Hat advice needed, please.

[ddcronk]

I'm looking for some advice from the well-informed loungers. I am seeking a hat; my size is 7 5/8 long oval, but those are so rare I have become accustomed to wearing standard 7 5/8. I would like a medium gray, black band, with about a two inch brim (certainly no more than 2 1/4"), and about a four inch crown. I know that some loungers like the wider brims, but I find that with my narrow face I end up looking like I have a satellite dish on my head. An excellent example of what I am seeking (judging solely from the photo) is the Bailey Madison: http://www.villagehatshop.com/bailey_madison_fedora.html. At $180, the Madison is at the upper end of what I'd like to spend, though I am not adverse to paying for quality (you only have to cry once).

Thanks in advance for advice and opinions; please feel free to post links and photos. I will also be posting a review of my new Matt Deckard suit soon, if anybody's interested.

Dan

 

[daizawaguy]

Biltmore ? I think they have some nice shorter brim models with somewhat cheaper prices.

 

[St.Ignatz]

While in Guelph this summer I stopped by Biltmore and was told they only make a regular oval. I was very disappointed as I do like their hats. Akubra does stand up to knee shaping if you can't find a LO. I'm a 7 1/2+1/16th XLO and the 7 5/8 (61) took a good bit of padding before and after "knee shaping". Hats Direct or Everything Australia(n) for the Akubra. Keep your eye on The Fedora Store for their specials. Good luck.
Tom D.

 

[daizawaguy]

For the shorter brims...an Akubra Whippet?

 

[daizawaguy]

 

[daizawaguy]

Keep your eye on The Fedora Store for their specials. QUOTE]

A semi custom from them with a brim size to your liking?

 

[St.Ignatz]

They do aim to please.:eusa_clap

 

[ddcronk]

Ignatz, I did not have The Fedora Store on my radar. Looks like a good place to keep an eye on.

Daizawaguy, do you know of an online retailer that sells the entire Biltmore line? A short Google search turned up their website, but no hat stores that carried more than a few felt dress hats; the bulk seemed to be panamas.

Also, while I have heard Akubra spoken of favorably in this forum before, I was under the impression that they mainly do, well, Aussie hats, not dressy hats. The photo seems to indicate that I was wrong in that assumption. I will investigate further.

Thanks for the help so far, and please keep the suggestions coming.

Dan

 

[daizawaguy]

Ignatz, Daizawaguy, do you know of an online retailer that sells the entire Biltmore line? A short Google search turned up their website, but no hat stores that carried more than a few felt dress hats; the bulk seemed to be panamas.


Dan

I think the site lists all their US and Canada dealers...and the web links

 

[ddcronk]

Does anybody know anything about the Stetson Frederick? I know it's wool felt, not fur, but I can get it and the Akubra whippet for less than the Bailey madison. I'd have to wait three months for the Akubra, so in the meantime, wear the Stetson.

 

[St.Ignatz]

Really, three month from hats direct? Wool may seem fine when you don't have a fur felt to compare but my experience has taught me that it will find itself getting pushed farther and farther to the rear of the hat box stack. No rush your head will be with you the rest of your life.
Tom D.

 

[carldelo]

Does anybody know anything about the Stetson Frederick? I know it's wool felt, not fur, but I can get it and the Akubra whippet for less than the Bailey madison. I'd have to wait three months for the Akubra, so in the meantime, wear the Stetson.

I wouldn't spend that much on a wool hat, although the shape is nice. I have 2 Stetson Ashland, which has a 2-1/4" welted brim and a teardrop crown. It's available at Bencraft - so is the Stetson Saxon, similar to the Ashland with a 2" welted brim and a center dent crease similar to the Madison. They probably have both in stock. If you like the proportions of the 4" tall Stetson crown (I do) these are nice hats for the price.
PS both come in gray (caribou) with black bands, and Bencraft (a lounge sponsor) offers a coupon discount at the moment.

IMO, Stetsons will be a little easier to stretch into a long oval shape than an Akubra (Akubra are stiffer, at least when new). I have found that the regular Stetson oval shape is a tad longer than the regular Akubra oval.

You might look at Hornet Hats too - they have quite a few narrow brim hats, although their crown may be too tapered for your taste. Price is a little higher than Akubra, but you can get a hat made to your order in 10 days or so.

 

[ddcronk]

I have 2 Stetson Ashland, which has a 2-1/4" welted brim and a teardrop crown. It's available at Bencraft - so is the Stetson Saxon, similar to the Ashland with a 2" welted brim and a center dent crease similar to the Madison. They probably have both in stock. If you like the proportions of the 4" tall Stetson crown (I do) these are nice hats for the price.
PS both come in gray (caribou) with black bands, and Bencraft (a lounge sponsor) offers a coupon discount at the moment.

The Stetson Saxon looks like a good possibility. Does anybody know how the quality of the Stetson fur felt compares to the Bailey fur? Is one better value for money than the other? Thanks for all the help so far.

Dan

 

[St.Ignatz]

I own a pair of Saxons and am pleased with the felt. Light enough for spring and fall. The leather used in the sweat is not all that impressive. Sort of thin and cardboardy. The 7 5/8th is generous so if you have a chance try one on and get a feel of the band I recommend it be done first.
Tom D.

 

[ddcronk]

Thanks, St.Ignatz. Anybody had experience with the Bailey felt?

Dan