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Fivesense

One of the Regulars
Messages
210
Location
Idaho
If you haven't yet, take a look through the 'What Hat Are You Wearing Today' thread. You'll want to determine what type of fedora you think you will be comfortable with on your head. That is, brim and crown sizes on actual heads, which is important. From the pictures you may be able to tell whose head and face are shaped similar to yours. Hats on tables only tell half the story.

Then, take a look on ebay, even if you're not ready to buy. There are always dozens of fedoras for sale there, of varying quality.

And I'd be looking at fur felt. They're generally better quality, durability-wise, than wool. But, you may want to go with a woolie first, as they are generally much less expensive than furs, and will give you a good idea of what looks good on you.
Great suggestion! I'm going through the "What hat are you wearing today" thread. Lots of great ideas! Thank you!
 
Messages
12,384
Location
Albany Oregon
Greetings fellow loungers. I too have had issues with Woolite fading liner crests. Specifically, Stetson 100 and 50 7x. Really bummed me out. Both were vintage with the gold crest. I’m not sure if it was just that type crest but i don’t intend to experiment with others.
After research i found a product used by antique quilt collectors to remove yellowing etc. from age seen on antique quilts and clothing. The product is called “Retro Clean”. It is a soak powder added to water. I suggest you Google it and read the testimonials and specifics. It’s pricey but so are my hats. I ordered online as it doesn’t seem to be sold elsewhere.
I used it on an uber old Borsalino Gargasu liner that was so fragile it was shredding and yellow like an old window curtain and a two toned embroidered Dobbs Rainbow liner. Fabulous results! No fading or bleeding of the Dobbs and the Borsa seemed much less friable. I think it prudent to use less powder than called for to be cautious. I will def use it in the future but please use your own discretion.
I don’t know how it works on ink marks, hair crease or other unknown crud but would be interested in hearing others experiences in this topic. Be well. Bowen
Filing this info away for future use. I have some liners in need of some TLC. Thanks Bowen. Would love to see some pics of the old Borsalino!
 

AbbaDatDeHat

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,856
Filing this info away for future use. I have some liners in need of some TLC. Thanks Bowen. Would love to see some pics of the old Borsalino!

Hey Red: thanks. Still kinda smarting from the Bob thing. Was just getting ready to start posting when the “Wildcat” strike took hold. Guess it kinda took the shine off things. I’ll put that work in progress Borsa on the list to post. Don’t know how with my iphone. Ha. Been liking your lovelies. Be well. Bowen
 
Messages
12,384
Location
Albany Oregon
Hey Red: thanks. Still kinda smarting from the Bob thing. Was just getting ready to start posting when the “Wildcat” strike took hold. Guess it kinda took the shine off things. I’ll put that work in progress Borsa on the list to post. Don’t know how with my iphone. Ha. Been liking your lovelies. Be well. Bowen
Life goes on here on the Lounge. Things are leveling out. New folks, most of the regulars. And as a bonus, we are seeing @moontheloon more and more. I think you can transfer your images off your phone to a computer, resize and post from there (the upload a file button) There is always a way!
 
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
Is there someone out there who can educate me on Melton hats? I just picked up a homburg on impulse. I've been looking for a black Homburg for semi formal attire and this one just looked right even though I don't know anything about it. It was listed as new old stock. I'd like to know whatever your able to share.

cfe54b9eb5bd1a8808a2eb4079d9dc70.jpg
e633bba80a7a0f57eefa11b6bc824bfe.jpg
1ec65ad73c25c1fb77f4fe597c8844ec.jpg
8454c6657d038df3709a22a3a8db4b5d.jpg


The hat is part of some dead stock form a defunct store. The seller claims it's from the '50s. I should have it in hand by the end of next week. Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

AbbaDatDeHat

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,856
Greetings folks: Does anybody know where the Vita-Felt? thread went? I just get Lounge Error when i try to look at the bookmark. I know it was at least 12 pages of pure joy. What the heck!! I needa Vita-Fix!! Be well. Bowen
 

OldStrummer

Practically Family
Messages
552
Location
Ashburn, Virginia USA
Here's an off-the-wall question for those with taste in fine headwear:

I have quickly created a collection of fedoras and trilbys covering the range of most colors associated with them: black, grey, brown, green (loden), navy (a pork pie) and oxblood.

What should my next color be? Or, should I add a different model in a color I already own (e.g., a navy fedora to match my pork pie)?

I've been looking at greys and browns/beiges, since there's a wife variety of shadings in those hues, but maybe I'm missing something obvious?
 
Messages
12,384
Location
Albany Oregon
Is there someone out there who can educate me on Melton hats? I just picked up a homburg on impulse. I've been looking for a black Homburg for semi formal attire and this one just looked right even though I don't know anything about it. It was listed as new old stock. I'd like to know whatever your able to share.

cfe54b9eb5bd1a8808a2eb4079d9dc70.jpg
e633bba80a7a0f57eefa11b6bc824bfe.jpg
1ec65ad73c25c1fb77f4fe597c8844ec.jpg
8454c6657d038df3709a22a3a8db4b5d.jpg


The hat is part of some dead stock form a defunct store. The seller claims it's from the '50s. I should have it in hand by the end of next week. Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I thought they messed up the whole Bowler/Derby thing. If this is indeed a black homburg, yessss! The MFG tag looks kind of 50s (?) and it is interesting that the St. Regis name is there instead of being on a Stetson Homburg. It looks pretty great no matter what.
 
Messages
12,384
Location
Albany Oregon
Here's an off-the-wall question for those with taste in fine headwear:

I have quickly created a collection of fedoras and trilbys covering the range of most colors associated with them: black, grey, brown, green (loden), navy (a pork pie) and oxblood.

What should my next color be? Or, should I add a different model in a color I already own (e.g., a navy fedora to match my pork pie)?

I've been looking at greys and browns/beiges, since there's a wife variety of shadings in those hues, but maybe I'm missing something obvious?
Its all good! You can never have enough of one color or the other. Different shades of tan/brown are always versatile. And a Navy anything is sweet.
 

Rockwater

A-List Customer
Messages
437
[QUOTE="Redfokker, post: 2348160, member: 38622
I think you can transfer your images off your phone to a computer, resize and post from there (the upload a file button) There is always a way![/QUOTE]

I post everything directly from my phone, skip the computer, and no resizing necessary.
 
Messages
12,384
Location
Albany Oregon
[QUOTE="Redfokker, post: 2348160, member: 38622
I think you can transfer your images off your phone to a computer, resize and post from there (the upload a file button) There is always a way!

I post everything directly from my phone, skip the computer, and no resizing necessary.[/QUOTE]
A tutorial is in order for some of our less technical (me) members. I know it has been done before, but a refresher course would be wonderful.
 

Fivesense

One of the Regulars
Messages
210
Location
Idaho
This has undoubtedly been asked, but I couldn't find an answer with a cursory look. How does the Stetson Chatham compare to the Stratoliner or Saxon or Temple in terms of felt stiffness? Is the Chatham flexible and soft or stiff?
 
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
I thought they messed up the whole Bowler/Derby thing. If this is indeed a black homburg, yessss! The MFG tag looks kind of 50s (?) and it is interesting that the St. Regis name is there instead of being on a Stetson Homburg. It looks pretty great no matter what.

Thanks Red. The proportions just don't look like a bowler/derby to me. I think it will turn out to be a homburg. I don't have a lot if use for black hats (personal preference) but for wear with a dinner jacket a black homburg is perfect.

I don't think that I'll be disappointed with he quality, but I just don't know anything about Melton hats. I've searched the FL using the Google search tool and there just isn't much here on them.
 
Messages
10,862
Location
vancouver, canada
OldStrummer said:
Here's an off-the-wall question for those with taste in fine headwear:

I have quickly created a collection of fedoras and trilbys covering the range of most colors associated with them: black, grey, brown, green (loden), navy (a pork pie) and oxblood.

What should my next color be? Or, should I add a different model in a color I already own (e.g., a navy fedora to match my pork pie)?

I've been looking at greys and browns/beiges, since there's a wife variety of shadings in those hues, but maybe I'm missing something obvious?
I would look to add a silverbelly or sand. I have a few and they are great in spring early symmer weather and a versatile colour to match up
 

OldStrummer

Practically Family
Messages
552
Location
Ashburn, Virginia USA
Its all good! You can never have enough of one color or the other. Different shades of tan/brown are always versatile. And a Navy anything is sweet.

Thanks, Mike. The answer I was pretty much expecting, LOL.

I seem to be drawn to grey/silver in fur felt right now. The Flechet I have is pretty stiff and board-like. I like the hand on my fur and wool felt hats.

And doggone it, as I was searching for a sample, I came across this little beasty, that I just couldn't resist.

s-l1600.jpg
 
Messages
10,862
Location
vancouver, canada
I picked up a couple more Irish caps this week- I love them because they are lightweight, and they are great to wear even in high mountain windy conditions. These two new additions are a combination of tweed barleycorn and herringbone. But, as I do like a bit of a brim to block the sun (when I'm not wearing my cowboy hats) I do like an Irish walking cap.

I'm venturing into fedora territory when I get beyond the 1 1/2" brim. Any basic, starting point recommendations? I'm looking at wool, felt, wool/felt.

Stylistically, I trend toward "outdoorsish" rather than town square.

I look forward to your suggestions!
Akubra would be my choice. Lots if outdoorsy styles, great pricing, and rugged as hell. Everything Australian and then Hats Direct have best pricing.
 
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
Thanks, Mike. The answer I was pretty much expecting, LOL.

I seem to be drawn to grey/silver in fur felt right now. The Flechet I have is pretty stiff and board-like. I like the hand on my fur and wool felt hats.

And doggone it, as I was searching for a sample, I came across this little beasty, that I just couldn't resist.

s-l1600.jpg

That looks a lot like a Selentino hat. I've owned several but I like to try one of their higher grade hats.

Add my vote for Silverbelly or one of the lighter shades. I also think you should try something with a brim width of 2 5/8 to 2 3/4. I think that with a few days of wear you'll like how you look in the wider brims. Perhaps a Campdraft in Silverbelly?
 

OldStrummer

Practically Family
Messages
552
Location
Ashburn, Virginia USA
That looks a lot like a Selentino hat. I've owned several but I like to try one of their higher grade hats.

Yes, I believe it's a Selentino. The price was too attractive to pass up. I'm currently buying "beater" hats, so this fits right in!

Add my vote for Silverbelly or one of the lighter shades. I also think you should try something with a brim width of 2 5/8 to 2 3/4. I think that with a few days of wear you'll like how you look in the wider brims. Perhaps a Campdraft in Silverbelly?

I'm thinking much the same thing. The Mallory I got from @Redfokker has a slightly wider brim. On the other hand, I bought a Stetson bush hat earlier this year that had a 3" brim and I think it looks terrible on me. I'll look into a Campdraft, but what I've seen so far doesn't sing to me...

Thanks!
 

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