Borsalino Question for the experts

[Daniele Tanto]

From my point of view, in Italy, the situation of how Borsalino rated their hats is really complex. In the last thirty years Borsalino changed for the EU market most of its models and finishing to pursue the "taste" of the Europeans. It was and it's a mess. Too fasshionable models without a direction. Some are good, some not so much and some are sons of the temporary fashion. So, most of the few wearing an hat in Italy, identify Borsalino as "the hat" does not matter models or materials, it is a status symbol. No more, no less. The price are higher that in any other countries and the choice is poor. IMO the best choice of Borsalinos is in the USA (Bencrafts above all) for models and prices. I think that some suggestions from this NY store led you to understand the actual rating of Borsalinos and believe me you are lucky

 

[tommyK]

I've never noticed any markings or tags indicating quality I just went to Bencraft and tried on about ten different models. The Alessandrias and Verdis in certain colors seemed quite good as well. They definately err on the side of softness not stiffness. Although the taupe Verdi I tried on was stiffer than the others. The Verdi is a very nice hat, i just don't like the tapered crowns so it's the Film and Alessandrias for me. i pretty much have all the colors I want now so it's vintage or custom for me now. Unless they come out with some other colors. I'll keep checking.

 

[dennisb]

Rankings

Where does a Borsalino Alessandria marked quilta extra extra superiore fall ranking wise in reguards to their top of line

 

[Gabriel]

Why is it so hard to find black/grey borsalinos?

It seems as if all over the internet I have searched (mostly etsy, ebay, and fl) most people don't sell grey or black borsalinos that often. I mean, am I just unlucky at this time to come and look for a borsalino of that type or are they like going extinct? D:

Advice would be highly appreciated.

 

[alanfgag]

Well, they've been extinct for some time, but many specimens do exist. Search again tomorrow.

 

[besdor]

Gabriel, we have about five thousand black Borsalino hats in our stores!!! And quite a few gray ones as well.

 

[PHIL1959]

I visited a Borsalino store earlier this year while in Italy. the prices were, shall we say Italian! (expensive).also depends on the exchange rate.

 

[GregNYC]

Tommy, did Bencraft have the Film in you size? I should go check it out....


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[tommyK]

Tommy, did Bencraft have the Film in you size? I should go check it out....


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Greg,yes,I've got Pearl, Tuape and Whiskey. They sometimes have colors they don't show on the website and don't always have every color in every size but definately worth the trip. You may like different models than I but they have a lot in stock. The prices have been climbing (I got all of mine at $250 a couple of years ago) so if you are interested, the sooner the better.

 

[Richard Warren]

I've bought a couple of Como's in the last year that are very nice and soft and malleable. Got the last one (grey with black band) from Delmonico where they were very helpful. To my mind they are more polished than the Alessandria. I have another Como (black) from maybe ten years ago that is much stiffer.

 

[KingAndrew]

A store (like Bencraft) whose clientele includes members of the Orthodox Jewish community will carry a large inventory of quality black hats. So if you're searching for black, that's where to look.

 

[the soupman]

Vintage Borsalino Fedora

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsoup/15861695627/ This is the link to a Borsalino Fedora I found at a thrift store anyone know anything about it. Thank You

 

[Lean'n'mean]

If you're refering to the light coloured hat with the felt band, all I can say is that it looks like a cheap imitation.

 

[the soupman]

I do.

 

[Lotsahats]

Wear it in good health. The hat certainly has lots of character!

A

 

[hatsRme]

Very nice find, Soupman. Is that a felted edge?

 

[alanfgag]

Appears to be a raw edge lightweight hat intended for travel. Not sure how antica. The soft finish of the felt reminds me of my Pocket Hat. Interesting that there are no markings on the sweatband. Are there any labels behind it?

 

[mayserwegener]

The printed Borsalino is common on women's models but they usually have a grosgrain sweat and the bow on the right. Interesting!

 

[the soupman]

No I've checked every place the felt is very soft and supple and it only has the two stamps

 

[the soupman]

I don't think so