Online Hat Retailers

[T Jones]

Thanks for the quick replies.

The Panama is from Hats in the Belfry. It is their Daley model and is supposed to be top of the line. The weave is tight and it has a great finish. I've had it since the end of February, so it really isn't "broken in" yet. I don't know if Hats in the Belfry is considered a top of the line maker or retailer, but the style of the hat, plus the sale pricing they were offering were enough for me to grab the tape measure and make a purchase. So far, I am very pleased with the hat and the company.

I know that David Morgan has a good return/exchange policy. So if I bump up to 58 and it doesn't work, I could always send it back.

I really wish I could go someplace and try on hats, but there just aren't any hat shops near me.

Most manufactured hats these days come in general sizes. So if you're one of those unfortunates, like me, whose in between sizes, trying to find a hat that actually fits is a daunting task. The best bet is having a custom hat made. That way you're assured of a proper fit. I also found that vintage hats seem to fit better than the modern ones do. I have a vintage Resistol and a vintage Bradford ltd, both 7 1/4, and they fit me near perfect with a little padding under each side of the sweat. I also have a couple modern hats in the same size, 7 1/4, and they fit way too big. The more padding I put behind the sweats on those the more uncomfortable they get.

 

[gtdean48]

Modern hats have also gone away from the LO, XLO versions that make fitting our more oval than round noggins easier. I know HatCo does not make Long Oval Stetsons any more. Most all come from the factory too round for me & I have to train them. Akubras tend to quickly come to shape. I have had some blocked LO by the hat shop & some not. Don't seem to matter much having it done, so don't bother anymore.
Hat Stretcher, Hat Jack & band block are all useful tools in getting a factory hat to fit my non-factory noggin....JMHO

 

[RBH]

These guys are great to buy from. I just received my new summer milan Stratoliner from them.
The price was right and the service fantastic!

http://www.one2miniranch.com/

Check out the hats here.

http://www.one2miniranch.com/felt/

If you do business with them let them know about the Lounge!

 

[hatsRme]

Thanks, Rusty! Looks like a great resource; good prices!!

 

[belfastboy]

I am a true 7 3/8 and can wear a 59 with no problems. Owner of 5 Akubras, all 59's except for one that was only available at the time in a 60, it was on sale so I bit and just shim it smaller. The Akubras for me have always been true to size and would not hesitate to shop online through EA or Hats Direct. I am a collector of hats and if I can save a buck it means being able to make more purchases. These online hat companies are at least 1/3 less than the hat shop in my city and while I like to shop local it is my money and need to stretch it as best I can. If you have questions contact either of these two companies. This is their business and if they did not do it well would not be still in business. Both in my opinion excel at their customer service.
Invest in a $20 hat jack and if the hat becomes a little tight just ease it out a tad. But I have only had to do that with vintage lids that have shrunk a bit.

 

[RBH]

Thanks, Rusty! Looks like a great resource; good prices!!

Thanks, they seem to have some decent prices on production Stetsons.