Straw Fedoras

[Griff]

Thinking of getting a straw fedora for summer and was wondering about sizing.
The fur felt I have is a tiny bit large but I understand with wear it will shrink to my head. I can't imagine straw does the same but I don't know. Can you guys educate me? If my felt is 7 1/4 and a bit large should I get a straw in 7 1/8?
I'm looking at the Stetson Milan Dega and the Dobbs Milan Naples straws.
Any info is appreciated.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

The Stetson and Dobbs milans (which I favor) don't tend to shrink easily, but be careful about getting something too tight. These hats don't have a lot of give. I have the same size issue, but I have come to like the looser feel on a hot day. [huh]

Now, if you end up looking at something else, like a panama or other softer straw with a leather sweatband, shrinkage will be more likely. It the leather more than the felt or straw that shrinks a hat size. For whatever reason, the milans you mention happen to be exceptions.

 

[Jabos]

You might try "The Brothers Hat Shop" in Tulsa. They have some cheaper straws and you can try for size. They are very nice and helpful.

 

[Zanzibarstar]

The Stetson and Dobbs milans (which I favor) don't tend to shrink easily, but be careful about getting something too tight. These hats don't have a lot of give. I have the same size issue, but I have come to like the looser feel on a hot day. [huh]

Now, if you end up looking at something else, like a panama or other softer straw with a leather sweatband, shrinkage will be more likely. It the leather more than the felt or straw that shrinks a hat size. For whatever reason, the milans you mention happen to be exceptions.

I have a hard time with my hat size. I seem to fall somewhere in between a 6 7/8 and a 7. It also depends on the hat maker. I've got an Akubra 55(6 7/8) that fits perfect. But my vintage Resistol, and vintage Churchill Milan straw are both a bit too snug at the same size. Then I have some 7's that fit perfectly, and a Royal Stetson size 7 that's too loose![huh]