New Member to the Hat Forum

[Judgmentalist]

Welcome to the Lounge and good hunting. As suggested, spending a few bucks buying and selling on Ebay or Etsy can help you hone into your style without breaking the bank.

Your wife may change her mind when others start to notice your hats. I literally get compliments every time I wear a bowler or a nice homburg.



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Nice thanks for the advice

 

[Blare]

Hello everyone

I’m new here. I stumbled onto this place while obsessively researching hats, thinking that this would be a good place to find hats on the resale market. I have instead found amazing boots and jackets .

Seems counterintuitive at first but I think I’m starting to get it - you don’t buy nuts from a squirrel, is the vibe I’m getting lol.

I’ve never worn hats but I’ve always thought the only hat that looked good on me was a bowler. Unfortunately, my wife disagrees. She thinks I have a tendency to let my more eccentric choices wear me, and I can’t understand why she doesn’t want me to have a personality. That being said she is really good at this stuff, and mostly I listen to her.

I had been losing a bunch of weight and at the moment I’m pretty well settled in at 5’8” 180 lbs.

I’ve been rebuilding my wardrobe, focusing mostly on nice suits and blazers. I’ve been feverishly working on adding a few hats to the mix with very limited success. I bought the cheapest bowler and Homburg I could find and I have been waging a ‘hearts and minds’ campaign around the house. The bowler is not gaining any traction, but we are about 50/50 on the Homburg. I am highly focused on dress-adjacent styles and materials. I may get a classic fedora to start. My wife seems to think this suits my proportions better than the Homburg shape. I gravitate toward the Homburg because of the dress provenance and I like to be just a hair to the side of the beaten path.

I’ve not historically been a fan of western hats, which is frustrating, because there is a lot of cool stuff going on in the custom western market.

I bought a straw Stetson Open Road, because I like the crown, the brim kinda leans away from heavy western, and I thought it was a low cost point of entry. I took it out of the box and it was an immediate fail, both on looks and fit. I need a long oval block, apparently, and the Stetson was tight front and back and loose on the sides. We both thought it was going to work with my summer suits and it just didn’t look right on. Also I wasn’t prepared for it to be so stiff, though in retrospect it seems like I should have figured that out. We boxed back up and sent it back.

I’ve been working my way up the research food chain to the point where I am almost convinced I’m going to end up with a Panama from Brent Black, a fedora from Optimo and a Homburg from Lock & Co.

One of the problems with this plan is I can’t try any of this stuff before I buy. I live out in the boonies, and traveling to where these hats live is problematic for the most part.

I’m about 2 minutes away from buying a conformateur off of Etsy or something.

TL/DR - help me figure out what hat theoretically works for me (I read that hat guide I found here) and how to get from where I am to where I am going without burning a pallet of money along the way, please and thank you.

The size of the crown on the Open Road feels like it fits me better, but something about the front view isn’t working I don’t think.

Looking at the Open Road and the Homburg side by side the Homburg crown and brim both look a little small. What do you guys think?

Welcome to the Lounge

 

[The Connector]

Hello to everyone,
I am quite new here, the reason I became a member is that we have as family a real collector's item, a Lincoln Bennett silk top hat from Victorian era. We have decided to sell it so I am looking for some advices about what and where to look for define its authenticity because we are not the first owners.
Thanx in advance for any help.
And personally, I am quite familiar with hats, I wear one anyway, so I am happy to be a member of FedoraLounge.

 

[jeffgarf]

Hello to everyone,
I am quite new here, the reason I became a member is that we have as family a real collector's item, a Lincoln Bennett silk top hat from Victorian era. We have decided to sell it so I am looking for some advices about what and where to look for define its authenticity because we are not the first owners.
Thanx in advance for any help.
And personally, I am quite familiar with hats, I wear one anyway, so I am happy to be a member of FedoraLounge.

Welcome. PM member @CraigEster . He may have information and advice for you.

 

[ClementJames]

I have been following this forum for several years and finally decided to join. I enjoy looking at the new and vintage hats and have learned a great deal. I started purchasing hats after my dermatologist recommended I cover my balding pate after a first bout of skin cancer. I have always liked hats and the recommendation acted as an impetus.

I stated purchasing new hats through Carolyn Burch's store (Fino Fino in Palo Alto CA) when Graham Thompson used to make his annual visit there. As a result, I have acquired more that a dozen hats, mostly fedoras but two Montecristi Panamas and two Milans through Optimo. I love the hats and wear one every day.

I am technologically challenged but will make an effort to post a photo

The best forum for hats in all the land!

 

[Onomea]

I’ve been aware of the Fedora Lounge for a number of years, but have just now gotten around to joining. I have repeatedly found the forum when researching fedoras or hat makers over the years. I enjoy the commentary, lore and information.

Currently own two Optimo fedoras, one Optimo Montecristi, and one Worth&Worth Montecristi, all dating from 15 to 20 years ago. I retired in 2012 but used to wear them with my double ******ed suits to work. I wear them less often nowadays, to my regret. A well made fedora is a wonderful companion.

Bought a Penman last March when I took a very old Italian rabbit fur W&W fedora to him to be cleaned and reblocked.

I found the Penman, which he built in the blocky, straight up and down crown, 1930s/40s style, too large for my face. Tried to get acclimated to it but could not, so have asked him to reblock to the late 1950s/60s style crown that Optimo favors. Just a matter of taste and what one is used to, I suppose. I am going to keep the 2.5” brim at least for now, but may move to the 2” stingy brim of my Optimos.

John builds a very high quality hat. Graham and his team, too, of course.

 

[DaveProc]

I’ve been aware of the Fedora Lounge for a number of years, but have just now gotten around to joining. I have repeatedly found the forum when researching fedoras or hat makers over the years. I enjoy the commentary, lore and information.

Currently own two Optimo fedoras, one Optimo Montecristi, and one Worth&Worth Montecristi, all dating from 15 to 20 years ago. I retired in 2012 but used to wear them with my double ******ed suits to work. I wear them less often nowadays, to my regret. A well made fedora is a wonderful companion.

Bought a Penman last March when I took a very old Italian rabbit fur W&W fedora to him to be cleaned and reblocked.

I found the Penman, which he built in the blocky, straight up and down crown, 1930s/40s style, too large for my face. Tried to get acclimated to it but could not, so have asked him to reblock to the late 1950s/60s style crown that Optimo favors. Just a matter of taste and what one is used to, I suppose. I am going to keep the 2.5” brim at least for now, but may move to the 2” stingy brim of my Optimos.

John builds a very high quality hat. Graham and his team, too, of course.

View attachment 809272

Welcome!

 

[jeffgarf]

I’ve been aware of the Fedora Lounge for a number of years, but have just now gotten around to joining. I have repeatedly found the forum when researching fedoras or hat makers over the years. I enjoy the commentary, lore and information.

Currently own two Optimo fedoras, one Optimo Montecristi, and one Worth&Worth Montecristi, all dating from 15 to 20 years ago. I retired in 2012 but used to wear them with my double ******ed suits to work. I wear them less often nowadays, to my regret. A well made fedora is a wonderful companion.

Bought a Penman last March when I took a very old Italian rabbit fur W&W fedora to him to be cleaned and reblocked.

I found the Penman, which he built in the blocky, straight up and down crown, 1930s/40s style, too large for my face. Tried to get acclimated to it but could not, so have asked him to reblock to the late 1950s/60s style crown that Optimo favors. Just a matter of taste and what one is used to, I suppose. I am going to keep the 2.5” brim at least for now, but may move to the 2” stingy brim of my Optimos.

John builds a very high quality hat. Graham and his team, too, of course.

View attachment 809272

Welcome in!

 

[Sydluxer]

Hi everyone,

Early 40's dude from Germany here.

So about 10 years ago or so my then beloved Prada cafe racer got stolen. Yes I know, not really a matching brand to this forum. But it was actually quite a classic pattern (similar to Aero Board Racers, just with one chest pocket) and was made some very nice lambskin. Wasn't perfect, but had it for a while and was pretty fond of it.
Ever since I've been trying to find "the" one cafe racer. Found a nice one in the Schott 530, but it's not quite the one. This, as well as looking for hat's (safari style and aussie Acoubra's mostly) brought me here a while ago. Just finally got around to making an account. Probably should have done so 10 years ago. Such a wealth of knowledge and a friendly tone. Thanks to everyone making this a really cool place!


It just so happens that I finished work late today and have the Schott 530 with me. So I figured I'll make a dorky selfie in the reflecting meeting room window to say hello

View attachment IMG_9661.jpeg

Thanks very much for taking me on ladies and gentlemen!

Have a good day

 

[jeffgarf]

Hi everyone,

Early 40's dude from Germany here.

So about 10 years ago or so my then beloved Prada cafe racer got stolen. Yes I know, not really a matching brand to this forum. But it was actually quite a classic pattern (similar to Aero Board Racers, just with one chest pocket) and was made some very nice lambskin. Wasn't perfect, but had it for a while and was pretty fond of it.
Ever since I've been trying to find "the" one cafe racer. Found a nice one in the Schott 530, but it's not quite the one. This, as well as looking for hat's (safari style and aussie Acoubra's mostly) brought me here a while ago. Just finally got around to making an account. Probably should have done so 10 years ago. Such a wealth of knowledge and a friendly tone. Thanks to everyone making this a really cool place!


It just so happens that I finished work late today and have the Schott 530 with me. So I figured I'll make a dorky selfie in the reflecting meeting room window to say hello

View attachment 810728

Thanks very much for taking me on ladies and gentlemen!

Have a good day

Welcome. I should point out as the one who directed you here, that this is the hats specific section of the board. I am sure there is a similar thread in each area of fashion represented here on the Lounge. Enjoy your time all throughout.

 

[BrimReaper]

Hi everyone, long time listener, first time caller.

I've had a few hats over the years, but none were really my go-to or everyday hat, they'd just hang on the wall most of the time. A month ago I decided I wanted to find that One Hat I could wear almost every day, something that would work with most of my wardrobe more than the fedoras I have. Currently I have an Akubra Adventurer, Stockman, and my latest acquisition was a Snowy River from ebay that someone had given a very aggressive side curl to, while flattening the front and rear brim. I worked on it daily last week: steaming and shaping, letting it set for a day, working it a bit more with steam the next day, and repeating the process.

I managed to get it mostly back to the original shape, which was a little difficult because the felt had been worked hard enough that it wasn't very stiff, so it was a lot of trial and error to get the right set for the sides of the brim based on product photos. I think I got it about where I wanted it, and I learned a fair amount from the process. I found a solid deal on a gray Snowy River that was pretty misshapen for less than $50 shipped, so I'm looking forward to it arriving this week and rehabilitating it as well. (yes, I obviously have a thing for Akubras )

 

[jeffgarf]

Hi everyone, long time listener, first time caller.

I've had a few hats over the years, but none were really my go-to or everyday hat, they'd just hang on the wall most of the time. A month ago I decided I wanted to find that One Hat I could wear almost every day, something that would work with most of my wardrobe more than the fedoras I have. Currently I have an Akubra Adventurer, Stockman, and my latest acquisition was a Snowy River from ebay that someone had given a very aggressive side curl to, while flattening the front and rear brim. I worked on it daily last week: steaming and shaping, letting it set for a day, working it a bit more with steam the next day, and repeating the process.

I managed to get it mostly back to the original shape, which was a little difficult because the felt had been worked hard enough that it wasn't very stiff, so it was a lot of trial and error to get the right set for the sides of the brim based on product photos. I think I got it about where I wanted it, and I learned a fair amount from the process. I found a solid deal on a gray Snowy River that was pretty misshapen for less than $50 shipped, so I'm looking forward to it arriving this week and rehabilitating it as well. (yes, I obviously have a thing for Akubras )

Welcome.

 

[skwerl]

I have been following this forum for several years and finally decided to join. I enjoy looking at the new and vintage hats and have learned a great deal. I started purchasing hats after my dermatologist recommended I cover my balding pate after a first bout of skin cancer. I have always liked hats and the recommendation acted as an impetus.

I stated purchasing new hats through Carolyn Burch's store (Fino Fino in Palo Alto CA) when Graham Thompson used to make his annual visit there. As a result, I have acquired more that a dozen hats, mostly fedoras but two Montecristi Panamas and two Milans through Optimo. I love the hats and wear one every day.

I am technologically challenged but will make an effort to post a photo

Hey Greetingz man , aanoother newbi .
.... skwerl

 

[RickP]

Hi everyone, long time listener, first time caller.

I've had a few hats over the years, but none were really my go-to or everyday hat, they'd just hang on the wall most of the time. A month ago I decided I wanted to find that One Hat I could wear almost every day, something that would work with most of my wardrobe more than the fedoras I have. Currently I have an Akubra Adventurer, Stockman, and my latest acquisition was a Snowy River from ebay that someone had given a very aggressive side curl to, while flattening the front and rear brim. I worked on it daily last week: steaming and shaping, letting it set for a day, working it a bit more with steam the next day, and repeating the process.

I managed to get it mostly back to the original shape, which was a little difficult because the felt had been worked hard enough that it wasn't very stiff, so it was a lot of trial and error to get the right set for the sides of the brim based on product photos. I think I got it about where I wanted it, and I learned a fair amount from the process. I found a solid deal on a gray Snowy River that was pretty misshapen for less than $50 shipped, so I'm looking forward to it arriving this week and rehabilitating it as well. (yes, I obviously have a thing for Akubras )

welcome aboard!