New to the whole hat phenom...

[BigAl]

Hello, gentlemen.
I have always been a lover of fine menswear. I'll confess, though, that I am totally new to hats. I think they are very stylish on men who wear them, but I have never invested in one. I am a tall gent (over 6'), a bit overweight (but not obese) and have a roundish face. I've casually tried on fedoras in department stores and have not been impressed with how I look with one on. I think it is more the low quality than anything else that forms this impression for me. So let me ask you, the experts, how I should begin. What style and/or brand of hat would you kind gents recommend I try as my first purchase, given that I want something that will play well against my roundish features?
Thanks so kindly.

 

[deanglen]

Welcome Al! Hm-m-m-m. Round face, larger man, I'm thinking stingy brim, no more than 2", center dent, slight front side dents, or maybe a homburg, but they're kind of formal. Check some of Tony In Tarzana's posts, he has a terrific collection and always looks great.

dean

 

[Rick Blaine]

Check this out...

and welcome to the Lounge, Big Al!
Here is an article on the Miller Hats web site that looks as though it is cribbed from something originally published back in the day: The Art of Fitting Faces
Not exhaustive nor Gospel, it is still a good starting point. Oh, and uh, if you wear 7 3/8-7 1/2, stay away from the Vintage category on eBay. There are NO hats that size there... nope, none at all.

 

[HungaryTom]

Welcome, Al

TOP THIS: HOW TO BUY A HAT by LEE SMITH

Quote from the article:

The taller you are and the heavier your face, the higher the crown should be, the wider the brim.

Another BigAl -the historical one- chose consequently wide brim fedoras for the same reason - and he wasn't imprisoned for having a bad taste or style.

Wide brim-high crown for me too: I was never nicknamed Ballerino, and I am also over 6' - by one inch.

And yes, for a quality hat consult a custom hatter – Art Fawcett for example. Not cheap but not that expensive either - you were mentioning the right keywords: fine menswear and investment (in value) - that's what such hats are.


Regards:


Tom

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

Welcome aboard, I have to respectfully disagree with my friend Dean. Tall crown, wide brim is the ticket. I also must agree with my friend Rick, "There are NO hats that size there... nope, none at all. "

 

[deanglen]

I'll bet Bud doesn't own a stingy brim. I don't. Don't really like 'em. Actually a nice campaign hat was my first idea...but here I go trying to show some depth. Listen to Bud...he has excellent taste. Seriously.

dean

 

[RBH]

Welcome BigAl !
I agree with Bud, check out my thread on my Federation.
Thats a hat with plenty of brim and crown.
Good luck in your search and there are no hats on the Bay in your size!lol

by the way Bud I LOVE your present avatar!

 

[GentlemanFarmer]

Welcome

Welcome Al. Nice to see another Pennsylvanian here at the Lounge. Rick is right, you never see vintage in your size. Keep on doing your research here at the Lounge. You'll discover it has a wealth of knowledge on everything hats.

By the way, I'm just up the road from you in Mechanicsburg.

Again, welcome.

 

[BigAl]

Thanks so much!

You gents are too kind. It seems I have a few good starting points now.
And just maybe I'll have to have myself a peek over at that eBay area you folks were mentioning to see all the hats that are not in my size.