heard of bob and doug mckenzie?

Aug 08, 2008 4:52PM

Snowmen?? Kyle, aren't you from Orlando? These things are not so cute, even on old Frosty.

Aug 08, 2008 5:15PM

i am definitely buying both, i love them so much!

p.s. never heard "tuque" before either! learn something new everyday!

p.p.s. i am not canadian

posted by LP

Aug 08, 2008 6:09PM

i wear them in the winter :)
but they dont stick up, they fit properly

posted by Ginge

Aug 08, 2008 9:06PM

I'm a hat person, but these aren't for me. I feel silly with so much room between the top of my head and the top of my hat.

Aug 08, 2008 9:51PM

touques are pretty much a necessity if you don't want your ears to fall off in the winter where I live. It can be done nicely.

Aug 08, 2008 10:37PM

As fashionable as we can be up here in Canada, sometimes just staying warm trumps looking stylish. On the other hand, nothing is more adorable than a cute girl totally rocking a toque with a sweet wool peacoat and mittens.

Aug 09, 2008 4:01AM

i'm with you 11! that photo's a bit (ironically?)'90's redux? not Marc himself tho.where were you in '92? and '72 and '52?
but I like it...if it fit better.

Aug 09, 2008 8:20AM

@Ginge: well, buy one that fits and you won't have that problem.

Apparently NYC is a lot more tropical than their neighbours up north. Toques are a necessity in the "great white north", come in an array of cute designs and the boys and girls really do love 'em on their preferred sex.

@everyone: just find one that fits!

Aug 09, 2008 3:25PM

I think it's hilarious that all the Canadians have come out in support of the toque.

I'm Canadian, I was going to say the same thing as the above posters. Depending on where you live, sometimes you just don't have a choice, and it's just not considered that abnormal, particularly if you wear them properly (well-fitted, subtly-coloured). The environmental realities make it acceptable and even fashionable.

Just like a wife-beater is acceptable and is the norm in a sweaty, southern trailer park.

Aug 10, 2008 6:05PM

Well, first I have to say the picture posted is one of the most unflattering portrayals of a toque ever. High fashion labels always mess up sporty chic, like in 2003 when surfer chic was big but all the clothes didn't quite look right; they didn't fit properly.
I'm also Canadian, and I came on too add that I have an assortment of toques. They can look really chic and cool with flowing hair and chanel sunnies.
P.S. despite what I said about Fashion Houses messing up sporty looks I think Burberry is rocking the toques style. I love the current Burberry girl attitude.

Aug 10, 2008 6:08PM

p.s. I when I said I love Burberry's toques I meant last falls, these ones look dumb, giving off a clueless vide rather than being just too cool

Aug 10, 2008 10:05PM

WHO IS THE MODEL ....
featured in this article????

she's so very pretty, i think i'm crushing on her.

Aug 11, 2008 10:08AM

i live in arizona, but i still wear one of these in the winter. it appeals to my tomboy sensibilities and keeps me warm at the same time. also, i don't have to worry about what my hair looks like.