Don't Bogart that Hat, My Friend

[STHill]

Actually, DO Bogart that hat.

All right, guys, I need guidance. Everybody gets to voice his opinion on this one. As previously noted, I'm new to this. For my first REAL fedora, I want a reasonable facsimile of a Bogie lid. It doesn't have to be dead solid perfect, but it's got to have the vibe.

I've read the various "Bogie" posts and seen some great looking hats. I can't yet shell out $400 for an Optimo, but I am willing to go up to $200, if necessary. It seems a couple of options are Keppler and Akubra--any others? And with Akubra, which model?

I'm wandering in the wilderness. Please point me in the right direction!

 

[Matt Deckard]

I am a stickler for authenticity in details, and the only hat on the lower end of the price scale that I can see is the Keppler.

It is an excellent replica of the hats Bogart wore.

 

[Brad Bowers]

Welcome to the Lounge, STHill, and to a life of fedora wearing!

I absolutely love my new Keppler Bogie, and I don't think you would go wrong with one of those. I can only speak about the Keppler, as I haven't seen any Akubra offerings, though I know they have one called the Bogart.

Peters Bros. website has some other fedoras besides their Indy, but I would stay away from Stetsons. Don't know about the others.

Other than Optimo, the Keppler is the most Bogart-like hat I've seen. You can get it in a variety of colors, and with a raw edge, bound edge, or an underwelt. I have an underwelt, and it's really nice.

If you haven't already seen my Keppler photos, click here.

Enjoy your new hat, whatever you end up getting, and wear it with pride.

Brad Bowers

 

[fedoralover]

If you have a little patience you can peruse through ebay for one. It may take a month or so but you will be surprised what comes up for auction.

fedoralover

 

[Art Fawcett]

Gentlemen..I actually carry the real deal. StHill, please check out my website & see the real '30 & '40s fedoras, not a reproduction, for well under your budget. If you don't see what you are looking for, please just email me and maybe I have it in the vault.
http://www.vintagesilhouettes.com/m_hats_fedoras.htm

 

[Brad Bowers]

Well, Art! If I had known you had more than what's on the website, I would have asked sooner! I'm all tapped out for now, but maybe by September I'll have more money. Actually, I had been eyeing a pearl fedora with a cavanagh edge on your website for awhile, but I was afraid it was too small, and I think MK beat me to it anyway. But I'll be sure to ask next time. That's good to know.

Brad Bowers

 

[Art Fawcett]

Thanks Brad. I thought everyone knew about the "Vault" Janene and I bought an old back a few years ago & moved the store into it. The special men's clothing and much of my hat collection is in the actual vault and unphotographed. Just not enough time. Andy came in about a month ago and shot some pics. I'll see if I can find them on the lounge.

 

[Andykev]

Brad

http://fedoralounge.skyblueproductions.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=548

That is the link for the photos of Art's shop and the vault. Nice bank, it used to be full of money. LOL