Online Hat Retailers

[TAutry]

OK, I guess I've got hat fever. I'm leaning toward the Akubra Stylemaster. Now, I need to know where to get it.

Who are the best online retailers for Akubra hats? I've seen David Morgan, Kakadu Traders and Delmonico Hatters. Who else should I consider?

 

[jlee562]

Hats direct

 

[TAutry]

Thanks for the quick reply. I checked their site and they don't show the Stylemaster.

 

[jlee562]

http://hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?view=41&returncat=Fedora+Hats&returnpage=0

 

[Rogera]

They show it. You just have to look under Fedora Hats. What size do you wear?

 

[Nyah]

For a first time hat buyer in the USA, I'd suggest ordering from one of the USA-based shops. WranglerOutpost.com is another one (although I have no experience with it). That way, if the size is wrong, the exchange is relatively easy (which I do have experience with - had to exchange my first one for the next size up).

 

[ManofKent]

Either Hats Direct as already suggested or Everything Australian: http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=535

both offer excellent service and I couldn't recommend one above the other.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Hats Direct has faster shipping and they keep a much wider range of models and colors in stock... but they are more expensive. If Everything Australian has the hat you want in stock, you'll save a few bucks, but it will take a few days longer. I've bought from both dealers and have had excellent service from both.

 

[Tomasso]

Caveat emptor: Buying hats online is a risky business, even for one with experience, and more so for a first time buyer. Are there no hat shops you can visit?

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

Your only concern when dealing with EA or HD will be getting the correct size. (I have some en route from EA at the moment.)

Be very sure to get the size fairly close. Also understand that most Akubras will arrive a bit large. The sweat band shims will take up the slack until the hat shrinks to fit your hat properly.

I have been tempted to get one myself. What color?

Fed

 

[TAutry]

I'm a 7 1/8 or 57. I'll take another look.

 

[TAutry]

Caveat emptor: Buying hats online is a risky business, even for one with experience, and more so for a first time buyer. Are there no hat shops you can visit?

I agree that buying online is a challenge, but no there are no hat shops in my area.

Thank you all for the great advice. I'm still researching what to buy and where to buy from. Since this is all very new for me, it will probably be some time before I make a purchase. Judging from the prices I've seen, I'll also have to round up some cash.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

I agree that buying online is a challenge, but no there are no hat shops in my area.

Thank you all for the great advice. I'm still researching what to buy and where to buy from. Since this is all very new for me, it will probably be some time before I make a purchase. Judging from the prices I've seen, I'll also have to round up some cash.

This Hat addiction is never said to be cheap, some bargains yes...a few dozen here...and there....lol Your wallet will tell you when to stop!

 

[Jedwbpm]

You need to look at the overall cost. Shipping and cost to return and exchange a hat. With shipping Hats Direct will be around $150.00 and that if you don't need to send it back. your looking at $210.00 when all is said and done.
http://www.delmonicohatter.com/product/1746.htm



Jeff

 

[rclark]

Jeff is absolutely correct. I would highly recommend purchasing from DelMonico, especially if your other option is purchasing from overseas.

 

[TAutry]

I have a sizing question. My panama is a 7 1/8 and it fits well. Looking at the Stylemaster and using the same head measurement, I get a 7 1/4 or 58 .

Should I go up to the 58 or stick with the 7 1/8 (57) like my Panama?

Is there a difference between the fit of a Panama vs a fur felt hat? Is one more forgiving than another?

 

[tropicalbob]

Ditto on Delmonico. I ordered a Stetson Renaissance from them last week and got it in (no lie!) two days. Reputable hatters are the only way to go online.

 

[tropicalbob]

TAutry -- Unless your Panama is from a well-respected maker, I'd be careful about using a Panama as a yardstick. I've been really studying straw hats lately and have found remarkable differences between the stated sizes and the actual ones. I'm beginning to notice some, how shall I say, not quite entirely honest dealers.

 

[Tomasso]

I've found sizing discrepancies in both straw and felt, vintage and modern from the same maker and the same model. That's why you want to try on a hat before you buy it.

 

[TAutry]

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.