New Member to the Hat Forum

[MtnBob]

After a lifetime of ball caps and cheap hats, my doctor has become insistent that I embrace full brims and sunblock. I headed for the Internet to evaluate my options, and have spent a good bit of time reading at FL.

I’ve now purchased a modern Stetson in black outback style - like an Akubra Cattleman. Two vintage Stetsons, a NOR Western Royal, and a 7X CB.

I also have two vintage custom westerns coming, one a full beaver Roberts and an 8X Bar10.

Finally, I have a Grady’s (G. Nutt from TX) and a Stetson Nutria on their way from a new friend in South Florida.

I’ve been wearing my NOR most every day, and have spent some time working on it and the 7XCB bashes and brims with hands and steam along with a few helpful hat jacks to get the look and fit I’m after.

I’m very grateful for all the info, stories and cool personalities I’ve encountered by lurking at FL so far, and look forward to interacting more as time goes on.

 

[MtnBob]

Oh and the obligatory pic...

 

[LuvMyMan]

Oh and the obligatory pic...

View attachment 217106

Hello there...I am not online here as much as I was in the past...but...this is the place to be....most everyone is super good, honest, some times like family, (including a few brats...)...hope you stick around and take part with things ongoing here. It can become a home away from home...a great place to be!

 

[Cryssarn]

Hello there.
Been thinking about getting a hat for awhile now but didn't think it would fit my clothing style. After I found this forum I noticed that I can absolutely pull it off. Would you suggest Fedora, pork pie or trilby for a more casual style in clothes? T shirt, jeans, shorts and such.

 

[belfastboy]

Hello there.
Been thinking about getting a hat for awhile now but didn't think it would fit my clothing style. After I found this forum I noticed that I can absolutely pull it off. Would you suggest Fedora, pork pie or trilby for a more casual style in clothes? T shirt, jeans, shorts and such.

I will be upfront in my bias (and I think it is a fairly well spread bias here on The Lounge). Fedoras are king....Trilby hats less so and you don't find many Pork Pies about. I think you have or will see that guys here wear their Fedoras with just about anything....from formal dress to hoodies, boots and jeans.
If you are located near a hat shop suggest you go and try on a bunch of different styles to find the one that you feel most comfortable wearing. When you have narrowed in your choice(s) come back to the Lounge with questions and we can help steer you in the right direction as to where to buy, what to buy. Also get clear on your budget limits....you can spend a little or you can spend a lot and they will all be called hats.

 

[Héctor Fernández]

Welcome to the Lounge. When it comes to hats, it is all a personal choice. Not everyone looks good on a wide brim and not everyone looks good on a stingy.

Find the style that makes you look and feel the best. Like Belfast mentioned, I wear my hats with whatever outfit I wish, heck, including jammies around the house

Hello there.
Been thinking about getting a hat for awhile now but didn't think it would fit my clothing style. After I found this forum I noticed that I can absolutely pull it off. Would you suggest Fedora, pork pie or trilby for a more casual style in clothes? T shirt, jeans, shorts and such.

 

[MtnBob]

Hello there.
Been thinking about getting a hat for awhile now but didn't think it would fit my clothing style. After I found this forum I noticed that I can absolutely pull it off. Would you suggest Fedora, pork pie or trilby for a more casual style in clothes? T shirt, jeans, shorts and such.

Welcome from another new guy!

if you’re only doing it for fashion/because you love hats, just pick what looks good to you. I’m not a fan of stingy brims, as I think it eliminates one of the most functional parts of the hat, protecting from sun, rain, snow, etc.

Have you considered western hats? They don’t all have to be 6” crown, 5” brim with rodeo creases. There are a ton of 3”-4” brim westerns (including vintage) that go great with casual wear.
Since I started wearing hats, I’ve been wearing some form of western every day. Even my fedoras are thin ribbon, more casual styles (Knox 20, Stetson Playboy, etc).

Enjoy the hunt, and whatever you choose, wear it in good health.

 

[Cryssarn]

Thank you guys. The Fedoras I've been looking it is Faustmanns for around 65 dollars with a thin ribbon.

 

[Just A Hat Rack]

Hello there.
Been thinking about getting a hat for awhile now but didn't think it would fit my clothing style. After I found this forum I noticed that I can absolutely pull it off. Would you suggest Fedora, pork pie or trilby for a more casual style in clothes? T shirt, jeans, shorts and such.

Welcome to the lounge! I, like you, joined when I was in the search for my first hat. Go with whatever style you like best. If you stick around here long enough, there will definitely be more hats in your future, so you will be able to be more diverse in your selections. I put your money on it.

 

[seewhatididther]

Hello all! I’m travis, father of 2, just picked up my first hat, an open road royal deluxe in natural. Loving it so far, but still working on confidence for how/when to wear it. My style is like filson, red wing, MIA dad. I’ll be researching these two questions this weekend:
1. I feel like I need a statoliner premium now too. Caribou or silver belly?
2. What’s the quintessential straw hat I should get? Would love Panama vs. hemp or shataug, but it doesn’t look like you can walk up and buy them anywhere...

 

[Frunobulax]

Hello all! I’m travis, father of 2, just picked up my first hat, an open road royal deluxe in natural. Loving it so far, but still working on confidence for how/when to wear it. My style is like filson, red wing, MIA dad. I’ll be researching these two questions this weekend:
1. I feel like I need a statoliner premium now too. Caribou or silver belly?
2. What’s the quintessential straw hat I should get? Would love Panama vs. hemp or shataug, but it doesn’t look like you can walk up and buy them anywhere...

Welcome to the Lounge. I take it that you are looking at the newer Stetsons, not vintage? If you are going to get a newer Strat, make certain it is the Premier open crown, the Royal Quality ones ain't so hot. Personally, I'd go with Caribou to switch your color choice up a bit. Plus, I like my Caribou Strat.

As for straws, Panamas are a very nice and classic style. If you look at some of the newer hats, the hemp weaves are really nice. Stay away from the modern Florentine Milan's, IMHO. The coating on them makes it feel like you are wearing a plastic bucket on your head. Shantung's can be nice and some here like them, but I'm not a big fan, personally.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Hello all! I’m travis, father of 2, just picked up my first hat, an open road royal deluxe in natural. Loving it so far, but still working on confidence for how/when to wear it. My style is like filson, red wing, MIA dad. I’ll be researching these two questions this weekend:
1. I feel like I need a statoliner premium now too. Caribou or silver belly?
2. What’s the quintessential straw hat I should get? Would love Panama vs. hemp or shataug, but it doesn’t look like you can walk up and buy them anywhere...

I like both Silverbelly and Caribou, so there really isn’t a wrong choice. The Caribou will give it less of a western vibe, in my opinion. The Premeir Royal De Luxe (open crown) hats are the way to go.

Shantung has its place, but it has a plastic feel. It doesn’t breath in most weaves so it really benefits from venting. The current Open Road shantungs with vented crowns are very appealing. I also like the hemp hats. I do like Panama hats, but they require more carful handling. I like a hat that can take some rough use; however, for lightness, classic style, and good looks, a fine Panama can’t be beat.

Good luck. Share photos of whatever hat(s) you end up with.

 

[belfastboy]

Hello all! I’m travis, father of 2, just picked up my first hat, an open road royal deluxe in natural. Loving it so far, but still working on confidence for how/when to wear it. My style is like filson, red wing, MIA dad. I’ll be researching these two questions this weekend:
1. I feel like I need a statoliner premium now too. Caribou or silver belly?
2. What’s the quintessential straw hat I should get? Would love Panama vs. hemp or shataug, but it doesn’t look like you can walk up and buy them anywhere...

My bias is strong towards a real straw Panama. They cannot be beat as hot weather head gear. The man made, plasticized paper, or hemp I find are too hot. I have differing qualities of Panama, some cheaper ones that I use as knockabout hats and when they wear out they wear out. I do have some that I keep strictly for dress and they get the white glove treatment from me.

 

[Lara Croft]

Hi, I'm new here

 

[belfastboy]

Hi, I'm new here

Welcome to The Lounge!

 

[Old Hat Guy]

I called myself Old Hat Guy, but after reading some of your posts, I may be old, but when it comes to hats, I think is should have said hat toddler. You guys know so much more that I and talk about hat brands that I have never heard of. I hope to learn a lot.

 

[steur]

Welcome to the lounge and we hope to see a lot of your hats. You'll find a pleasant and knowledgeable crowd over here. Just a tip: have a search first on a subject before starting a new thread. Searching is easiest using google to be honest and just using the affix "+ fedora lounge" to whatever you're looking for. Enjoy.

 

[Old Hat Guy]

Thanks for the tip, steur. Have about 30 between hats and caps. Not really any vintage, oldest is a Stetson I bought about 20 years ago. I will post some pics.

 

[Frunobulax]

I called myself Old Hat Guy, but after reading some of your posts, I may be old, but when it comes to hats, I think is should have said hat toddler. You guys know so much more that I and talk about hat brands that I have never heard of. I hope to learn a lot.

Welcome to the party!

 

[belfastboy]

I called myself Old Hat Guy, but after reading some of your posts, I may be old, but when it comes to hats, I think is should have said hat toddler. You guys know so much more that I and talk about hat brands that I have never heard of. I hope to learn a lot.

As my wife always reminds me....."the stuff I don't know never stops me....I just make shit up to fill in the blanks."