Felt all seasons

[Tiki Tom]

In the summer, my panama is my normal “go to” hat. But I do have a lightweight fawn colored rabbit felt fedora (wide brim) that is my “travel hat” and I’ll also wear it if the weather is changeable. I’ve worn it in hot locations and it was absolutely fine. I call it my travel hat because you can set a suitcase on it and it will still spring back into shape. Anyway, the Panama is a little cooler, but the felt takes a lickin’ and is still fairly light weight.

 

[1961MJS]

My father in law would dunk his 3X in the cattle trough frequently during the summer heat. It wasn't the best looking hat but the water never seemed to do it any harm.

Hi
Actually dunking the hat on a monthly basis or better when you're wearing it is a VERY GOOD IDEA. Don't wear it for 3 years without wetting it. It cracks in to a few pieces when you sit on it if you don't keep it wet occasionally. Guess how I know that one?

Later

 

[deadlyhandsome]

You dunk your fur felt hats?

 

[1961MJS]

Hi, nope, never tried that. I doubt that's a good idea.
Later

 

[Louis Mountbatten]

Well, I have dunked fur felt in a bath of naptha. But that is it. And only once, too, because it can dry out the leather.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Hi, nope, never tried that. I doubt that's a good idea.
Later

Okay, there for a minute I thought you were dunking felt! Yikes!

 

[Boomerang]

I commenced hat-wearing just over a year ago with felt. Summer 2019 came and went without me feeling a need for a straw. In July I played a 90-minute outdoor show in 85 (F) degree heat wearing my moonstone Akubra Bushman. I was completely comfortable, and left no sweat stains on the hat.

As a younger man hot days were my kryptonite, but as a senior they are welcome. I'm sure 20 years ago I would have a collection of straws, but felts work for me year-round in this phase of life.

 

[WonkyBloke]

I'm new to felt, and only own wool felt so far. Historically, it's been mostly leather and cotton for me, although I have wrecked a few straw hats along the way. My wool felt hats will NOT be worn when the temperature rises, and will probably only be reached for if it's cool enough to wear a jacket.

Cotton will be doing the bulk of the summer work here, as they can handle my sweat, my abusive/neglectful handling, which will increase as my brain starts to melt with the heat, plus they can handle the occasional downpour. If there's a high likelihood of rain, with sporadic sun between the showers, it'll more than likely be a leather hat that's worn.