Bowler hats anyone?

[tightcollarman]

Hello everyone...quick question as to who likes bowler (derby) hats, and who actually owns one? I do, but have rarely the occasion to wear it. However, I do volunteer at a local museum, which affords me the opportunity to dress in period attire occasionally.

Regards....Brad

http://flickr.com/photos/92708344@N00/2819715804/in/set-72157603119301675/

For more vintage-style shots, got to http://flickr.com/photos/92708344@N00/

 

[Garrett]

Welcome to the lounge, sir!

Here are three vintage bowlers I have in the collection:

Stetson "Select" Quality

Moores of England

Mossant of France

 

[Slim Portly]

Welcome, sir. Here is the thread dedicated to the Derby/Bowler and those of us who wear them

 

[Dinerman]

I have three, a Knox 15, a Disney and a Stetson

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Dinerman, I think you just outdid John Steed!!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[carter]

There are many threads regarding the Bowler.

This one has 135 posts
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=34544&highlight=bowler

This one has 81 posts
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=1160&highlight=bowler

 

[David V]

There are many threads regarding the Bowler.

This one has 135 posts
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=34544&highlight=bowler

This one has 81 posts
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=1160&highlight=bowler

And to date, this one has 7.
I own a bowler and last wore it on Christmas.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

I like the look, for a rare change of pace. My wife doesn't like it, at all.

 

[Caity Lynn]

Bowlers amuse me, I REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY want to just run into someone wearing one lol if he were my age it would probably be love at first sight lol a bowler or a top hat, and I'm yours lol They're so neat.

 

[Bingles]

I have three, a Knox 15, a Disney and a Stetson

You should be on the cover of a magazine.

 

[Davidson]

[...]who actually owns one? I do, but have rarely the occasion to wear it. However, I do volunteer at a local museum, which affords me the opportunity to dress in period attire occasionally.

I have an old Stetson bowler. To me, it is a daily wear item. I wear it with just about anything. I think historically it was mainly an every-man, every-day kind of hat. It is my wife's favorite, she smiles every time I wear it.

 

[LordBest]

I wear a bowler quite often, it goes surprisingly well with a black t shirt, when one is forced to wear modern clothes due to catastrophic laundry malfunctions (involving a cat). Hat is a vintage 20-30s Christy's bowler.

And for Caity Lynn:

 

[KeyGrip]

I really want one, but the hat budget is a bit low right now. I'm trying to decide on a color as well.

 

[Lokar]

I don't wear mine too often (it has shrunk and wearing it looks odd, or is too tight and hurts), but I imagine I will sometimes wear mine if I can stretch it out.

 

[Nick D]

I'd like one, but it will require me finding one in person I can try on. I won't buy a stiff hat (topper, bowler, boater) without trying it on, to be sure of fit. My wife says she needs to see it on me to decide if she likes it or not, she's fine with and encourages everything else, but she's on the fence about bowlers.

 

[Mr. Paladin]

I have a Thomas Moore bowler in my collection. My wife does not like it either, JT! I would wear it out for an evening but I would be going out alone!I only wear it at Christmas and the grandkids love it.

 

[Pat_H]

Bowlers in London, 1967

Bowlers, London, 1967.

http://tbn0.google.com/hosted/images/c?q=c21c9857659212e5_landing

 

[carldelo]

Mr. Paladin, you're a natural in the bowler - you could wear it daily, I would say.

I'm with Nick D., I would have to try one on before buying. I just ordered a fedora from hornetshats, and it was very tempting to get a Christy's bowler. I know it would fit (an issue for vintage), but have never even put a bowler on before, so couldn't do it.

Last night, I was at a dance at the Roseland ballroom in NYC (a soul-funk dance). I counted 6 bowlers, and there had to be at least 20 homburgs and maybe 80 fedoras altogether. The bowlers looked sharp. A large number of the fedora wearers wore them with the front brim up - more than 50%. I brought a hat too, but I have to check mine to keep from dying of over-sweating. I don't know how those guys do it.

 

[Charlie Huang]

I'm tempted to get a bowler as well for my London meetings. It might have to be a Lock after juggling between the pros and cons from various forums and threads. I think Patey makes the best (the original stiff as a helmet type with what looks like top hat fur felt) but the cost is just too high at £440 (probably dabble with that thought if I get to be invited to The Palace or something)...

 

[Queue]

I have one, but like you, don't get to wear it very often (read: ever) but inspired by some of the pictures here maybe I'll start wearing it again.

Due respect to everyone else, you all look great, but Dinerman you inspire me!