President Finish fur felt

[skyvue]

Miller Hats sells hats made from this grade/type of fur felt -- does anyone have experience with it?

The women I spoke to at Miller made it sound as though it had a bit of a suede feel to it, which I'm not sure I want. I think I prefer a smooth finish, but honestly, I don't have that much experience. I own mostly Akubras -- Stylemasters and one Fedora/Sydney.

Would this felt be so different from the felt used in my hats? I really need to get a hat to wear with brown suits, trousers and jackets (I've been wearing my Bluegrass Green Stylemaster), and I have a store credit at Miller Hats.

Any informed input is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[gtdean48]

When I called Miller Customer Service to ask about the Douglas, the girl said their Miller line of fedoras was made by Beaver Brand or Biltmore. I don't know which is which but Biltmore has a Senator grade where Beaver has the Heritage grade. It could be a term Miller is using to represent one of the lines from either of these 2 companies. [huh]
http://www.beaverbrandhats.com/hat_finishes.htm
http://www.biltmorehats.com/abouthats.htm#fur

 

[Dewhurst]

Oh man, we were just talking about Biltmore's different qualities and finishes of felt very recently.

May need to search for it. I can't remember if "President" was on the list.

 

[skyvue]

I just spoke to a nice gal at Biltmore, and she's pretty sure the hat is one of theirs. She said the suede effect is understated, that it's basically a smooth, mid-range felt ('Not our best," she said, "but definitely very nice").

So I took the plunge.

Here's the one I bought, in coffee with a 2 5/8" brim with a contrasting (darker) brown ribbon (I asked if they add a binding to the brim, but alas):

 

[jimmy the lid]

I think you'll be pleased. The "President" quality finish is definitely Biltmore's. I bought a "Trenton" from Miller's a few years back, and found the President felt to be very nice quality. If memory serves, others here have also expressed similar opinions.

Cheers,
JtL

 

[skyvue]

Good to know, thanks!

Wish I'd ordered the darned thing sooner, but it's been a busy week. I won't get it till a week from Monday or thereabouts.

I'm ready to have a brown hat in my arsenal.

 

[Blackthorn]

I just spoke to a nice gal at Biltmore, and she's pretty sure the hat is one of theirs. She said the suede effect is understated, that it's basically a smooth, mid-range felt ('Not our best," she said, "but definitely very nice").

So I took the plunge.

Here's the one I bought, in coffee with a 2 5/8" brim with a contrasting (darker) brown ribbon (I asked if they add a binding to the brim, but alas):

That's a nice looking hat! Please post a pic after you have it bashed the way you like it. There may be a Biltmore in my future as well.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I think I used to have one of those. They are nice. Not really sueded. Barely so, if it all. They look snazzy! And the brown is greet color. Personally, I prefer their President Ultra finish, but that's just me. [huh]