Do you think buying a 7 5/8 will be a problem over my normal 7 1/2?

[chadbang]

My Stetson size seems to run 7 1/2, but I found one I like on ebay that is a 7 5/8? Do you think that will be a problem, going up that 1/8" more. You wouldn't think so, but hats are suprisingly finicky at times!

 

[fedoracentric]

How old is the one online? New? Vintage?

 

[Lotsahats]

Could be great, or it could be a disaster. Even with measurements, it's hard to tell. If you really want it, go for it, and accept the idea that if it doesn't work, you'll just resell it.

Good luck!
A

 

[jlee562]

Between the possibilities of a vintage hat having slightly shrunk and the ease of padding the sweat, I'd say you'll probably end up alright. Caveat emptor, of course.

 

[chadbang]

How old is the one online? New? Vintage?

Vintage. So it may have shrunk a bit, huh? Well, then maybe. I guess as you guys say, without trying it on it's a bit of a crap shoot.

 

[gtdean48]

Go for it. Better too large than too tight.

 

[LuvMyMan]

I have to agree, a few hats purchased for my Husband, who normally wears a 7 1/2 LO have been the 7 5/8 and as they were vintage and NOS, they actually fit pretty darn good. Couple of folded up dollars to "pad" the leather for a while, then eventually the dollars were not needed the hats fit great over time.

 

[tonyb]

Go for it. Better too large than too tight.

Yup.

 

[Brother cavefish]

to be honest this is a question that can only be answered by you, all hats fits differrently , if you are a avid hard pressed 7 1/2 , it could work, but if you are a comfortable 7 1/2 probably not, -- i am a relaxed 7 3/8 or a tight 7 1/2 , it all depends on the hat itself, that the thing with buying online they are all differrent, and hats need to be exactly what feels good , too tight is just irritating , an too loose,is just too loose-- most times it shrinks a little but then the leather sweatband crinkles------------- try it and if not send it back

 

[theoldnorthwest]

I am a 7 1/2 and I recently bought a great Dobbs hat online and the seller just gave the measurements of the hat as there was no size tag on the inside but the measurements they provided made me think the hat would work. I just received the hat today and it fits perfectly and on the inside of the sweat band it is marked 7 3/4. So you never know with vintage hats, I think they have a tendency to shrink, at least the sweat bands shrink, so in your case one size bigger will probably work, if it is too big you can put one of those pads in the sweat band. Buying vintage hats online is always a risk but the alternative is buying a new hat which is very expensive if you want a hat that is similar in quality to vintage.