by Claudine Zap

The new "it" accessory for fall could be cool-weather practical as well as stylish. We're talking the hat, which may be restored from mere head-covering to the status of fashion statement. Searches for fanciful "hats" and practical "caps" have been off the hook the last 30 days.

Brand Loyalty
Coming off an online surge in demand for "olympic hats," political pride might explain the recent 9,600% spike for "usa baseball hats." Are you on team Obama? Then there's a hat for you, or at least a Search for one with "obama hat" (+6,300%) "free obama hat," and "obama hat styles." Fewer of McCain's crowd prefers hats (but thumbs up on shirts and buttons). 

Speaking of loyalty, where better to show your love for sports than a team logo on your brim. College pride leads with "ucla hats" (+4,200%). Team spirit is also showing in searches for "nba hats," "college hats," "nfl hats," "mlb caps," "ohio state hats," and "notre dame hats." As fans approach the sprint towards the World Series, demand is high for "boston red sox hats," "yankees hat" and "san diego padres caps." Let's hope you all don't get stuck in a room together.

Manly Gear
Gentleman, we've got some hats for you, too. "Fedora hats" leads the well-lidded retro vibe, in the top 10 of all hat searches. Then there are also classic picks like "pork pie hats," "mens straw hats," "top hats," and "indiana jones hats." Other manly gear includes "hard hats," "truck caps," "stetson hats," "safari hats," and "cowboy hats." (Yes, we're getting a Village People vibe, too).

Head Turners
Searches for the hatted range from the vague "cool hats" and "stylish hats," to the more specific and popular "Gucci hats," "kangol caps," and "custom embroidered hats."

But if you're looking for something a little more on trend, you can "buy new era caps," especially the "chris brown hats" that have spiked a whopping 4,400% online. The musician just put out a line of caps for New Era of his own design. According to People magazine, the hats feature "cartoon-like characters and lettering aimed for the young and stylin."

If all the above don't get you going, there's always "pirate hats." Arg.