New to hats, looking for some advice

[Acidshort]

Hi guys,
I have recently entered this world of hats that i never new existed before... I began looking for a fedora because I just started dancing a style of dance called funk style (or popping) and many of the people in the style use fedora style hats to accent their dance. After picking up a Scala fedora from a local hat shop I started researching and looking for a quality hat to add to my wardrobe for more than just a dance prop.

Anyhow, to make a long story short, I recently made two purchases. I bought a Puerto Fino Roll Up hat at one of the local dealers here in my home town and a borsalino Como from a dealer who posts on this forum. Does anyone know anything about the puerto fino hat and could provide me some information. Also, I have been a bit concerned about the Borsalino Como, because I have been reading on this site that the hats from Borsalino have not been of the quality that's name is known for. Any comments or help would be greatly appreciated. Oh, if anyone wants to see me dancing around in the hats, you can visit my myspace site. I use the same name as i use her. Thanks in advance!

 

[Magus]

Hi Acid,

Welcome to the Lounge. If the Borsa is a new one (or newer than the mid-late 80's) then the quality of the hat is just not what it was in years earlier than that. I know this from (limited) experience with both and reseraching here and elsewhere.

With what you are using the hat for I would think that the roll-up you bought would be perfect as you should be able to abuse it a bit and still have it pop back into shape. (If you wanted to snatch it off your head as part of a move...etc) If you are thinking of a high end hat, custom made...Check with our hatters here. Art Fawcett is the one I have delt with the most. I think you would be VERY satisfied. He has a high end 100% beaver for around $300 and a rabbit/beaver blend for even less...all custom made to order. Other than that, join the hunt for good priced vintage hats at thrift stores/eBay/yard sales etc.

I'm not a myspacer but would love to see vids if you could post a link.

Lates,

M

 

[Acidshort]

Myspace link

Hey thanks for the reply! I am having trouble figuring out exactly what my hat size is. I seem to be smake dab between 60 and 61 cm... and sometimes i think 7 5/8 looks good, and then other times 7 1/2 is ok. Eh. Anyway, here is my myspace site... i change the videos all the time but there are 3 or so that have me wearing a hat. www.myspace.com/acidshort Tell me what you think.

 

[Acidshort]

Also, is the Borsalino Como an excellent fedora? That is what I bought hoping to get a great quality fedora that should last me at least till my middle age... thanks.
Aaron

 

[BigSho]

Borsalino como is a great hat that should, if you take care of it correctly, last you for a very long time no matter what anyone on this site tells you. i would not roll up the roll up hat if i were you. no straw hat, no matter the cost, can stand up to extensive folding and rolling.

also hat are like shoes... different brands and styles fit in different ways. for example dobbs straw hats run very large. go by trying the hat on if you can instead of just looking at the size... it is helpful top learn your size by brand.

 

[Phil]

Hey, I'm pretty new to this type of fashion. I really like it though, it seems to me that it's a touch of class in today's "gangsta" ridden society. I come from a town where 90% of the kids try to act like rappers and thugs. I can honestly say that I am most likely one of the few kids in my highschool who listens to swing, or jazz, or and music that can be considered refined. But I digress. I'm looking for some help on what some generall attire would be for males in our beloved era of the 1940's.

 

[Acidshort]

When you guys say there is a decrease in quality what do you mean? Has there been a decrease in quality of all factory made hats? Is borsalino the best stock hat you can buy? I was very hessitant to buy the como, but after talking to the member of this lounge on the phone he seemed to help me feel safe about making this investment. Would it be smarter to wait it out and try to find one on ebay, or should this hat really be a sound investment? Hopefully it will help me feel more confrotable about buying and wearing hats in the future... as most people it seems in my age group (mid twenties) are not really wearing these hats... except my contemporaries in pop lock dancing.

 

[RBH]

I believe this trend has helped with fedora wearing.
The stingy brim cloth hats will...most times... lead to seeking better styles and make of fedoras.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Borsalino como is a great hat that should, if you take care of it correctly, last you for a very long time no matter what anyone on this site tells you.

+1 You purchased a fine hat, Amigo. Enjoy it for many years to come.:eusa_clap

FWIW, Most of the folks who hang here are into vintage hats, so we all have that bias.