Newbie looking for some advice

[BrewCrew]

I'm new to the Lounge and hats in general and could use some advice. I want to get a custom like one of Art's, something I can wear with semi-formal clothing. I seem to keep buying hats that aren't quite right. This is me in my acorn fawn Akubra stylemaster, 2/5 inch brim and short crown:
http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll285/ctbrew/?action=view&current=IMG_0005.jpg

I took a shot of me with and without glasses because I'll be getting new ones soon.
This was my second hat, having learned from my charcoal Banjo Peterson that I don't look good in a really dark hat or a flat brim, it was too "outback" so to speak, and I can see I need a higher crown on the hat. I never wear a suit, but often dress in slacks, vests, and button down shirts. What I'm looking for is suggestions on hat color (I'm leaning towards a mid-brown color), brim width (2 1/2? 2 5/8?), and a style that will fit my face. I like the style of this one very much:
http://www.vintagesilhouettes.com/limited_edition/HST.htm
All advice would be greatly appreciated! Finding this site was like finding water in the desert. -BrewCrew

 

[AlanC]

For casual attire like you're describing, I think something like the HST--the Stratoliner/Open Road style--would be just the thing. If you're planning on ordering from Art he will be able to give you a lot of good suggestions, including sending you felt swatches of what he has available. You might consider his 'natural' color, which is highly versatile.

Welcome to the Lounge.

 

[indycop]

Welcome brew crew! You should send those pics to Art, he is great about working with you and coming up with something you will love! I have his Granite color ( my favorite hat) and dark moss. The granite seems to go with everything for me so far. The HST is a good looking hat too.

 

[univibe88]

That HST is a great hat. Art can surely work with you to tweek it so it is perfect for you. I would suggest sending Art several pics of yourself wearing as many different hats as possible. He'll be able to size a hat just for you.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I would recommend explaining to Art what you've explained in this thread. He can be very helpful.

For the crown height issue, if I may suggest a 5 1/2 open crown to start. It's a healthy sized crown to test the tall-crown waters. Some people find 5 3/4 a bit much to digest out of the blue.

In the end, trust Art. He will guide you to absolute hat-joy.

 

[Stoney]

I agree with all of the above. Contact Art Fawcett, Jimmy Pierce or another custom hatter of your choice. If you read through some of the posts on custom hats, I think you'll find a great deal of respect for Art Fawcett's work and there are several folks that like Jimmy Pierce's work as well.

I might add that you may want to consider a 2 1/4" brim to start with. Most fellas can get comfortable wearing one that size and work their way to wider brims. The 2 1/4" brim may also look better on you when wearing casual clothes, as compared to the 2 1/2" which looks wide on you to me. Everybody's facial shape and hat size differs a bit and IMHO you need a narrower brim for an every day hat, again at least to start with.

 

[BrewCrew]

Gentlemen thank you for your replies. Sounds like contacting Art directly is the way to go. I won't have the cash for a couple months though, I did order a Metropolitan from Ken at Camptown. Seeing how that one turns out size-wise will help a lot I think in deciding what will be my next hat. Ken recommended a 2 1/2 dimensional brim after he looked at the pics of me I sent him. I'll post pics when I get it. Thanks again! -BrewCrew