If you could own just one Akubra, what would it be?

[Simon82]

Featherweight's sounding nice

I'm lovin' all the advice so far -- thanks, and keep it coming!

I've looked a lot at the brown Feds, regular and deluxe, and would immediately have snapped one up if my only other felt fedora weren't an Adventurebilt beaver in chocolate brown. As nice as the Feds are, getting just a brown "fedora" after the work of Fedora (with a capital first letter) seems too anticlimatic!

I love the fawn/tan colors, as they go with more of my wardrobe. My only suits are dark blue and tan (just gave away my charcoal), and I'm more of a sport-coat kind of guy, so I probably won't get a fedora that goes too dark.

Thanks for the input on the featherweight options. They may come in handy here where it's so warm most of the time (today was 72 degrees).

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Don't fear a softer Fed

I had heard that the stiffener will wash out over time. Maybe I should simply "dunk" my Fed. Will the brim still hold it's shape when the stiffener has been washed out?

The shape will hold fine. In fact, it may get better. My Fed developed a nice swoop to the sides as the stiffener weakened. I could easily train the brim to it's original shape, but It looks so much better now.
NB

 

[Not-Bogart13]

The answers seem clearer now

I've looked a lot at the brown Feds, regular and deluxe, and would immediately have snapped one up if my only other felt fedora weren't an Adventurebilt beaver in chocolate brown. As nice as the Feds are, getting just a brown "fedora" after the work of Fedora (with a capital first letter) seems too anticlimatic!

I love the fawn/tan colors, as they go with more of my wardrobe. My only suits are dark blue and tan (just gave away my charcoal), and I'm more of a sport-coat kind of guy, so I probably won't get a fedora that goes too dark.

Simon,
Since you have an AB, I'd agree with skipping the brown Fed. The Gray Fed is very dressy looking, and a dark Gray. You sound like more of a relaxed-but-classy kind of guy, so I'd recommend the Campdraft in the Fawn color. It dresses up or down easily. I've included links to my Campdraft and to my gray Fed, both with a similar bash.
Campdraft
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/micha...photos.yahoo.com/ph/michaelgarcia13/my_photos

Gray Fed
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/micha...photos.yahoo.com/ph/michaelgarcia13/my_photos

Good Luck,
NB

 

[Fatdutchman]

Yeah, I'm gettin' an AB next year....

I don't think that the stiffener "washes out", but rather "breaks down".

 

[PeeWee]

I've been thinking about the Bushman. I'm looking a non dressy hat for cool weather with a wider brim that I don't mind getting a little dirty. It just might be the Akubra I buy first.

 

[aliados]

Being a cheap SOB, I have -- for the time being -- passed on a new Squatter in favor of this eBay Bushman. Figured the price differential would compensate me for any work it'll need . . .
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290052279242

 

[John in Covina]

Selecting!

I don't own one yet but looking towards the future, I have my eye on a Federation Deluxe in a brown color if possible. They have others I like and hope to get some day but the Federation Deluxe is the focus of my desires.

 

[Simon82]

Not-Bogart,

Thanks very much for the links. I like the looks of the grey Fed, as it seems to have a blue cast to it.

One thing I've gathered from all the thoughtful responses here is that most of the Akubras are good everyday working hats.

I now have a hat on order with Vintage Silhouettes (probably going to be an Open-Road-type, light tan colored), so when I have the extra cash for an Akubra, I might go gray (not like my hair hasn't done that already).

 

[RBH]

I now have a hat on order with Vintage Silhouettes [probably going to be an Open-Road-type, light tan colored]

Sounds great Simon !
As I favor this style, I await to see what magic Art works to bring this about.
I'm sure it will be wonderful!!!

 

[Rick Blaine]

I've been lusting in my heart

for this smokey blue Akubra Swing w/ a 2 1/2" x 2 7/8" brim.

 

[DOUGLAS]

The only Akubra I have is the Squatter.That hat has been great. Is it as good as a vintage or custom no. It has gone threw rain and snow and extreme heat and is softer than the day I bought it. It has great style and a brim wide enough to keep the elements off your face. I would definitely get another one . A pic for reference

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[dzacca]

Does Akubra still produce Federation and Federation Deluxe? I found nothing about feds on their web site...

 

[Simon82]

Try Hats Direct

Hi Dzacca,

As far as I know, the Federations and Federations Deluxe are exclusive to Hats Direct (www.hatsdirect.com), an Australian supplier. I have not dealt with them, but they have a great reputation for service with very reasonable prices.

 

[dzacca]

Thank you Simon, I'll try to contact hatsdirect.

 

[Fatdutchman]

The last I got from them took a little over a week to get here. The Deluxe I just bought will end up being close to $150, more or less, shipping and all. A standard Fed will end up being about a hundred, including shipping.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

DOUGLAS; I like the shape of your Squatter. I don't really like the Squatter much - plenty of brim but too little crown - but you really pull it off. :eusa_clap

SIMON; Yes, the Gray Federation has a great blue characteristic to it. It's quite nice.

NB

 

[Fatdutchman]

Here's my gray Federation. www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=13794

 

[HLSheppard]

Hi am looking VERY seriously at the charcoal Banjo Peterson. I've been wanting to check out their Heritage felt and since I already have a Federation (regular) with a gray Adventurebilt on the way - it would seem a bit redundant...

The normal Fed fights for time on my noggin with the jem from Art.

Anyone else like the Banjo?

 

[Blackhorse]

My charcoal Banjo has two distinct characteristics...it is seemingly larger than my formal sizing...about a half size larger - and - it also seems to have a "lower crown feel" than some very similar hats (aka: Leisure Time...which seems to be the same shape, everall.). Just be aware that it seems to fit just a bit larger than other Akubras of my collection.

 

[HLSheppard]

I heard the same exact thing with regards to the Federation (that it fits/runs a tad larger than normal). I'm OK with that.

The "lower crown" feel just sealed the deal... I WANT ONE NOW!! :eusa_clap