What hat are you waiting for today?

[RickP]

It would definitely be nice if Elm would expand its offering— in the meantime I think RM Williams uk offers a few Akubras as well but again, a pretty small selection to choose from.
As for Thomas Farthing, I’ve been meaning to write in here to see if anyone has much experience with their felt hats in terms of longevity. There’s a lot of posts here regarding their flat caps but not much in the way of felt reviews just yet.
But I’d actually gone to the Thomas Farthing store a few weeks ago with the intention of buying a Burbank Rancher hat and decided against it. It looked really nice on their website but it just felt wrong in person. The fit and finish felt off and it was surprisingly heavy, even chunky feeling in terms of the felt.
Absolutely nothing against the store though, it’s set up really nicely and the employees were very friendly!
I’d also be quite glad if someone here tells me that I was overthinking it and that their hats are worth the £200 price tag

I know lots of folks prefer lighter weight hats, but Ive reached a point that I actually like some of the heavier /denser felt like Akubra Heritage felt or the Western Fedora conversions... They hold their shape very well, stand up to rough wear, and accomodate a slightly wider brim without going wobbly. Definately makes for a low maintenance lid. Only issue is that being heavier they tend to be relegated to cooler weather

As examples, heres my American Hat Co Western Fedora, a Banjo Paterson, and some of the western conversions

 

[The Lost kansan]

I know lots of folks prefer lighter weight hats, but Ive reached a point that I actually like some of the heavier /denser felt like Akubra Heritage felt or the Western Fedora conversions... They hold their shape very well, stand up to rough wear, and accomodate a slightly wider brim without going wobbly. Definately makes for a low maintenance lid. Only issue is that being heavier they tend to be relegated to cooler weather

As examples, heres my American Hat Co Western Fedora, a Banjo Paterson, and some of the western conversions

I definitely enjoy a heavier weight felt if it’s good quality and holds up, my worry with the Thomas Farthing hats was that they felt to me more similar to like, Scala type wool felts than anything higher grade. More like heavy and thick, but kind of loose texture, which makes me nervous about potential shrinkage. But again, I decided against buying one for now but I’m curious to know if I’m just overthinking it with these.

 

[RickP]

I definitely enjoy a heavier weight felt if it’s good quality and holds up, my worry with the Thomas Farthing hats was that they felt to me more similar to like, Scala type wool felts than anything higher grade. More like heavy and thick, but kind of loose texture, which makes me nervous about potential shrinkage. But again, I decided against buying one for now but I’m curious to know if I’m just overthinking it with these.

I hear you.... Ive never been a fan of anything that could mistaken for wool lol. Give me a nice firm, smooth fur felt. Firm CAN be soft

 

[The Lost kansan]

I hear you.... Ive never been a fan of anything that could mistaken for wool lol. Give me a nice firm, smooth fur felt. Firm CAN be soft

Exactly

 

[RickP]

Woo hoo! just got an update that my new Campdraft Deluxe is out for delivery today! Rain all day so a perfect test day!

 

[BobHufford]

Might be my new Star of Stingymas. Supposed to be a size 7-1/2 (the other two hats at this estate auction were). Not sure if that is spiral or concentric stitching on the brim.

 

[MikeinRome]

Lee White Label Homburg from about 1950's. Looks like new. Brim said to be about 2 1/2 inches. I'm not a big Homburg fan, but this one was too nice and too good a price to pass up.

 

[Daniele Tanto]

Lee White Label Homburg from about 1950's. Looks like new. Brim said to be about 2 1/2 inches. I'm not a big Homburg fan, but this one was too nice and too good a price to pass up.

Bellissimo!

 

[Zombie_61]

I definitely enjoy a heavier weight felt if it’s good quality and holds up, my worry with the Thomas Farthing hats was that they felt to me more similar to like, Scala type wool felts than anything higher grade. More like heavy and thick, but kind of loose texture, which makes me nervous about potential shrinkage. But again, I decided against buying one for now but I’m curious to know if I’m just overthinking it with these.

Scotchgard 3M Outdoor Water Shield isn't a bad way to go if you're concerned about wool (or any other) garments shrinking. Spray it on, let it dry, go about your business. Might have to re-apply after the first or second encounter with water just to make sure it's protecting the wool felt properly, but it's an option if you just happen to see a wool felt hat you like that isn't available in fur felt.

 

[Blare]

Lee White Label Homburg from about 1950's. Looks like new. Brim said to be about 2 1/2 inches. I'm not a big Homburg fan, but this one was too nice and too good a price to pass up.

That is one beautiful homburg. We don’t get to see to many Lee White Labels.

 

[MikeinRome]

That is one beautiful homburg. We don’t get to see to many Lee White Labels.

Yes, While Label hats are very nice, in my opinion.

 

[AHP91]

Old newsboy cap, 30s or 40s. Would need a new sweatband, but for a rare size 7 1/4, couldn’t help but check it out