They are the secret shame hidden at the back of every traveller's closet. The souvenir hat. Purchased on impulse. Worn a couple of times and then discarded.
They always seem a good idea at the time. Until a couple of pictures are taken and you realise that you can't really pull off the oversized sombrero look, with or without the comedy Mexican moustache.
Today, we pay tribute to the stalwarts of the souvenir hat scene, the backbone of tourist economies the world over. And we're asking you to rummage through your old travel photos, dig out any you have of yourself wearing a souvenir hat, and post them on the MyWanderlust photo gallery.
Go on. You know you want to.
1. The Sombrero
The daddy of all souvenir hats, the sombrero is the go-to head gear when you want to get a party started.
2. The Fez
The hat to show you don't take yourself too seriously. And to make sure no-one else will either.
3. The Viking helmet
Often worn on weekends where much drinking is done, the Viking helmet is an affectation created for the opera and worn exclusively by women. Just don't tell that to the best man who organised the stag weekend.
4. The Chitrali cap
Worn almost exclusively by bearded gap year travellers who have spent too long in the more 'intense' parts of Asia. And want you to know about it.
5. The French Beret
Often worn in the mistaken belief that it will make the wearer look sophisticated and stylish.
6. The Che Beret
Often worn in the mistaken belief that it will make the wearer look cool and rebellious.
7. Russian Military Hats
Nice and warm, but best not worn in countries bordering Russia at the moment.
8. The Stetson
It's not just the size of your Stetson that counts. It's also how you wear it.
9. The Peruvian Beanie
Wearing one immediately knocks 20 points off your IQ. But at least your ears will be warm.
10. The Asian Conical Hat
Favoured by pasty tourists suffering under the harsh tropical sun in the hope that the wide brim will protect not just their head, but the rest of their body as well.
11. The Crocodile Dundee Akubra
Hey people wearing 1-10, that's not a hat. This is a hat.
Are there any souvenir hats we've forgotten? Tell us in the comments below. Or, better still, if you've got a photo of yourself wearing one, preferably in situ, post it on the MyWanderlust photo gallery.
