Boater faction!

[Alon]

I wonder how the popularity of this hat compares with that of fedoras and caps. Show us your boaters!

I read that vintage hats tend to shrink over time, so that what was once a 7 1/2 may today be too small for a 7 1/2 head. Should I worry about vintage boaters, too, or does the straw not shrink?

(And yes, I'm already planning my summer wardrobe)

 

[NonEntity]

What, exactly, is a "boater?"

 

[AlanC]

Hmmm. Something like 'Boater Brigade' sounds better to me. Or maybe, 'Float Your Boater'.

 

[J.B.]

What, exactly, is a "boater?"

clicky

.....Or maybe, 'Float Your Boater'.

Atsa nice. Atsa real nice.

 

[Sassman]

I've got two 7 1/2" Italian straw, boaters from the 90's and though they aren't as light colored as they used to be, they still fit just fine. No shrinkage.

 

[funneman]

Hey sassman,

That's a great avatar photo.:eusa_clap

 

[Alan Eardley]

I wear a boater regularly in summer with flannels and a blazer.

I get lots of derogatory comments, which I always ignore.

I've had it for years and I can't imagine it shrinking.

Alan

 

[Dinerman]

I've got a nice '20s Temple XXX. It's a great weave, not like the modern ones at all.

 

[Sassman]

That's a great avatar photo

Thanks funneman. That's me, in vintage Paparazzi gear, performing at Paramount Studios, for a private function. I'd wear my Boater if it were a 30's Paparazzi gig.

 

[animator]

I love boaters! Unfortunately I look terrrible in them. I tried one on at a hat store a few months ago. I was quite excited and the fit was great, but the mirror reflection... OUCH!

I almost bought it just to have one, but my wife wouldn't approve.

If you can pull off wearing one I envy you!

 

[Fletch]

Hint

Wear it low in the front. It's a sunshine, shade-giving hat, not meant to be pushed back on your bean.

If you wear it right you have the rakish air of a gondolier. If not, you look like a butcher (nothing against butchers, mind you).

They don't shrink, BTW. I have one I bought 25 years ago at Brooks Bros. ($55 then, more like $125 today.) I was then a 7 1/2, I'm now a 7 5/8, but it still fits.

 

[Mike1973]

Found this yesterday...

Found this gem yesterday in the local Oxfam...

I was just passing, as you do, and it caught my eye... looked inside as saw that it was my size...

So tried it on...

Then thought "What the hell am I going to do with a boater? I'm never going to wear it?" so walked away...

Lasted all of ten minutes before I caved in and went back... :eusa_doh: Boaters need love too! :eusa_clap

The sweat band has come away, revealing an otherwise hidden stamp "HAT MANUFACTURERS SUPPLY COMPANY LTD, STOCKPORT, PATENT NO. 10005 1908" I assume the 1908 is a date?
There are also a couple of difficult to read embossed stamps in the card liner- (and impossible to photograph)

See The ELASTIC Is Tied Under Leather
Regular Size

And the other...

AS WORN BY KING GEORGE V.
CUSHION FITTING
FRACTIONAL SIZES
POSITIVE VENTILATION
PATENT NO. 10005-08
REGISTERED IN ENGLANDAND FOREIGN COUNTRIES
COMFORT HAT

It's a size 7. The liner could be re-attached as it's just the stitching that has gone. Not really visible in the photos bit there is a slight crease on the side of the brim. I'm not sure there is a way of fixing this?

Blew a weeks worth of lunch money on it, and I can't even see me wearing it, I love my flat caps too much [huh]

 

[Alex Oviatt]

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" is a good boater movie. The costumes have that odd timewarp of the 1920s as seen throught the prism of the 1960's, but lots of great boaters. A young John Gavin in an Arrow collar and a boater--now that sets the standard....

 

[jake_fink]

That's a good one. Is it as clean, pristine and free of dings, scrapes and notches as it appears to be?

 

[Feraud]

That's the way to wear it.
[

 

[surely]

I get a lot of pleasure just looking at my boater, takes me back in time.

 

[DerMann]

I think I shall invest in a boater for the upcoming summer. I think it'll look splendid with a linen navy blazer and seersucker pants. Brighton, anyone?

Unfortunately, it'll have to be new production, as a vintage hat anywhere near 7 3/4 will be out of my price range.

 

[cookie]

I wore one at school for years. You have the right face for that lid!:eusa_clap not everyone does BTW

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

I'm obviously ecstatic with mine.

Really I am, thanks Besdor!

 

[Mike1973]

Tony, you've got that "That's another fine mess you gotten me into...:eusa_doh: " expresion down to a T!

Seriously though, the boater suits you!:eusa_clap And the 'tache looks good, mine was short lived, the Better Half didn't really approve...
Smart 'taches go so well with boaters...

Jake-fink, there is a slight crease along the side of the brim, but not much... laid flat the bent side is 1/4 " higher, doesn't really show when worn. I wonder if it can be bent back? But I don't want to do more damage... maybe steaming, then bending, will work? Or adding a weight to press down...

Still not convinced I could wear it with the confidence I wear my old Newsboys, or Slouch hat... If it's good enough for George V though...