Navy fur felt fedora for ~$100?

[NukeMeSlowly]

I have searched eBay but a navy fedora that would fit my 7 5/8 LO melon is nowhere to be found. I cannot currently afford to go custom.

I know about Hats Direct and that they offer very good quality for a very low price but they don't seem to like the color blue.

Can anyone recommend an online vendor/manufacturer or Washington DC area store that offers a navy blue fedora with a cost/quality ratio similar to Hats Direct?

 

[Brent Hutto]

I only paid $80 for a Christy's "Marlborough" in a lovely, saturated, not-too-dark navy blue shade. It's marked as a 62cm but fits my round, more or less 7-5/8 head perfectly with small felt spacers fore and aft. For a 7-5/8 long oval it should be absolutely ideal. Mine was second-hand, although not actually much used, from a fellow Lounger.

Unfortunately with the current exchange rate they go new for a bit over your target price, including shipping from England. But it would be really ideal for your purposes if the dollar/pound exchange were but a bit more favorable.

 

[duggap]

Check Bencraft Hats in NYC. They definitely have navy blue but I don't know if Steve carries sizes that big.

 

[cybergentleman]

options

1) Bencrafthats.com
2) http://hatalog.com/BorsalinoFurFeltsVelours.htm
3) http://www.hatcentre.co.uk/mens-collection-mens-classic-hats-c-18_20.html?page=3&sort=2a

LINK #3 I found after a lounge member purchased a hat from them and posted the photos- wanted to check out the inventory- but seems expensive and is in the Uk so shipping may be pricey too.

bencraft and haber (hatalog.com) are you best bets I think.


other options:

http://www.hats-plus.com/t-mens-hats.aspx
http://www.millerhats.com/

best bet is to call each of these retailers and see what they have in stock or could order for you. bencraft, millers and the hatcentre have posts regarding them on here somewhere, the others i don't know

 

[besdor]

Nuke, we have plenty of navy hats in stock at that price. We have a basic Bollman felt hat for 100.00 with a 2 1/4" brim . We also have a lot of specials that we sell regulary for 75.00 and up. The best way is to visit the store. It is well worth the trip. We have alot of Habig hats in navy for 100.00 as well. Many FL members know the brand as one of the best hats ever made.

Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[mayserwegener]

We have alot of Habig hats in navy for 100.00 as well. Many FL members know the brand as one of the best hats ever made.

Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

I need to check these out!

 

[ValEag]

I know about Hats Direct and that they offer very good quality for a very low price but they don't seem to like the color blue.

Can anyone recommend an online vendor/manufacturer or Washington DC area store that offers a navy blue fedora with a cost/quality ratio similar to Hats Direct?

If you like the Akubra line, you can special order one in Navy from Hats Direct or order from Everything Australian (http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/displayproduct.asp?id=2&cat=Akubra) if you don't mind the dreaded 3 month wait. I've read in another thread that their navy blue is very much a black rather than blue, but have never seen one (but I hope to!)

 

[NukeMeSlowly]

Thanks all for the fast, detailed responses.

I am now going through all your suggestions.

 

[NukeMeSlowly]

Nuke, we have plenty of navy hats in stock at that price. We have a basic Bollman felt hat for 100.00 with a 2 1/4" brim . We also have a lot of specials that we sell regulary for 75.00 and up. The best way is to visit the store. It is well worth the trip. We have alot of Habig hats in navy for 100.00 as well. Many FL members know the brand as one of the best hats ever made.

Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

Steven,

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I will not be up NYC way in the foreseeable future so I will have to rely on your website. Are the Bollman and Habig brands listed on the website?

 

[NukeMeSlowly]

The Hats Direct personnel are extremely fast and courteous.

The only blue fedora style they regularly carry is the Stylemaster in navy. While I am a bit leery of its tapered crown, I was seriously considering it until I found out their navy is nearly black. I am practically albino (Irish heritage = beautiful singing voice but skin like Nosferatu) so nearly black blue is definitely out lest I look like a walking corpse.

The search continues...

 

[Spats McGee]

I'm not sure how strict the $100 limit is, but for $130, there's the Biltmore Ark from Hats Plus.

http://www.hats-plus.com/p-732-biltmore-ark-fedora-hat.aspx

 

[mayserwegener]

Steven,

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I will not be up NYC way in the foreseeable future so I will have to rely on your website. Are the Bollman and Habig brands listed on the website?

P. & C. Habig went out of business in the 80s so these are New Old Stock (NOS). I would also like info (sizes, pics) if available.

 

[bigbjorn]

Steven,
Which location has the better selection of the Habig hats? And, actually, which location is bigger, generally? I'm planning a visit from Manhattan.

 

[carldelo]

Hey NMS, the navy Marlborough that Brent mentioned above (bought from me) is relisted in the classifieds for a bona-fide sale price - worth a look if you haven't picked something else already.