Did I get ripped off?

[AXL DEMOCRACY]

I was actually on my way to Worth and Worth and went the wrong way and found this shop. It is called City Shapes! It is a little store sandwiched between a few other shops, between 7th and Broadway.
By the way when I got to Worth and Worth (my first visit) I had to walk six flights up cause the elevator was busted, but they were closed. It was a Sunday. I have to try and visit again next week.

I agree with everyone here about the hat - if I like it and wear it in good health it was worth the price!

 

[Aureliano]

I was actually on my way to Worth and Worth and went the wrong way and found this shop. It is called City Shapes! It is a little store sandwiched between a few other shops, between 7th and Broadway.
By the way when I got to Worth and Worth (my first visit) I had to walk six flights up cause the elevator was busted, but they were closed. It was a Sunday. I have to try and visit again next week.

I agree with everyone here about the hat - if I like it and wear it in good health it was worth the price!

yeah, they're closed on sundays and that elevator tends to break regularly!

 

[Mr E Train]

I liked the look of that Stetson Retro, but the largest size they come in is XL, so I looked for something similar that came in a 7 3/4 or XXL and found this:

http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=1319

Looks like a pretty decent hat, I like the shape of it a lot, and David Morgan's a top-notch company to order from, so I expect I'll be pleased with it. I have a feeling it's made by Capas (or at least blocked in the USA by Capas) because Hats-Plus has a Capas that looks the same that comes in XXL, but it's $10 more. I have no problem with Capas straws; I've found them to be well made.

 

[AXL DEMOCRACY]

Beautiful hat

 

[AXL DEMOCRACY]

Just revisiting this thread because I bought this Stetson straw hat

http://www.villagehatshop.com/stetson_retro_fedora.html

but really don't like the ribbon. Maybe I am spoiled because I own a couple of legit vintage straws with beautiful ribbons, but I just can't stand the ribbon on this hat!
I really want to get it replaced. I would like suggestions on what kind of ribbon to put on it; color, width, etc.
Then I need to find a place that does ribbon replacements and has a variety of ribbons to choose from!
I have asked for suggestions in a separate thread (the Dress Hats Stores in NYC thread). I am hoping to go to Worth and Worth in NYC and see if they can help me out with what I want to do with this hat...as well as some of my other hats that need some servicing.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

You may want to consider PMing the hatters that frequent this site. They may offer ribbon replacement.

Another option, if Worth & Worth does not have a ribbon you like, is to ask them if you can provide it yourself, and if so how much they need to work with (probably a little over a yard). Then, try locating a ribbon you like.

I find black to be the most versatile ribbon color for a straw, but it is rather plain. Navy blue could be nice and work with a lot of clothing. In the end, you want to pick something that will go with the clothes you wear in the summer. Hunt for some vintage grosgrain ribbon, millinery type. It should be a rayon/cotton blend.

 

[Aureliano]

Worth & Worth has boatloads of ribbon to choose from. Give them a shot.

 

[AXL DEMOCRACY]

Thanks so much guys for your advice!

 

[carldelo]

I would like suggestions on what kind of ribbon to put on it; color, width, etc.

Hi AXL, it sounds like you'll be giving W&W a try. For a ribbon idea, I have this older Milan straw Stetson that has a really nice striped thin ribbon. Sometimes a thin ribbon really looks right, IMO. These thumbnails are clickable:



PS that striped thin ribbon is brown, in case you can't tell from the photo. The other hat in the photo on the right is a Joe Fedora polystraw lid.

 

[AXL DEMOCRACY]

Those are some very nice looking ribbons! Thanks so much for the ideas!

Right now I am thinking about a dark brown "intertwined" ribbon (with no bow) or a nice rich blue?

 

[Matt Deckard]

Stetson' headquarters in New York been hemming and hawing about moving their manufacturing to Mexico for years. I myself like the idea of having a monopoly on fur felt production when it comes to historic companies like Resistol and Stetson. The temptation will always be there for them to move I'm sure, but seeing another icon skip town... well it would be a shame.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

I myself find the hat is only worth what you desire to own and to part money for it. I think you made a decent purchase. If I wanted a straw hat and was looking at the one you have, I would gladly spend that amount for it.

 

[milandro]

These days there are official (I am not talking of fakes, they are sold through Stetson own European site which is run by a German company) Stetson hats Made in China.

They are way more expensive than a similar hat sold without their label. You can buy the same hat with slight variations under the brand Jaxon and Stetson , and, very likely other brands too (first hat is a Jaxon and second is a Stetson there is about €15 difference for pretty much the same hat)