This has been my experience with my Akubra Campdraft.....survives soakings with zero ill effects. It is the reason I purchased it as for the small $$$ it cost me thought it worth the risk. My new Stetson Stetsonian ended up with a wonky brim after just a slight dampening from a rain so I no longer wear that one in the rain.
Long time no post, but I need some advice on the old size-up or size-down question. I am looking to get a campaign hat (think Smokey Bear, not Rough Riders). Usually I wear a 7-1/4, but measurement-wise I'm between a 7-1/8 and 7-1/4. And I've recently figured out that I'm an extra long oval.
Stratton's felt campaign hats come in XLO and I recently went to a local uniform shop to try the Stratton size rings. The size rings confirmed the head shape, but left me utterly perplexed regarding the sizing. The first one I tried was the 7-1/4 XLO and it was like putting a hoola hoop over my head. Then I tried the 7-1/8 XLO and it fell down and rested on my ears. So I tried the 7 XLO and it sat ever so slightly higher on my head, but very close to where I'd want to wear the hat.
The shop didn't have any hats in the style I wanted in XLO to try on, but did have one in another style in a 7 XLO. And of course it was too small and sat on my head like a kids' hat. My theory is that the size rings actually match the blocks and don't account for the sweatband, which makes no sense at all from the perspective of trying to figure out what size you wear. Go figure.
Anyway, my head measurement is 22-3/8". Stratton says a 7-1/8 is 22-1/4" (or 1/8" smaller than my head) and a 7-1/4 is 22-5/8" (or 1/4" larger than my head). Normally I'd go up and put padding behind the sweatband and so far every hat I own has eventually shrunk to fit. But I have no idea what to expect from a stiff hat like a campaign hat.
So, do I go with the 7-1/8 and try to stretch it out the extra 1/8" or go with the 7-1/4 and pad it in the hope it might shrink a little?
All comments welcome and appreciated. Extra points for comments coupled with experience.
Gustin Vintage Heavyweight Sweatshirt - Natural Rainbow Nep - $119 Rugged 14oz cotton that gets better with every wear. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - #395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Himel Bros. - The Ross Mk. 1 Leather Jacket Classic D-pocket motorcycle/aviator style jacket. 
Am I the only one who thinks that "Akubra" can only be pronounced properly by Australians?
Have you been watching Hats by the Hundred YouTube videos?
Ditto with the Akubra. It has proven itself in the rain without losing its shape when left to dry on its own. I also have a brown Stetson Benchmark 100% beaver that looks too pretty to chance spotting in the rain. I do have a crushable wool Stetson Bozeman that keeps its shape in the rain. I think it is the way the crushable hats are made, with no stiffeners. I will also probably wear my new Open Road in the rain in order to shrink it a little and soften it as it is pretty stiff.
I agree with Panama Hats Direct for the weaving, but you will probably have to have it reblocked to get a crisper look.
I have been tempted by the Brent Black website. In terms of Panama hats he is THE guy. He sells online only but lives in Medford just down the road from Art at VS. You want Panama hat porn check out his website.
I have, and like his stuff, just very expensive. I have been looking at an item in my size on Ebay from halfpricepauley for a Brent Black Hartford York straw hat for around $500 for the past few months, but it doesn't list the thread count and the picture shows a different size than the description. It says original price is $1350, but ???
