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[Joao Encarnado]

I checked out some of the MHT straw hats today in person. I was really taken back by the low quality fit and finish. The straw may as well be plastic- I don't know what kind of straw they use but they've been lacquered so heavily that they look like plastic toy hats.

I've been quite impressed with their felt hats, and even their wool/felt blends are pretty nice. But I won't be picking up a MHT straw Western, that's for sure. Bummer.

Straws are mostly shantung. For a good straw you need to go out of the "big brands".
I've looked for the felt hats, not straw.

 

[JWBernard]

Not sure if this is the write thread, but here goes:

I've just put in an order for a dark moss custom, 4 1/2 inch crown, 2 1/2 inch brim. The swatch is very dark and rich--which is what sold me--and seems to shift along a brown-green spectrum depending on the lighting, the color behind it, etc.

My question is, what color ribbon would you suggest, especially if I'd like to bring out the brown aspects?

 

[Bob Roberts]

I'm guessing a shade of brown. I'm liking mid to darker "tans" with the deeper green shades.

 

[hatsRme]

Looking at this bowler on the bay.
Size says 6 5/8 54cm, but isn't 6 5/8 53cm?
Item no. 322412586977

What do i go by? I like the hat just not sure on the size. Thanks!

Hi, Luis!
You want to be as close to "right on" as possible with sizing a Bowler, Bud. Not a soft felt, you can get a real headache trying "break in" the wrong size. Measure your hat(s) that currently fit best, both front-to-back AND side-to-side. Those are the important dimensions.

And, @Luis, you're welcome!

 

[hatsRme]

Not sure if this is the write thread, but here goes:

I've just put in an order for a dark moss custom, 4 1/2 inch crown, 2 1/2 inch brim. The swatch is very dark and rich--which is what sold me--and seems to shift along a brown-green spectrum depending on the lighting, the color behind it, etc.

My question is, what color ribbon would you suggest, especially if I'd like to bring out the brown aspects?

Bob Roberts is dead nuts on!! I have a dark moss felt with an "espresso" brown ribbon which is forever getting complements. Actually posted it in today's WHAYWT thread. I don't recall if it's considered a contrasting color, or a complementary color, but a classic combo, it IS!

 

[Celia]

Looking at this bowler on the bay.
Size says 6 5/8 54cm, but isn't 6 5/8 53cm?
Item no. 322412586977

What do i go by? I like the hat just not sure on the size. Thanks!

As it's a British hat, they use UK sizing. A UK 6 5/8 corresponds to a US 6 3/4 or EU 54.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stiffen up a cloth safari hat? Specifically the crown. The brim is fine.

Thanx!
Charlie

 

[Luis]

As it's a British hat, they use UK sizing. A UK 6 5/8 corresponds to a US 6 3/4 or EU 54.

Thank you so much! I will have to pass on this one since it does not fit.

 

[carouselvic]

I like copper color ribbon on a green hat.

 

[Bob Roberts]

Bob Roberts is dead nuts on!! I have a dark moss felt with an "espresso" brown ribbon which is forever getting complements. Actually posted it in today's WHAYWT thread. I don't recall if it's considered a contrasting color, or a complementary color, but a classic combo, it IS!

I'd say it's a contrasting color that compliments.

 

[Luis]

Hi, Luis!
You want to be as close to "right on" as possible with sizing a Bowler, Bud. Not a soft felt, you can get a real headache trying "break in" the wrong size. Measure your hat(s) that currently fit best, both front-to-back AND side-to-side. Those are the important dimensions.

And, @Luis, you're welcome!

I just put a deposit down with Bob at Blacksheep, definitely perfect guy for the job, I have a few months to decide before locking down the dimensions.
Don't mind buying one off the bay first to see how one looks.

 

[hatsRme]

I put a deposit down with Bob at Blacksheep, so I have a few months to see what I like before telling him.

Lucky man!! Great choice! Bob's a great guy, creative and talented hatter.

 

[JWBernard]

Bob Roberts is dead nuts on!! I have a dark moss felt with an "espresso" brown ribbon which is forever getting complements. Actually posted it in today's WHAYWT thread. I don't recall if it's considered a contrasting color, or a complementary color, but a classic combo, it IS!

I like copper color ribbon on a green hat.

That was my first thought, actually. I've been looking at swatches and samples in the ballparks of espresso brown, cinnamon, and copper

 

[Bob Roberts]

On the right track JW

 

[Fivesense]

Straws are mostly shantung. For a good straw you need to go out of the "big brands".
I've looked for the felt hats, not straw.

I'm now looking at the Atwood palm hats. Seems like a good option at a great cost. The lighter colored (whitish) palm still looks classy and from what I've read, are probably quite breathable during the hotter weather. I'm deciding between eyelets and perforations. I guess it all comes down to visual aesthetic once you've chosen the material (straw vs. palm).

 

[Bill Hughes]

I'm having some problems getting information on a Charles Knox twenty five. Can't seem to find much on dating them. Here is one I just acquired. I have several more pictures I can post from the seller.

 

[Redfokker]

I'm having some problems getting information on a Charles Knox twenty five. Can't seem to find much on dating them. Here is one I just acquired. I have several more pictures I can post from the seller.
View attachment 67005 View attachment 67006 View attachment 67007 View attachment 67008

Interesting! I am also looking forward to information on this one too, hat knowledge is everything. Welcome to the Fray my new friend!

 

[moontheloon]

I'm having some problems getting information on a Charles Knox twenty five. Can't seem to find much on dating them. Here is one I just acquired. I have several more pictures I can post from the seller.
View attachment 67005 View attachment 67006 View attachment 67007 View attachment 67008

from what I have gathered if it says Charles Knox it is post 1962
which seems right ... that hat looks 60s to me

 

[humanshoes]

Hello all, Here somewhere within the deepest, darkest confines of the Fedora Lounge lurks a vintage picture of a fellow wearing a fedora, a leather jacket, and knee length engineer boots. The Gentleman is kneeling down and gazing at a distant something or other. I know the pic is here somewhere, but, after an hour of searching to no avail, I've decided to ask for a little help from my friends. Anyone know where it is or even which one I am talking about?

 

[ChrisB]

Anyone have an Akubra Plainsman? Any opinions or photos? I'm interested in this hat because it is rather different from most of the Akubra line, also my first hat was a similar style.