Hats are making a comeback on the heads of fashionable Honolulu men this summer. We first spotted them at First Friday and ARTafterDARK, but now we're seeing them on the streets. We're not talking about fitted or baseball caps. We're talking fedoras, Kangols, newsboys, Panamas and even bowlers. It's more a style statement than sun protection.

The hats are part of a trend in street wear, along with collared shirts and an altogether more formal look. Maybe it's inspired by Johnny Depp as John Dillinger, or perhaps a renaissance of the Rat Pack.

We asked some men rocking hats the whys and wherefores.

AARON YOSHINO

Age: 28

Neighborhood: Nu'uanu

Style: Fedora

Maker: Brixton, in collaboration with In4mation

Where he found it: In4mation, Ward Warehouse

Why he chose it: "The inside got me. It's silk-screened pennies, and it's just cool."

Why do you wear it? "It's comfortable. It's straw, so it's a fun summertime hat."

What is the reaction? "Older people resonate with it. There's a British accountant in my building who was happy to see Brixton collaborating with a local company."

How many hats do you own? "About 30 fitted caps and 10 hats like bowlers and fedoras."

JUSTIN NAKASONE

Age: 22

Neighborhood: Mililani

Style: Fedora

Maker: Stussy

Where he found it: In4mation, Ward Warehouse

Why he chose it: "I like natural straw and the more classic look."

Why do you wear it? "It's different. You don't see everyone wearing it."

What is the reaction? "I haven't noticed any."

How many hats do you own? "About 30, either beanies or five-panel hats or newsboys or fedoras."

PETER ROSEGG

Age: "The other side of 60."

Neighborhood: Nu'uanu

Style: Driving cap or Clery

Maker: Kangol, in eco-friendly bamboo fabric

Where he found it: www.ebags.com

Why he chose it: "I need to wear a cap so I don't make my dermatologist any richer. I can't stand baseball caps and hope its era is over."

Why do you wear it? "It's in keeping with the way I like to dress."

What is the reaction? "People smile a lot more. Some say 'dapper' and 'jaunty.' "

How many hats do you own? "About a dozen. I have this one in many colors — black, brown and natural — and I'm tempted to order the gray one. I have straw hats with more of a brim but it's harder to get in and out of cars in them."