Akubra sizing: I wear a 57.5... What should I order? Shrink or stretch?

[javadave61]

One size up is OK om the Fed, seems to run half size smaller

Ingineer is exactly right. I told you wrong earlier. I went back to take a look just to be sure, and mine is a 60 cm, not a 59. Again, I'm a 59.5 and it fits me well. I was confusing it with my campdraft which seems to have the opposite problem. It runs a bit bigger. My CD is a 59.

I've given my Fed IV several different shapes with the crown and each makes it fit tighter or looser. I've got a few hats that were too big, but with the right crown, it would close in just right.

 

[Zombie_61]

I'll try my luck. Would felt inserts be enough for 2 sizes up?

I might be a 58. I measured as a 57 when I shaved my head.

1cm larger won't make a big difference on how it will shirnk, won't it?

I'd suggest you measure your head again and get an accurate current measurement. If you happen to be one of those fortunate few whose head happens to measure exactly 57 cm or 58 cm, order that size; if you're between sizes, say a 57.5, order the next size up (i.e., a 58). However, if you have any questions about sizing the best thing to do is to contact whichever vendor you're purchasing the hat from, inform them of your head measurement, and ask their advice about which size to order.

 

[APP Adrian]

I'd suggest you measure your head again and get an accurate current measurement. If you happen to be one of those fortunate few whose head happens to measure exactly 57 cm or 58 cm, order that size; if you're between sizes, say a 57.5, order the next size up (i.e., a 58). However, if you have any questions about sizing the best thing to do is to contact whichever vendor you're purchasing the hat from, inform them of your head measurement, and ask their advice about which size to order.

I have a feeling that I might be right with the sizing. I'll try my luck and see if it fits, if not I'll insert some felt pads.

I had size 57 ushanka and it was so tight that I got headaches from it lol.

I'll post pics and you guys decide if the fit is proper.

HatsDirect has a free return policy I think.

 

[Eisenpforte]

When my fed IV came in at 59cm, it would actually slide down over my ears. I bashed it and wore it with foam one day. It now pretty much fits with the foam out. I'm guessing a week or so of wear and it will be perfect.

 

[javadave61]

I always mention when I order that I'm a size in between and that I'd appreciate a large 59 or small 60. I've yet to get a hat that didn't fit nicely. I think you'll be fine, Adrian, if you feel you're probably a 58 and have a 59 on the way.

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

I have a feeling that I might be right with the sizing. I'll try my luck and see if it fits, if not I'll insert some felt pads.

I had size 57 ushanka and it was so tight that I got headaches from it lol.

I'll post pics and you guys decide if the fit is proper.

HatsDirect has a free return policy I think.

My Ushanka also shrinks badly so I do not see it as a good basis for comparison to other hats. Similar to yours, mine must be stretched or worn frequently or it hurts my head.

I had an issue with Hats Direct and learned that their return policy is not really free - I was told to send it back at my cost and they would accept it and the order would simply be cancelled. Please update if it has changed recently, but this was what they told me to do when I got a defective item.

Fed

 

[Ginseng]

That is correct, Fed. I tried to order a 59 F4D based on what I read here. They recommended a 60 for my 58.5 head. I figured they must know so I ordered the 60. Ended up returning it at my cost after demonstrating it fell down over my ears. 59 F4D and CDD fit great with a bit of foam for grip even after sweating-in.

 

[foamy]

So, I took Zombie's, Bob's and ingineer's collective approaches. That is to say, I did each. Wore it for a few (hot and humid) evenings, then soaked the inside of the sweat band and stowed it in a very warm room.

It worked. Got home last night, went and fetched the hat out of the attic, tried it on and it fit! As soon as I get the crown shaped to my liking, I'll show it. Not that you haven't seen a BG CD before. Though, this will be my first felt shaping.

Thank you all, again.

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

As soon as I get the crown shaped to my liking, I'll show it. Not that you haven't seen a BG CD before. Though, this will be my first felt shaping.

Please do share. We never tire of seeing a great hat. The CDs are like a blank canvas - they are what you make them and this is one reason why we love them so much.

Fed

 

[Bob Roberts]

Please do share. We never tire of seeing a great hat. The CDs are like a blank canvas - they are what you make them and this is one reason why we love them so much.

Fed

+1 AND... You can keep re-making and tweaking as you go along. Just keep the creases gentle so they can steam out.

 

[foamy]

+1 AND... You can keep re-making and tweaking as you go along. Just keep the creases gentle so they can steam out.

Thanks for that. I had originally wanted to go the same route you did with yours (I like your style and choice of hats, btw), but girlie-girl actually stated a preference for a teardrop and she never comments on my lids. IDK. I'll see what happens and how I'm feeling when I get to it.

What is the difference btween a "C," "open C," and a teardrop?

 

[Zombie_61]

...What is the difference btween a "C," "open C," and a teardrop?

A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say, so here's a quick and sloppy visual aid to help explain the difference:

When viewed from the top, a hat with a "Teardrop" shape/crease/bash appears to have the shape we commonly associate with a teardrop or drop of water--rounded at the bottom (the back of the crown) and narrowing to a point at the top (the front of the crown) with a smooth transition between bottom (back) and top (front). A hat with a "C-Crown" shape/crease/bash is also rounded at the bottom (back), but has a visual "break" between the bottom (back) and top (front) and the lines from that point upward (forward) are generally straighter. I've exaggerated this slightly in the above sketch to emphasize the point.

And here are two of my hats to show how this looks (sort of) in the real world; Teardrop on the left, C-Crown on the right:

As you can see (I hope), the difference is more subtle than in my sketch, but noticeable when you know what you're looking for. Also, my hats are not perfectly shaped/creased/bashed simply because I'm an amateur.

An "open crown" hat refers to a hat with a crown that has not been shaped, but with regards to an "Open C" I've never heard that term before so I might get an education here as well if one of the more learned members would be kind enough to explain it.

I hope this helps!

 

[Bob Roberts]

Thanks for that. I had originally wanted to go the same route you did with yours (I like your style and choice of hats, btw), but girlie-girl actually stated a preference for a teardrop and she never comments on my lids. IDK. I'll see what happens and how I'm feeling when I get to it.

What is the difference btween a "C," "open C," and a teardrop?

Foamy, thank you so very much. I believe you are talking abt the Bluegrass Green Camp Draft w the telescope bash...? It took a little work but it was fun to do. Lots of steam and restarts.

 

[foamy]

Zombie, thanks for a great, visual explanation. Fairly subtle difference and now I know. If your bashes are amateur—you fooled me. I think they look danged good.

Bob, yes, your BG Camp Draft telescope—nice. Right up my alley. I just got a small spray bottle for distilled water and the tea kettle is always on the stove. I'm going to take a swing at it over the weekend.

Thanks gentlemen, for helping this newbie out.

 

[Bob Roberts]

Zombie, thanks for a great, visual explanation. Fairly subtle difference and now I know. If your bashes are amateur—you fooled me. I think they look danged good.

Bob, yes, your BG Camp Draft telescope—nice. Right up my alley. I just got a small spray bottle for distilled water and the tea kettle is always on the stove. I'm going to take a swing at it over the weekend.

Thanks gentlemen, for helping this newbie out.

Try a gentle dry bash first to get some feel for what the hat wants you to do...

 

[Zombie_61]

Zombie, thanks for a great, visual explanation. Fairly subtle difference and now I know. If your bashes are amateur—you fooled me. I think they look danged good...Thanks gentlemen, for helping this newbie out.

You're very welcome, and thank you for the compliment! We were all newbies at one time or another (I still have a lot to learn), and The Lounge is arguably the best site to get as much information as you want or need in one place.

 

[photogravity]

Zombie, thanks for a great, visual explanation. Fairly subtle difference and now I know. If your bashes are amateur—you fooled me. I think they look danged good.

Bob, yes, your BG Camp Draft telescope—nice. Right up my alley. I just got a small spray bottle for distilled water and the tea kettle is always on the stove. I'm going to take a swing at it over the weekend.

Thanks gentlemen, for helping this newbie out.

+1 The info from zombie_61 is great stuff to know. I've wondered the same thing myself but had not yet done the research, so your question was timely.


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