The Essentials - Must Haves for the Collector

[Garrett]

I was looking in the stickies for something remotely like this but came up empty. Could we get the lounge's opinions on must haves for the hat collector? Here is what I came up with on the spot but I'm sure there's more to add. Please share what your list entails.

Top Hat
Homburg
Bowler/Derby
Boater
Panama (20's or earlier with the Optimo block - doesn't have to be museum grade WPI count)
Leghorn (30's or earlier)
Milan (50's stingy)
Cavanagh (any stingy cav from the 50's)
Stetson 7X
Stetson 100
Stetson Whippet (40's)
Stetson Stratoliner (40's)
Longhair (from the first 20 years of the 20th century)
Velour (preferably pre-war Austrian)
Borsalino (any wide brimmed 50's number from this manufacturer)

 

[Blackthorn]

I'm not familiar with a Leghorn. Can anyone point me to an example?

 

[rlk]

I'm not familiar with a Leghorn. Can anyone point me to an example?

 

[splintercellsz]

For me, it would have to be a Stetson Expo Medal/longhair in my size.

 

[gtdean48]

A Pilgrim
A Marathon
A Knox
A Disney
A Lee
A Dobbs

 

[Burma Schave]

Add to the list a flat cap or two.

 

[alanfgag]

Interesting checklist... I cleave to your short list for starters, Garrett. I would add a couple of early c. 1950 HCA offerings in the 20 and 40 dollar felted edge varieties. And a couple of late 30s/early 40s lightweights - Playboy, Cross Country, etc. Also as many 1930s and earlier Stetson cowboy hats as the budget allows.

 

[Blackthorn]

Thanks RLK, so it's a hot weather hat, similar to a Panama?

 

[Garrett]

Yes, another shade machine variant

 

[Blackthorn]

Yes, another shade machine variant

Thanks, Garrett.

 

[danofarlington]

Everyone wants different ones. You've got some excellent ones up there, and I have! a 7x, an old (maybe 20s) Stetson optimo Panama, Borsalinos of the wide brim variety including 50s I think. The list may be nearly complete for vintage hats. If you add moderns to it, one of my votes would be for a modern Borsalino Alessandria, which I am fond of.

 

[gtdean48]

How about what my list will NOT include:

Top Hat
Homburg
Bowler/Derby
Boater
Any Stingy
Longhair
Velour
Flat or Panel Cap
Fez
Beret

Basically my collection is about non-stingy fedoras, felt & straw....I collect what I'll wear...

 

[Mulceber]

I think trying to create a list of essentials is an exercise in futility. Every hat collector has different aesthetics, which may be affected not just by personal tastes, but also by what is reasonably acquirable. Your list, for example, Garrett, includes a LOT of hats that it would be much easier for a person with a small head size to acquire. As someone with a larger head size, I have hardly any of the items on your list and don't have any great interest in acquiring them simply because the cost would be prohibitive given how little use I'd get out of them. For example, is it really worth the investment for me to spend $500+ dollars on a top hat in my size. For all that, I consider myself no less a hat collector.