All at sea about hats, Help me please....!

[PADDY]

Just been into a gentlemen's tailors in England and been measured as a UK size 7 hat (Fedora). What does this translate to in American size/ European size and also sizing in the 30's/40's/50's...? God this seems like a mine field just in sizing alone!!

Then, once I have sorted that out, how to I go about getting a style of Fedora/Trilby to suit me? I know I like the brown felt I had on today, but what styles..?

I just haven't a clue here guys, sorry for the trouble this is likely to generate, but I need to be hand held on this, being a Fedora virgin!!

Thanks in anticipation...(you must get this all the time guys, so sorry if you have to repeat yourselves to another hat infidel!)

 

[BD Jones]

Here is a size chart for you. It has both UK and US sizes plus gives the cm and inches for each. I have gotten to the point where I do not rely on the given size. Instead, I always ask what the measurement is in inches or cm around the sweatband (inside the hat not folded out). This gives a much better idea of the size of a hat than the tag. Plus, hats can shrink over time. It looks like you are a US 7 1/8, same as me. Great more competition.

 

[jamespowers]

Originally posted by PADDY
Just been into a gentlemen's tailors in England and been measured as a UK size 7 hat (Fedora). What does this translate to in American size/ European size and also sizing in the 30's/40's/50's...? God this seems like a mine field just in sizing alone!!

Then, once I have sorted that out, how to I go about getting a style of Fedora/Trilby to suit me? I know I like the brown felt I had on today, but what styles..?

I just haven't a clue here guys, sorry for the trouble this is likely to generate, but I need to be hand held on this, being a Fedora virgin!!

Thanks in anticipation...(you must get this all the time guys, so sorry if you have to repeat yourselves to another hat infidel!)

Ah, a newbie--someone who finally knows less than me that I can help. An English size 7 is an American size 7 1/8 no matter what the year--unless we are going back to the 1890's hats.
The style you get will just depend on what you like and what you think looks good on you. There are many different crown styles that are just fine. You can get a C crown, teardrop, center dent and a host of other styles. If the hat is of good quality you are really not locked into a particular block either as they can be reshaped to suit your taste. I just recently acquired and Open Road that just did not fit my taste. A little slight of hand and it now sports a C crown with two forward side dents. If the felt is floppy then it is easy to mold. This one was very floppy and held nicely.
Take a look through the messages of the Lounge here and see what some member's hats look like and maybe one of those styles will strike your fancy. From your picture, I would think that a bowler might not be your style. Also find a local hatter or one here that can help you out if you need to choose from a variety of styles. Welcome to hatendom. :cool2:

Regards to all,

J