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- Thread starter Lefty
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- advice akubra akubra hat band replacement bashing beaver xxx beret bespoke bolero borsalino brim width bushman cheap hat cowboy hat cycber monday deal discount code double brim eastman eastman hat eastman leathers ebay elc era europe fawn fedora felt fifth avenue good deal hat hat block hat bodies hat care help homburg identify johnny depp krushable lawson light fur felt mallory fifteen online shopping open road panama hat party pliafelt private label vintage question on year resistol resistol kitten finish robert de niro scam self conforming shudde bros single brim size stetson stiffness stratoliner stratton straw straw hat suits tan the godfather the union men's shops tricorn trilby vintage vito corleone hat w alboum waterproofing western western hats which era
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If you are a hat collector than you probably don't want either an Akubra or a modern Stetson in your "collection". Or at least not mention it. That would be akin to kissing your sister. If you just enjoy wearing hats either one can have a rightful place in a rotation.
If I was moving into fedoras knowing what I know now I would probably end up with 3 Campdrafts & maybe a modern Stratoliner or two for colors not available in a CD, plus 2-3 customs for when you feel like wearing one. That's it. I wouldn't have more hats than can work in a rotation.
I have a 150th Anniversary Royal Quality Stratoliner & a Special Edition Royal Quality Stratoliner, & they are fine in my rotation. The Campdraft is much better quality than the modern Stetson Open Road in my opinion. If you require a large hat size you don't have a lot of options in vintage hats. They just aren't available like they are in the 6-7/8 to 7-1/4 size range.
And I don't call myself a collector.
If I was moving into fedoras knowing what I know now I would probably end up with 3 Campdrafts & maybe a modern Stratoliner or two for colors not available in a CD, plus 2-3 customs for when you feel like wearing one. That's it. I wouldn't have more hats than can work in a rotation.
I have a 150th Anniversary Royal Quality Stratoliner & a Special Edition Royal Quality Stratoliner, & they are fine in my rotation. The Campdraft is much better quality than the modern Stetson Open Road in my opinion. If you require a large hat size you don't have a lot of options in vintage hats. They just aren't available like they are in the 6-7/8 to 7-1/4 size range.
And I don't call myself a collector.
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It seems many like the CampDraft. I definitely do not think I will be a collector any time soon. I just want a dressier hat for when I kick it up a notch. I have to edge into these things slowly, for I have a wife who thinks one of anything is all a man ever needs. If I go too fast, it starts to unravel in other areas. She if finally understanding that some things require multiples based on any given situation. I would hate to get a really nice hat and lose my head. 
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It sounds like initially you could be a 1-3 hat man if you enjoy wearing fedoras.It seems many like the CampDraft. I definitely do not think I will be a collector any time soon. I just want a dressier hat for when I kick it up a notch. I have to edge into these things slowly, for I have a wife who thinks one of anything is all a man ever needs. If I go too fast, it starts to unravel in other areas. She if finally understanding that some things require multiples based on any given situation. I would hate to get a really nice hat and lose my head.
The CD has a bound brim width of 2-7/8" & an open crown height of 4-1/2". It has the same specs as the Stetson Open Road. That's a reason why it is so popular. The felt quality will be much better than anything but a vintage OR. It will come Open Crown but you will have plenty of crown space for just about any crease you like.
The Stratoliner as pictured looks good on you. It will have a bound brim width of 2-1/2" & a crown height of 4-1/2" but will come creased in a teardrop. You won't have to crease it & you can change it or refine it later on as you gain confidence & come into a style that looks best for you.
It always cracks me up when someone posts that a CD looks to "cowboy". I guess 3/8" will do that to you.
The decision ultimately is up to you. At the point you are at I don't think you can go wrong either way. Welcome to the forum!
I said she thinks I should only have one. I will work more into the line up as I go and as my style further evolves. I started with one firearm and only one bicycle, now I have a nice collection of each for various situations. She is learning that one isn't always enough, except in a spouse. Then one is plenty.
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Thanks, Hurricane. The posts have all been very welcoming and helpful. I look forward to learning more about the hats and styles.
I hear you sport a solid beard with your Fedora?
Willebe
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I should have proofread my post above. The measurement for the Open Crown CD should be 5-1/2", not 4-1/2".
Yes, I am one of the Brethren of the Beard. Plenty of pics in other threads but here's one from a couple of wks ago with a Navy blue Borsalino.
Which brings up another point. We have made light of it here in the past & old "norms" are going by the wayside. But it is generally accepted that thin ribbons are more casual than wide ribbons & therefore can be worn with about anything. Wide ribbons are thought to be a bit more dressy. Point being you can wear the CD or the Strat with more casual clothing & casual settings.
SWEET beard! I was thinking that the CD would go with a more casual look. I usually don't go above business casual, so the CD might be a better choice just for all things considered.I should have proofread my post above. The measurement for the Open Crown CD should be 5-1/2", not 4-1/2".
Yes, I am one of the Brethren of the Beard. Plenty of pics in other threads but here's one from a couple of wks ago of me wearing a Navy blue Borsalino.
Which brings up another point. We have made light of it here in the past & old "norms" are going by the wayside. But it is generally accepted that thin ribbons are more casual than wide ribbons & therefore can be worn with about anything. Wide ribbons are thought to be a bit more dressy. Point being you can wear the CD or the Strat with more casual clothing & casual settings.
Willebe
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Bob Roberts
I'll Lock Up
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I call myself a hat wearer with a small collection of hats.
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Bob, weren't you the one seen wearing a wide ribbon with a white Hanes tee shirt? Major Faux Pas!
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Uh, oh. I think I posted a pic of me in my Portis and a t the other day. Have to remember that.
EstherWeis
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I use that as my rejoinder to my wife's eye rolling at my collections.....I may collect stuff but at least after 42 years I have managed to stay satisfied with just ONE wife!
Bob Roberts
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Lol. Who me...? I believe the underware was Hanes jockey briefs but the Tee was certainly Tommy Hilfiger.
Bob Roberts
I'll Lock Up
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I noticed...
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TMI!!