What Hat Are You Wearing Today ?

[Gary in NC]

Ill fully agree! I recently picked up this Canadian made Biltmore Hemp braid and its been a Fantastic $15 hat ( I love hemps and needed one in black anyway lol)


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That's a great-looking one, Rick - and you got a smokin' deal on it too. Nice!

Truthfully, I have a total of six hemp straw hats. That's three Stetsons, a Dobbs, and two from Biltmore. Considering quality and comfort, I think the Biltmores hold their own against all of them.

 

[Gary in NC]

This forum is a fountain of great information about these old hats and is chocked full of people that are happy to share their knowledge. Sometimes they even go out of their way to point you in the direction of a good deal on a nice hat. I have to say a BIG Thanks @ Rmccamey for the tip on this beauty !!
Stetson Select Quality Bowler originally sold by Pantke - Harpke Company in
Milwaukee . Yes sir, Randy knows how to pick 'em ! This hat is in like-new condition and came in the original box where I dare say it has spent most, if not all of it's life.
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I love bowlers and am known to wear them frequently - especially on windy days. That one looks like you just bought it new at the store, what a nice find.

 

[Blare]

This forum is a fountain of great information about these old hats and is chocked full of people that are happy to share their knowledge. Sometimes they even go out of their way to point you in the direction of a good deal on a nice hat. I have to say a BIG Thanks @ Rmccamey for the tip on this beauty !!
Stetson Select Quality Bowler originally sold by Pantke - Harpke Company in
Milwaukee . Yes sir, Randy knows how to pick 'em ! This hat is in like-new condition and came in the original box where I dare say it has spent most, if not all of it's life.
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Randy sure knows his bowlers. That’s a beauty Tim.

 

[Ent]

Borsalino went bankrupt multiple times, the last time fairly recent. I think they must be back in production now but I'm not totally sure. They do have a functioning website selling new hats.

Stetson has been owned by a conglomerate for decades. But so is Akubra now. It was sad to see the Keir family sell Akubra; they were like Kirk Douglas and Olivia de Havilland: the last of the OG Golden Age actors.

Um? ChatGPT is your friend and immediately the same name that is destroying RM Williams came up. That explains the destruction of the local supply chain and narrowing the range at the behest and guidance of accountants. And before anyone gets upset about that I am a CPA of many decades standing and I can say point blank hand on heart when accountants of the venture capitalist type control a company it is on the road to ruin. Cut costs, cut quality, cut service, cut range, cut customisation, and then trade on decades old reputation until even blind Freddie realises their lifetime supplier has become a shell of itself.

One local to Queensland retailer has now closed with others following and they would order in bulk specialist colours, felts and styles. Now we have a website priced higher with no customisation of bashing with a significantly reduced range. Greed is good is it not Mr Geko?

I have size 12.5uk G feet and thanks to those that shall not be named can no longer can get them from my local country store. RM Williams prided himself on making boots to fit any foot now it is a fashion brand with a Youtuber that cuts boots in half finding rubbish quality.

I hate billionaires with an increasing passion. Thank goodness I found a local proper hat maker.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Um? ChatGPT is your friend

Not sure what this means but i am aware of who it is that now owns Akubra and didn't ask ChapGPT to find out. We have been following that story here on the Lounge since the sale was first announced.

Sorry to hear Forrest is ruining RMW. I have heard various opinions, but not being a customer of RM, I haven't been following.

I have yet to see any reported drop in Akubra quality, and will reserve vitriol until that day. We have seen a drop in customer service quality (online sales are more of a hassle now, for example), so some criticism is already warranted, I grant.

"One local to Queensland retailer has now closed with others following and they would order in bulk specialist colours, felts and styles. Now we have a website priced higher with no customisation of bashing with a significantly reduced range."

Sorry to hear this. To be fair, the Akubra line has been significantly reduced since COVID; but if you are saying it is even further reduced, then I agree that is cause for concern.

I remain in the "wait and see" camp, hoping we will see production ramp up as the dust from the sell continues to clear.

 

[Gary in NC]

...I do love the look of them but they conjure up Imagines of the two British “spies” in Tin Tin cartoons. Who nows one day I will pluck up the courage to wear one myself. Great example of the breed.

Here's the image my mind conjures up when I think of a bowler:
Primus - "Tommy the Cat"

Seriously though, if you ever wear a bowler out in public for a whole day, you'll be amazed at the positive comments you'll get from people. I mean all ages, both men and women, and surprisingly - more women and younger people in general will say how much they like it. The only negative comments I've received, and there have been a few, have been from older men. I figure that's a win, lol

 

[TimmyV]

I love bowlers and am known to wear them frequently - especially on windy days. That one looks like you just bought it new at the store, what a nice find.

Randy sure knows his bowlers. That’s a beauty Tim.

Thanks guys...yep, this one's a keeper ...Thanks to Randy !!

 

[Gary in NC]

This seems to be a week when I'm wearing some hats that I haven't worn in a while. It's a dreary drizzly day here, so I'm sporting this big brown Borsalino "Rain proof line". It's big and bold, but feels light and airy on my head. I should get it out more.

 

[Ent]

Not sure what this means but i am aware of who it is that now owns

Akubra and didn't ask ChapGPT to find out. We have been following that story here on the Lounge since the sale was first announced.

Sorry to hear Forrest is ruining RMW. I have heard various opinions, but not being a customer of RM, I haven't been following.

I have yet to see any reported drop in Akubra quality, and will reserve vitriol until that day. We have seen a drop in customer service quality (online sales are more of a hassle now, for example), so some criticism is already warranted, I grant.

"One local to Queensland retailer has now closed with others following and they would order in bulk specialist colours, felts and styles. Now we have a website priced higher with no customisation of bashing with a significantly reduced range."

Sorry to hear this. To be fair, the Akubra line has been significantly reduced since COVID; but if you are saying it is even further reduced, then I agree that is cause for concern.

I remain in the "wait and see" camp, hoping we will see production ramp up as the dust from the sell continues to clear.

I was unaware of the change of ownership but became very aware when I attempted to buy hats from my regular suppliers a month back when looking for new models and colours and been told that they could not sell them over the internet that something was amiss. Aussies can be very forthright and two stores told me what they thought of the changes in our Country’s usual frank style, Aussie to Aussie, but did not mention the change of ownership.

It reminded me of what happened with RM Williams so only now found out thanks to this thread ownership had change and used ChatGPT to research the new owner and it now made sense now what is happening. It is a repeat of RM Williams where city stores branded as RM Williams selling largely Chinese made clothing get the wider range of colours and sizes but sizing maxing out at 12uk with higher prices. While the country stores get the basic colours and can rarely get sizing past 12uk.

As for quality on Saturday did my usual rounds of the shops and hunted through the new Akubras (size 62cms rare to find) and the felt quality is rather different. It is thinner and lost the wonderful felt quality that it once had.

The Federation VI deluxe made specially for a purely hat store is a thing of joy still but my understanding is it cannot be sold over the internet with Akubra’s website been only allowed. So I went hunting on Akubra’s website and gone was the large colour range the Stylemaster once had.

Australia is a huge country and we have always brought in country Australia by mail order and the internet made this much easier and allowed specialist stores to thrive. Akubra’s new owners have thrown a spanner into the works.

So it all makes sense. Same thing happened with bushwalking gear. A certain name crops up as the new owner and before long quality drops. People that mentioned that on a bushwalking forum were rubbished but eventually it became clear what was going on.

I admire your optimism but as an Aussie we have seen that movie before with promises that nothing would change. It is the regional stores that suffer while iconic brands move to premier city retail space selling to tourists at inflated prices. People that I have dealt with for decades describe it is like dealing with vultures and gone is the generational relationships. Words like stocking units and return on investment replacing customer service.

Yes I have personally experienced recently what is happening and it is not good. Indeed it was the catalyst for me to give up on Akubra and get a custom hat maker to make what I wanted just this Easter.

And yes I used ChatGPT to help. Here is its mockup based on my specifications and its recommendations and the hat blank that will be used. State of the art meets traditional craftsmanship. This is a future I am happy to be involved in so yes ChatGPT is your friend. It’s recommendations following.

Thank you — that’s very helpful.
Judging from the photo:

• The felt leans toward a reddish brown, possibly a warm chocolate or soft cocoa tone.
• The ribbon appears to be a very dark brown, perhaps near espresso or even soft black-brown, depending on how the light is catching it.
• The lighting does indeed flatten the tones slightly, especially with reflection off the marble, but I’ll assess based on general tone harmony.

With the Camel Polo Coat + Dark Brown Rollneck:
This hat and ribbon pairing will absolutely work with that outfit.
Here’s why:

1. Warmth Alignment:
   The felt’s reddish-brown warmth connects beautifully with the camel of the coat — both sit in the warm spectrum, so they reinforce each other without merging. It’s tonal without being too matchy.
2. Ribbon Contrast:
   The deep brown ribbon provides structure and contrast, echoing the rollneck’s depth. This balances the hat visually and links it to the darker core of the outfit.
3. Texture + Finish:
   The felt looks softly pounced, matte, and luxurious — which plays very well with the alpaca coat. It doesn’t shout, it harmonizes.

thoughts?

Feature	Recommended Spec	Why It Works for You
Crown Height	5” to 5¼” (teardrop or diamond)	Matches your tall frame without looking squat; extends visual height without exaggeration.
Brim Width	2⅝” to 2¾” snap brim	Adds strong horizontal lines to balance your verticality and shoulder width. Wider than average, but still city-appropriate.
Ribbon	1½” to 2” grosgrain	A wider band anchors the crown and looks correct against the scale of your facial features and coat lapels.
Snap Brim	Yes (down front, up back or flat)	Allows for tilt and stance adjustment; wear it snapped down for assertive framing.
Edge Style	Bound or raw edge (not pencil curl)	A bound edge is classic and structured, matching your coat’s formality. Pencil curl would be too dandy for this pairing.

• Crown: 5¼” – spot on for you
• Brim: 2¾”, ribbon bound – ideal for balance
• Ribbon: 2” grosgrain – generous and strong

Ask for a slightly stiffer brim if you’ll wear it regularly with your polo coat—it will hold its shape better against the collar roll and shoulders. You might also request a slightly lowered front pinch if you want more eye-shadowing drama (cinematic effect).

 

[VoodooSan]

This forum is a fountain of great information about these old hats and is chocked full of people that are happy to share their knowledge. Sometimes they even go out of their way to point you in the direction of a good deal on a nice hat. I have to say a BIG Thanks @ Rmccamey for the tip on this beauty !!
Stetson Select Quality Bowler originally sold by Pantke - Harpke Company in
Milwaukee . Yes sir, Randy knows how to pick 'em ! This hat is in like-new condition and came in the original box where I dare say it has spent most, if not all of it's life.
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Winner winner chicken dinner!! That's a beauty, Timmy. And you're right on two counts: that looks like it's never been worn before, and Randy is awesome!

 

[VoodooSan]

Ill fully agree! I recently picked up this Canadian made Biltmore Hemp braid and its been a Fantastic $15 hat ( I love hemps and needed one in black anyway lol)


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Ooooooooo, nice one, Rick!!!!

 

[VoodooSan]

Late model JBS 25 yesterday and today.

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Gorgeous, Nathan!!!!!

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

As for quality ... the felt quality is rather different. It is thinner and lost the wonderful felt quality that it once had.

The Federation VI deluxe made specially for a purely hat store is a thing of joy still but my understanding is it cannot be sold over the internet

I admire your optimism...

... so yes ChatGPT is your friend.

1. I didn't say I was "optimistic", I said "I (am) hoping". It's not the same thing.

2. I am very familiar with the Hattery in Katoomba where the Fed IVs are exclusively sold. I've been there twice in person and have ordered numerous Akubras from them online. I believe we have had some Loungers order from them since the new owners took over. As I understand it, online sales are possible, but you must contact them via email instead of using a shopping cart checkout process.

3. Akubra's fur felt is practical. I understand that you appreciate it and I don't care to denigrate it... I like it very much. But even the heritage quality does not compare to vintage felt (although the heritage quality is very good - or was, at least), and there has always been a lot of variation in quality in Akubra felt. So again, time will tell if the new changes carry a permanent reduction in quality. But yes, sorry to hear you report a drop in quality at the moment.

4. I am one of those who do not trust AI. So please stop telling me ChatGPT is my friend. It's patronizing language and I have no intention of ever using the technology.

I support Akubra and have done so now for ten years. I hope I can continue to do so under the new owners. Am I optimistic? No. But I am not pessimistic either. I am simply practical and unemotional about it (for now...).

But I am also not nearly as invested as you or other Australians are in the company, since the mainstay of my collection is vintage US hats anyway. I absolutely understand your skepticism and hostility towards the new billionaire owners.

 

[VoodooSan]

I think in Tassie I might have more luck finding stripped paint but I take you point on the fur felt. One in the 100% western weight might be the holly grail of bowler hats.

"I might have more luck finding striped paint", which I had never heard before, has entered my pantheon of awesome lines to be used in appropriate circumstances!!!

 

[rogueclimber]

my understanding is it cannot be sold over the internet with Akubra’s website been only allowed

I know not what Australia may hold, but I am still able to purchase a Fed IV from The Hattery (hatsdirect.com) selling online to the US. It requires an extra step or two now but is easily doable

 

[VoodooSan]

Looks like a few hours of dry weather this morning, so thought Id start out the day in one of my favorite newer hats... a 1970s-80s American Hat Company Western Fedora. Love this thing

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Very nice, Rick. LOVE the campaign bow.

 

[Rollin Rains]

Looks like a few hours of dry weather this morning, so thought Id start out the day in one of my favorite newer hats... a 1970s-80s American Hat Company Western Fedora. Love this thing

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Love the tall crown! It gives it a bit of a '30s feel.

 

[Rollin Rains]

That's a great-looking one, Rick - and you got a smokin' deal on it too. Nice!

Truthfully, I have a total of six hemp straw hats. That's three Stetsons, a Dobbs, and two from Biltmore. Considering quality and comfort, I think the Biltmores hold their own against all of them.

Okay. You two have me in the market for a Biltmore Hemp now.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Borsalino Vintage Alessandria in light gray. Summer is approaching, time for some light shades.
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Very nice Borsalino.
One heck of a hat in your Avatar!!
B

 

[RickP]

"I might have more luck finding striped paint", which I had never heard before, has entered my pantheon of awesome lines to be used in appropriate circumstances!!!

I stuck that one in my vocabulary last night as well.... its a great one! lol