Help finding my first hat

[Milsurp]

Hello all, I've decided that I want a fedora. You can thank the likes of thunderw21 for directing me here.

I’m looking for an inexpensive first hat. I’d like it to be gray, have a decent sized brim, and I’d like the front of the brim to slope down in a Humphrey Bogart as Phillip Marlowe fashion.

Also, I'd like a dirt cheap straw fedora for summer. I've looked at the one at walmart but I hate the stingy brim.

I've looked around online and in antique and thift stores, but I haven't really found a match for either of those. I'm hoping you well seasoned hat experts can provide some links or other info. Thanks!

 

[carldelo]

Welcome to the obsession, er, lounge. As a start, you could browse around VHS (villagehatshop.com) to get a taste of what's out there.

http://www.villagehatshop.com/fedoras.html

You'll have to decide whether you want fur felt or wool felt for your first hat. Generally speaking, fur looks better, breathes better, is more comfortable and will last longer than wool. VHS has a good selection of inexpensive fur felt hats under the brand name Jaxon - check out the Jaxon Bogart on the link above - at $68 for a fur felt hat, it's a good bargain. I have read good things about that hat here on the lounge, but don't have one myself. There are many less expensive choices in wool. Enjoy...

 

[RPeers]

Welcome, if this is your first hat your best bet is probably not e-bay as size can very a little from different makers you should get a good feel for one on your head if there is a haberdashery near you (I was able to decide on one that I liked and fortunate enough to find a match on craigslist). Remember that most(all?) felt hats can be reshaped with a lil' steam or water so you can give it that bogart roll yourself. Keep looking and if you do stumble on the perfect one don't be worried about shelling out a little more then what walmart costs you'll be much happier than if you passed on the deal (allways hated the one that got away )

 

[Mike in Seattle]

The Fedora Store (http://www.thefedorastore.com) has a big selection and Dwayne's one of the advertisers here at the Lounge and in Classic Style, and always quick to answer emails and such with questions, suggestions and so forth. I think he might give Loungers a discount as well - I know a couple years ago he did. Bailey's are among good "starter" hats to to get used to and give you ideas of what to look for in a better hat later on, and he stocks a variety of brands and price ranges.

 

[Colby Jack]

What about David Morgan's...Get an Akubra (the Squatter comes to mind)...tough as nails and makes a great first hat!:eusa_clap Orrrrrr...Hatsdirect...and look at the Federation in gray....

 

[Milsurp]

Welcome to the obsession, er, lounge. As a start, you could browse around VHS (villagehatshop.com) to get a taste of what's out there.

http://www.villagehatshop.com/fedoras.html

You'll have to decide whether you want fur felt or wool felt for your first hat. Generally speaking, fur looks better, breathes better, is more comfortable and will last longer than wool. VHS has a good selection of inexpensive fur felt hats under the brand name Jaxon - check out the Jaxon Bogart on the link above - at $68 for a fur felt hat, it's a good bargain. I have read good things about that hat here on the lounge, but don't have one myself. There are many less expensive choices in wool. Enjoy...

Wow, that was just what I was looking for, thanks! Now I've just got to talk myself into throwing down $80.

 

[RBH]

Glad to welcome you to the Lounge!
You may also want to check out some of the Akubra styles, great hats for a great price.

As for a cheap straw... check out this thread.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=29763
Nothing fancy but a real nice looking hat for a way low price.
The ribbon change really made it look 'more' pricy than it is.

 

[thunderw21]

Welcome, Milsurp, glad to see you over here.

Here's a wool hat that's not too badly priced. It's an "Indy" licensed hat and while it's nothing like the movie hat it looks nice. I've actually seen and held one of these and they are great starter hats. Just remove the cheesy little Indy pin on the bow and you have a classy hat. Only comes in brown, though.
http://www.villagehatshop.com/indiana_jones_wool_hat.html

How about the Jaxon wool C-crown?
http://www.villagehatshop.com/jaxon-crushable-c-crown-fedora.html

If you want a fur felt hat and don't mind spending a little more take a look at this guy. Has some classy lines to it.
http://www.villagehatshop.com/jaxon_iconoclast.html


As for panamas, take your pick. These are some that caught my eye (I especially like the last one there...hmm, I may need to order one).
http://www.villagehatshop.com/bailey_brooks_panama_fedora.html
http://www.villagehatshop.com/henschel_safari_wool_linen.html
http://www.villagehatshop.com/jaxon_bao_safari.html
http://www.villagehatshop.com/bailey_sanders_fedora.html


Edit: Oh, and always watch the 'classifieds' section here on the Lounge.

 

[Milsurp]

Well dang, I had my mind all made up and thunderw21 goes and confuses me again. It's between these two:

http://www.villagehatshop.com/jaxon_bogart_lrg.html

http://www.villagehatshop.com/jaxon-crushable-c-crown-fedora.html

So it's wool vs. fur felt. What exactly are the pros and cons of each fabric? How do they each do in the rain? Will I have to baby one of them?

I've been all inspired by the great old looks I've seen on here so I decided to spiff myself up a little bit on Sunday. I folded a handkerchief into a fancy pocket square and put it in the front pocket of my suit (had to rip the seam ), and then noticed a bush with some pretty blossoms so I snipped one off and stuck it in my lapel. I thought I was damn fancy as my girlfriend and I arrived at a church we wanted to try. After the service, on our way out, the pastor's wife asked if we were on our way to prom.

 

[ScottyBlues]

Make sure it fits

Hat sizing is rarely accurate. Be sure to measure your head and have whoever you order from verify the size by measuring the hat. To measure your head, use a cloth tape measure and hold it on your head about an inch about your eyebrows and about a finger's width or two above your ears. When you get a preliminary measurement, use some tape to hold the tape measure that size.

You can then slide it on your head and see how it fits. You might also make a band out of a strip of cardboard. You don't want this to be too snug. In general, the hat should sit loosely on your head without touching your ears and then be snugable by pulling down on the front brim.

Accurately knowing this measurement is the best way to buy a hat that you cannot try on. Give this measurement to the shop and have them verify that the hat you are ordering matches that size.

 

[carldelo]

I see you've chosen classic teardrop hats - this is my preference as well. In fact, I have this hat:

http://www.villagehatshop.com/stetson_chatham.html

But I bought it when it was on sale and the base price was lower too. Many on the lounge prefer Akubra to Stetson, but it's hard to find an Akubra that has a classic medium crown, medium brim teardrop shape.

Both fur and felt should both be OK in the rain, wool may get the wet-wool smell, fur felt should not. I find wool hats warmer and sometimes itchy, fur is more comfortable. The difference between the wool and fur Jaxons you are looking at seems great, but the fur will long outlast a wool hat (by years). Down the road I don't think you'll regret the extra cash spent up front. Also, VHS has a very good return/exchange policy.

Oh, and next time, just tell the pastor's wife you're on your way to a speakeasy....

Well dang, I had my mind all made up and thunderw21 goes and confuses me again. It's between these two:

http://www.villagehatshop.com/jaxon_bogart_lrg.html

http://www.villagehatshop.com/jaxon-crushable-c-crown-fedora.html

So it's wool vs. fur felt. What exactly are the pros and cons of each fabric? How do they each do in the rain? Will I have to baby one of them?

I've been all inspired by the great old looks I've seen on here so I decided to spiff myself up a little bit on Sunday. I folded a handkerchief into a fancy pocket square and put it in the front pocket of my suit (had to rip the seam ), and then noticed a bush with some pretty blossoms so I snipped one off and stuck it in my lapel. I thought I was damn fancy as my girlfriend and I arrived at a church we wanted to try. After the service, on our way out, the pastor's wife asked if we were on our way to prom.

 

[Rick Blaine]

I had a Jaxon crushable C-crown & got rid of it pdq. It is not bad for a wool hat but I didn't like the degree of taper & the low crown. In every respect I think you would be happier w/ a fur felt. I have nothing against wool, but I have given up looking for one I like because the quality of workmanship & materials (especially materials) just doesn't seem to measure up.

 

[Milsurp]

I ended up ordering the fur felt Bogart. I had to rob 50 bucks from my other toy funds to tell myself it was costing me less than $30. I need to stay away from this place.

 

[carldelo]

Good move

I ended up ordering the fur felt Bogart. I had to rob 50 bucks from my other toy funds to tell myself it was costing me less than $30. I need to stay away from this place.

I think that's a good move, I bet you like it. As far as staying away from this place, good luck with that, let us know how it works out....
Have you visited here yet?: The Siren's Song

 

[Rick Blaine]

I think that's a good move, I bet you like it. As far as staying away from this place, good luck with that, let us know how it works out....
Have you visited here yet?: The Siren's Song

Yeah, that's right. That Jaxon is just a gateway hat... soon you'll be on the hard stuff!

lol Bwahahahaha

 

[thunderw21]

I ended up ordering the fur felt Bogart. I had to rob 50 bucks from my other toy funds to tell myself it was costing me less than $30. I need to stay away from this place.

Nice choice going with the fur felt. I think you'll be happy with it.

 

[Viper Man]

My advice for anyone getting started is to read as many old threads as you can before heading to ebay or your local stores. There is a vast amount of knowledge to be gleaned from this joint.

Yeah, that's right. That Jaxon is just a gateway hat... soon you'll be on the hard stuff!

lol Bwahahahaha

So true. :eusa_doh:

 

[Milsurp]

Thanks everyone for your help, I can't wait until my hat gets here. A couple questions that occurred to me:

What about hair goo? If I've got pomade or brylcreem or hair tonic in, will it jack up my hat?

Let me make sure I've got this straight...grab it by the crown to take it off/put it on, and touch the brim to tip it to a lady?

Thanks!

 

[thunderw21]

Thanks everyone for your help, I can't wait until my hat gets here. A couple questions that occurred to me:

What about hair goo? If I've got pomade or brylcreem or hair tonic in, will it jack up my hat?

Let me make sure I've got this straight...grab it by the crown to take it off/put it on, and touch the brim to tip it to a lady?

Thanks!

Many hats have a liner that will help protect the felt from any sweat, hair goo, etc. It won't protect it completely, but it will help. I don't wear hair goo so someone else will have to help you out there.

Most folks on here will tell you not to grab the hat by its crown as it can weaken the felt until there's a hole. That being said, I do 'grab' most of my hats (excluding panamas) very lightly by the crown (tight enough to hold on to it, not tight enough to crease or damage it). Also, holding by the dents on the crown will make unique dents and creases, adding to the character of the hat.
And yes, touch the brim to tip to a lady. In olden days they use to lift the hats from their heads but that was just a hassle.

 

[Stoney]

Welcome to the obsession, er, lounge. As a start, you could browse around VHS (villagehatshop.com) to get a taste of what's out there.

http://www.villagehatshop.com/fedoras.html

You'll have to decide whether you want fur felt or wool felt for your first hat. Generally speaking, fur looks better, breathes better, is more comfortable and will last longer than wool. VHS has a good selection of inexpensive fur felt hats under the brand name Jaxon - check out the Jaxon Bogart on the link above - at $68 for a fur felt hat, it's a good bargain. I have read good things about that hat here on the lounge, but don't have one myself. There are many less expensive choices in wool. Enjoy...

I concur. If you are looking for this type of hat on a budget, VHS is a good place to start. I'm sure you'll be happy with the Jaxon Bogart. You may also want to visit your closest Burlington Coat Factory. BCF often has fur felts, made in the Czech Republic by Tonak, at great prices often $25.00 or less. I've never found one in my size at BCF, but I have a Selentio, made by Tonak and costs much more than BCF, and can recommend the felt that is made there.

BTW, You don't want to handle the hat too much by the pinch. It can cause the stiffener in the crown to get soft and ultimately wear a hole in where you are handling it. The best way to handle the hat is by brim, gently using both hands. Of course I'm not that particular with most of mine and usually use only one hand to handle mine, to each his own.