Borlesoni? Excuse me?

[scotrace]

Anyone heard of this Borlesoni brand name? Seems like an obvious knockoff - even the logo looks swiped from Borsalino. Is it maybe a cheaper version?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14065&item=8313947245&rd=1

 

[feltfan]

Looks cool to me

Looks like a nicely made hat. I'd jump for it if it were a
7 1/2 or 7 5/8. Love the idea of an Italian take on an
American classic.

No, never heard of Borlesoni. Probably wasn't marketed
over here. Who knows- the felt could even come from
one of Borsalino's old suppliers.

 

[Winkydink]

the levine hats catalog, hard copy, couldn't find it in their online one, lists a "Demensional by Barlesoni. Stylish downturned brim with matching band. A popular style for dress or casual wear. $95.00."

maybe the ebay is legit

you can call levine hat at 800-875-3359.

let us know,

winky.

 

[Biltmore Bob]

Sounds like Bull oh nee to me...

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Yes! It's true.

And I just became the proud owner of a "Borlesoni" today, so I'm resurrecting this old thread.

Not bad overall. Made of "Imported Furs", but not as soft as something like a vintage Resistol of course. Looks to have been made in the 80s maybe, though I'm not sure.

 

[Dinerman]

speaking of hats that sound like borsalino-
I'm waiting for my Brasiliano to show up in the mail.
Probably a crappy knockoff, but hey, with shipping from italy, it came out to 8 bucks.

 

[cooncatbob]

I recently got this Barlesoni off e-bay. It's not a nice as a Royal Stetson, but the price was right.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=130086633564&rd=1&rd=1

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

My Barlesoni is a 7-5/8,...my size, but feels more like a 7-1/2 on my head. Maybe it's destined for the e-place too,...[huh]

 

[cooncatbob]

My Barlesoni is a 7-5/8,...my size, but feels more like a 7-1/2 on my head. Maybe it's destined for the e-place too,...[huh]

Mines a 7 1/8 and it easily stretched out to fit my 7 1/4 long oval head.
Bob.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Here's a link to the real deal,...

....a current Barlesoni.
http://www.levinehat.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=8

 

[besdor]

Barlesoni Hats

Barlesoni was a name used here in the US during the 1960's until the early 1980's by companies such as Bollman hats and Goodwear Manufacturing for various stores. We sold them years ago as a low end hat . They sold at that time for 18.99 till 35.00 . I still have a few (small sizes ) if anyone wants one.





Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[Fletch]

....a current Barlesoni.
http://www.levinehat.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=8

MANALIVE!!1 Is this d00d stylin' or what?! lol


No, seriously, this picture must be at least 25 years old, and at most about 35 years old. He looks like he's going up in the elevator to Dr. Hartley's group therapy. James Lileks could probably give you his life story in fewer lines than these.

 

[Rick Blaine]

MANALIVE!!1 Is this d00d stylin' or what?! lol


No, seriously, this picture must be at least 25 years old, and at most about 35 years old. He looks like he's going up in the elevator to Dr. Hartley's group therapy. James Lileks could probably give you his life story in fewer lines than these.

Yeah, I always thought Levine's had the most cheeseball photos imaginable...

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Yeah, I always thought Levine's had the most cheeseball photos imaginable...

What!? Dr. Knox is the coolest of them all,...:fedora:

 

[J.S.Udontknowme]

MANALIVE!!1 Is this d00d stylin' or what?! lol


No, seriously, this picture must be at least 25 years old, and at most about 35 years old. He looks like he's going up in the elevator to Dr. Hartley's group therapy. James Lileks could probably give you his life story in fewer lines than these.

I've got a brown one.

 

[Lonn]

Just got mine

Did you re-ebay your hat, Nick? I just got one I won on ebay and it looks just like your photos if they are a little lighter than true. Mine is a 7 5/8 black. It's not as soft as my Stetsonian, but it's nice and goes well with my dark suits; which is what I wanted.

 

[Alive'n'Amplified]

Don't know if this is a "knock-off" brand, but my new Panalite is pretty cool. I bought this off of Etsy for $15. The seller advertised it as vintage, but it has a modern band, and that it looked like it had never been worn, but needed an obvious cleaning. Hey, it was $15. Anyhoo, the dimensions are really nice, and I can get over the small holes / pulls in the straw. Here's a few shots...

Barlesoni "Panalite"
Crown height - a little over 5 1/2" OC (4" at the front, 4 1/4" at the back, and 4 3/4" on the sides)
Brim width - 2 3/8"
Ribbon - 1", red & black stripe

 

[John Galt]

Barlesoni is a real Italian hatmaker of some distinction. They make quality hats. I had the same thought and looked them up before buying a very nice vintage felt.

 

[alanfgag]

Italian in name only... Read Steven's post at the top of the page, or visit here.

 

[John Galt]

Italian in name only... Read Steven's post at the top of the page, or visit here.

Thanks Alan. I should have checked before running off at the mouth. I was thinking of my Montevarchi, which is an exquisite Italian velour.







John