Biltmore hats?

[Octavius]

What do you think about Biltmore hats? I found out that they're made about a half hour drive from where I live and there's some kind of factory outlet store there.
Some of the hats on their website look nice, but how are they in terms of quality and value. I haven't been able to find much information about them.

 

[St.Ignatz]

The Biltmore Senator was my first "quality" hat. It is/was their intro level fur felt. I still like the weight of the felt and for the price the overall quality is there. I am very impressed with the web site in the amount of information they give on felts and straws. Minority owned for the last several years and struggling to stay afloat. They seem to be trying to find a niche. I've seen some of the higher quality hats and can't find fault in the workmanship. I'm sure you will get a response form more learned members.

 

[epic610]

biltmore...

is probably the best quality of manufactured hats. hopefully, there is an outlet.

 

[Lefty]

I don't know if that's true or not, but the Akubra Alliance (yeah, I coined it), might take you to task on that statement.

 

[carter]

I have several hats from Biltmore. They make a quality product. If I lived near them, I'd definitely make a trip or two to their Factory/Outlet store.

 

[Octavius]

I'll definitly be making a trip to the factory. According to their website, they have a museum and outlet store there.

 

[Bird's One View]

I haven't worn mine much (because it's a homburg) but it seems to be a decent hat.

From the factory it didn't fit well, but nothing does. I had it reblocked with a long oval block and it's much better.

By the way, before buying it I spoke by telephone with someone at the factory who was very helpful describing their various styles and felt finishes.

 

[carter]

I'll definitly be making a trip to the factory. According to their website, they have a museum and outlet store there.

Octavius, Please take some pictures if you are able. Pictures of the museum would be worth starting a new thread and there is a thread for Hat Shops where you can post pictures of the outlet store. It would be nice to see both and to read about what is available at the outlet store.

It's niceto have you on board. Carter

 

[Colby Jack]

Welcome to the lounge Octavius!:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Lumelux]

There's definitely an outlet. It's in Guelph Ontario and I've been there a few times before I moved to the US. They have quite a few hats for sale. I'm guessing last years models. They also had some nice vintage stuff on display, if I remember correctly. Anyway, if you're in the area, it's worth checking out but don't expect any deep discounts.

 

[nola89]

I like them. I have my eye on this one pork pie Meyer The Hatter has.

You're pretty lucky to live where you do.

 

[besdor]

Biltmore is the most accomadating hat factory today. They will make whatever we need whether it be two or twenty of an item. The problem is money. They have none and the only way to buy from them is to buy the felt beforeahnd. Then the hats are made and we pay for the labor. It works forthe major stores who can anticipate what they will need three months in advance. Their quality is very good. I have never sent back a hat to biltmore because of a quality problem .I cant say the same for Stetson Or Borsalino .



Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[Interbak]

Hey All,

The Biltmore factory and outlet is located at 139 Morris St., in Guelph, ON. Phone number is 519-822-0505. There's always a good selection of hats there, in all sizes. You can usually find wools starting around $50.00 - $60.00, on up to beavers for several hundred. Size and styles vary, it is an outlet after all. They are not open on Saturdays anymore so don't make a weekend special trip, they are open until 8:00 or 9:00 on Thursday nights.

Brian

 

[Octavius]

Thanks for all the info!
I think I'll make a trip out there on a friday, as I only have to work until 10:30. I'll try to remember my camera and maybe post a few pics of the museum/store, and of course, any hat I might buy!

 

[filfoster]

Biltmore

Last year I acquired a vintage Biltmore homburg. What a beautiful hat, complete with box. I am uncomfortable wearing it yet, (see thread I started today on this) but am looking forward to it someday.

 

[seed]

About a couple of months ago, I purchased a Biltmore Eleganza and had its brim trimmed to 1 3/4" and the crown shaped to a C-crown. It came out real nice and is very tough. The felt is thick and a bit on the stiff side, but it looks perfect to me and will endure for many, many years. And besides, Mr. Deckard rated them above Akubra (I believe he rated Biltmore tops) in another thread for the best hats coming from a factory company. That's a huge endorsement in my book.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Biltmore Peluche with a dimensional brim: 3 1/4 inches front and back and 3 inches on the sides. The open crown is a modest 5 1/4 inches. Great supple sweatband. The felt is easily shaped, but it could use some steam if you want the shape to hold.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Biltmore Imperial chocolate brown homburg. This hat was sold to me as NOS and I believe them:

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Biltmore Silver Buckle Hand Creased 4X. The crown is 5 3/4” as creased and the raw edge brim is 3 7/8” wide. At some point it acquired a genuine rattlesnake hat band complete with the rattle.

 

[nvilletele]

Biltmore Silver Buckle Hand Creased 4X. The crown is 5 3/4” as creased and the raw edge brim is 3 7/8” wide. At some point it acquired a genuine rattlesnake hat band complete with the rattle. View attachment 439663 View attachment 439664 View attachment 439665 View attachment 439666 View attachment 439667 View attachment 439668

This is very nice. I got my son a couple of Biltmore western hats that I am considering stealing back.

I have a Homburg similar to the one you posted about around a year ago. Mine is in mustard color. It too was sold to me, some years ago already, as NOS and it certainly to be.