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[Yeps]

New to the site so not sure if anyone here knows but does anyone know any makers who make silk top hats again? I know it went out of production a while back but hoping to find one.

The problem is that no one makes the silk plush used. There are a couple of makers (very expensive) who use old stock silk to make new hats. Your best bet is probably vintage.

 

[Kaister]

thanks for the answer Yeps, I feared that. Guess my search continues...

 

[DavidJ]

Okay, so I have a hat with heavy sweat stains on the crown. I've read several threads on this, but I want to know: what would you advise as the absolute best way to get rid of them?

 

[zetwal]

Okay, so I have a hat with heavy sweat stains on the crown. I've read several threads on this, but I want to know: what would you advise as the absolute best way to get rid of them?

Best odds, professional cleaning by a trained hatter ... ?

 

[Aureliano]

Professional cleaning by a trained hatter ... ?

Exactly what he said.

 

[DavidJ]

This is my experiment hat, so I want to do it myself. If I can't do it, then I'll take it to the hatter.

 

[job]

sheplers.com for cleaner.

 

[DavidJ]

Also, would mink oil work for sweatbands?

 

[zetwal]

Also, would mink oil work for sweatbands?

Yes, it will.

 

[jinenjo]

Yes, it will.

Will it take out buckles in the sweatband?

 

[zetwal]

Will it take out buckles in the sweatband?

It will soften (condition) the leather.

 

[DavidJ]

Thanks Zetwal. I figured it would, as I use it for my leather jacket, but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

 

[mattface]

Help! curling sweat

So the sweat in my new to me Stetson 3x was looking pretty good when I got it, though it was a little thin and a little sticky. It has oilcloth behind it, and it's fairly thin leather.

Shortly after I started wearing it the edges started to curl. I cleaned it with saddle soap, then treated it with a bees-wax olive oil mixture I've had good luck with on saddle leather. That got rid of the stickiness, but the curling is pretty bad, and the curled edges have turned dry and hard. Now I'm thinking I'll have to treat the leather quite a bit more to get rid of the curling, but was wondering if anyone here has any tips to try and get it back to laying straight, and what sort of leather conditioner folks recommend.

If all else fails I'll have the sweat replaced. It's a very nice hat, but even when flat, the sweatband was nothing to write home about, so even though I'll lose the stetson name if I do it. it's bound to improve the hat, and I could get it enlarged a bit at the same time. If I go that way does anyone have a recommendation for a place to do the sweat replacement. If anyone knows a place in Vermont I'd be especially interested to know a local place that can do hat cleaning/blocking/sweat replacement. Barring that, Boston is a place I visit from time to time. Not that it HAS to be local, but I'd prefer a local place if I can find one.

 

[gtdean48]

It is gone = get it replaced.

So the sweat in my new to me Stetson 3x was looking pretty good when I got it, though it was a little thin and a little sticky. It has oilcloth behind it, and it's fairly thin leather.

Shortly after I started wearing it the edges started to curl. I cleaned it with saddle soap, then treated it with a bees-wax olive oil mixture I've had good luck with on saddle leather. That got rid of the stickiness, but the curling is pretty bad, and the curled edges have turned dry and hard. Now I'm thinking I'll have to treat the leather quite a bit more to get rid of the curling, but was wondering if anyone here has any tips to try and get it back to laying straight, and what sort of leather conditioner folks recommend.

If all else fails I'll have the sweat replaced. It's a very nice hat, but even when flat, the sweatband was nothing to write home about, so even though I'll lose the stetson name if I do it. it's bound to improve the hat, and I could get it enlarged a bit at the same time. If I go that way does anyone have a recommendation for a place to do the sweat replacement. If anyone knows a place in Vermont I'd be especially interested to know a local place that can do hat cleaning/blocking/sweat replacement. Barring that, Boston is a place I visit from time to time. Not that it HAS to be local, but I'd prefer a local place if I can find one.

 

[frussell]

Careful with the mink oil boys, don't get it anywhere near any stitching, as it will eventually rot them, and can also soak through easily and stain the felt. Frank

 

[jinenjo]

Careful with the mink oil boys, don't get it anywhere near any stitching, as it will eventually rot them, and can also soak through easily and stain the felt. Frank

Any alternative oils or conditioners?

 

[Rodkins]

So far I've had decent luck with Lexol.

 

[buler]

Any alternative oils or conditioners?

Pecards

B

 

[gtdean48]

So far I've had decent luck with Lexol.

+1

 

[zetwal]

Any alternative oils or conditioners?

Frussell is correct about the stitching and mink oil, etc.

I'm not big on Lexol. I prefer pure shea butter.