Going to buy an Akubra Sydney - help from owners!

[MattJH]

So I'm going to dive in and finally get my first real fedora. Due to my head size (63cm), selection is limited and it appears this is my best choice that I've found. According to davidmorgan.com, it can be worn in the rain, it's a softer felt, and there's no need to "baby" it. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Looks like there are two color choices for the Sydney, and I like the "Regency Fawn" over the "Charcoal." I think...

Anyway, here are my questions:

01) Are the Akubras true to size or is there something I should know? I'm a 7 7/8 in Tilleys, for instance, but I'm a 7 3/4 in fitted ballcaps.

02) Considering I'm approximately 63cm, are there other Akubras I should be looking at before making my purchase? Looks like only a select few are made to fit sizes higher than 61cm. It's important that the hat be good for city wear / casual wear.

03) I've a choice to order the Sydney open crown or pre-shaped. I'm tempted to go unbashed, of course, because I'd like to do it myself. I understand it's very easy to do this. Get it into the shape you like, find a rainstorm to walk through, and voil?† -- the hat retains the bash. Do you find this to be true?

04) Is it an easy snap brim, or will I need to shape the brim using steam?

05) Can this hat be packed/crushed? Not that I'm planning on it, but just in case.

06) How well does it truly hold up to the elements?

I'm probably overcomplicating the whole thing. It's my Aries blood combined with my ISTJ personality Any help appreciated -- thanks!

 

[MattJH]

By the way -- my first choice was an Akubra "Casual" but they don't make it to my size. I really like it!

 

[SHARPETOYS]

02) Considering I'm approximately 63cm, are there other Akubras I should be looking at before making my purchase? Looks like only a select few are made to fit sizes higher than 61cm. It's important that the hat be good for city wear / casual wear.

Federation....Great hat....Even greater seller....Ron at Hatsdirect...

http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi/products.cgi?view=44&returncat=Fedora+Hats&returnpage=0

 

[MattJH]

02) Considering I'm approximately 63cm, are there other Akubras I should be looking at before making my purchase? Looks like only a select few are made to fit sizes higher than 61cm. It's important that the hat be good for city wear / casual wear.

Federation....Great hat....Even greater seller....Ron at Hatsdirect...

http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi/products.cgi?view=44&returncat=Fedora+Hats&returnpage=0

This appears to be larger than the Sydney, yes? Crown height looks to be 6" in the 63cm size rather than 5.5" for the Sydney in the same size. The Federation really does look like a nice hat, but isn't it a bit overkill for casual wear? Yes/no? Hard to tell without holding the thing

 

[MattJH]

This appears to be larger than the Sydney, yes? Crown height looks to be 6" in the 63cm size rather than 5.5" for the Sydney in the same size. The Federation really does look like a nice hat, but isn't it a bit overkill for casual wear? Yes/no? Hard to tell without holding the thing

As a secondary note, the Federation / Federation Deluxe is meant to be an Indiana Jones-type hat. Definitely too bulky for me.

So back to the Sydney! Thoughts?

 

[Mr. Lucky]

As a secondary note, the Federation / Federation Deluxe is meant to be an Indiana Jones-type hat. Definitely too bulky for me.

So back to the Sydney! Thoughts?

I have a Syndey at 7 7/8. I usually wear a 7 3/4 - 62 and this one is BIG on me at 63, so I'm sure it will fit you. It's a good hat, but does have a mild taper to the crown - the only drawback I can find. BUT it does come open crowned which gives you the chance to bash as you see fit. I have a Federation as well and, try as much as I can, I just can't get it to work for me with the high crown. I even tried having the brim trimmed a bit, and it still looks awkward. Not the same with the Sydney.

I say give it a shot. Oh, you can also find it on HatsDirect under the moniker 'Fedora'. Good luck.

 

[Mike in Seattle]

As a secondary note, the Federation / Federation Deluxe is meant to be an Indiana Jones-type hat. Definitely too bulky for me.

So back to the Sydney! Thoughts?

Why not just call David Morgan and ask? They're just up the road from me (well, half an hour or so...but relatively speaking...) and they seem to be very helpful. They could probably answer those questions and more that crop up right off the top of their heads.

Researching things on the internet is great, but sometimes, a few minutes on the phone can result in loads more useful information.

 

[MattJH]

Researching things on the internet is great, but sometimes, a few minutes on the phone can result in loads more useful information.

You know, you're absolutely right. Perfect illustration of PC dependance there. One day, phonebooks will be obsolete because of how easy it is to get this way. Holding an IT position as my career doesn't help much!

Thanks to everyone else, too. I do have a question...

I have a Syndey at 7 7/8. I usually wear a 7 3/4 - 62 and this one is BIG on me at 63, so I'm sure it will fit you. It's a good hat, but does have a mild taper to the crown - the only drawback I can find.

Would you mind explaining what a mild taper is and why it's undesireable?

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Would you mind explaining what a mild taper is and why it's undesireable?

A mild taper is when the crown of the hat narrows slightly from the base of the brim to the top of the bash. I prefer no taper - a style indicative of older fedoras - which is nothing more than just a personal preference.

Search the lounge for some pictoral examples, there should be plenty.

 

[MattJH]

A mild taper is when the crown of the hat narrows slightly from the base of the brim to the top of the bash. I prefer no taper - a style indicative of older fedoras - which is nothing more than just a personal preference.

Search the lounge for some pictoral examples, there should be plenty.

Thank you!

Also, still looking for impressions/feedback from those who own a Sydney...

 

[Rick Blaine]

Not a Sydney, but

still a lovely city-type hat, is the Akubra Swing

I just spoke w/ strand via email & was quoted a price right at $125 USD delivered & Insured from OZ. Also on their site they say-" Akubra Special Sizes from tiny (48cm) to super-large (76cm), are available in selected styles and colours so please feel free to enquire." so maybe they can accommodate yr. big melon too. I would drop the hammer on this meself, just do not happen to have 125 clams of discretionary income at present...

 

[griffer]

i literally got my Akubra casual saturday and I am thrilled with the fit.

sorry they don't come in your size.

I too would rather not have a taper, but i wanted a neutral, travelling fedors that would take the rain, life, etc. and I would have to worry about ruining vintage.

I don't think my Akubra is technically 'crushable' but it seems like it could hold up to a loose packing or an overhead on a plane.

Oh, and Rick Blaine's avatar illustrates the taper- or rather lack of. Both his and mine, though not as clear, have a sort of right angle look- the crown rises 'sttraight' from the brim. A taper becomes narrower, curves in toward the top.

 

[MattJH]

i literally got my Akubra casual saturday and I am thrilled with the fit.

If it came in my size, I'm positive it's the one I'd get. Now I'm debating between the 'Sydney' and the 'Squatter.' But I'd really prefer the 'Casual' if only because I appreciate packable quality in a fur felt -- I want an Akubra fedora that I don't have to baby.

Oh, and Rick Blaine's avatar illustrates the taper- or rather lack of. Both his and mine, though not as clear, have a sort of right angle look- the crown rises 'sttraight' from the brim. A taper becomes narrower, curves in toward the top.

Thanks!