A limited-edition Stormy Kromer cap honoring the 50th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald is already sold out.
The one-of-a-kind hat was created as a fundraiser for Friends of the Fitz and Commemorative Marker Project in Superior, Wisconsin.
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Stormy KromerThe hat went on sale on July 17 and was scheduled to go online for sales on July 21, with plans to have the commemorative cap available through August 10. The special release pays tribute to the freighter's final port of call in Superior, Wisconsin, and the 29 crew members who were lost on Nov. 10, 1975.
"Based on previous limited-edition caps like this, I thought we had more than enough fabric and stock to meet demand. Boy was I wrong. We sold out of our full stock in less than 3 days," said Gina Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products, the home of Stormy Kromer.
What's happening: A limited-edition Stormy Kromer cap commemorating the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, released earlier this month, is already sold out. The cap was created as a fundraiser for Friends of the Fitz, a Superior, Wisconsin organization that is raising money to install a Wisconsin Historical Society marker at Barker's Island, honoring the ship's find departure point.
About the cap: The cap features a unique dark navy-and-black colorway with a custom patch commemorating the Edmund Fitzgerald. For each cap sold, $20 will be donated to Friends of the Fitz.
"Stormy Kromer caps have weathered winter's worst storms for over 120 years, and it feels deeply meaningful to honor the Fitzgerald in this way," Thorsen said. "The story of the Fitzgerald is part of our regional identity. As a brand rooted in the Upper Peninsula and the Lake Superior region, we're honored to support this community-driven effort."
About Friends of the Fitz: The group was formed in the summer of 2024 and dubbed 2025 as the Year of the Fitz, gaining publicity for efforts to raise money to purchase and install a Wisconsin Historical Society marker to honor the loss of the famous ship and its crew. The marker will be installed on Barker's Island, the last port of call for the Fitzgerald, in the fall. A commemoration ceremony is planned for Nov. 9, 2025, at Barker’s Island.
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Friends of the FitzJenny Van Sickle and Gina Thorsen at Stormy Kromer in Ironwood."The cap is more than just a piece of headware -- it's a symbol of remembrance and respect. We're grateful to partner with Stormy Kromer has we work to give Superior its own lasting tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald and its crew," said Jenny Van Sickle, a member of the Friends group.
About Stormy Kromer: The iconic brand is part of Jacquart Fabric Products, operated by the second and third generations of the Jacquart family. The Stormy Kromer brand traces its beginnings to the early years of the 20th century in Wisconsin. It became
part of Jacquart Fabric Products in 2001. Jacquart Fabric Products occupies more than 90,000 square feet at its Ironwood facility. It employs more than 100 Midwestern workers.
What's next: A check presentation to the Friends of the Fitz is being planned. The organization has reached its fundraising goal.
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