First post Love hats

[pfisto22]

Ok so this is my first post and I love hats. I have a couple Stetson westerns, Charlie 1 Horse and a couple country gentelman type wool hats and about 100 baseball caps ( I know they don't count). I am looking to get a Fedora type hat but really don't like the higher crown from so I am looking for a hat with a lower front crown around 4 inchs and about 2 3/4 brin much like the Akurba hats. I want this hat to be 100 % beaver or rabbit I guess and it must be somewhat soft as if I wanted a stiff hat I would get another western. I really don't want a dressy style as I would like to wear everyday type hat. Iknow now is a good time to get a custom VS hat. So I welcom your thoughts
Thanks Mike

 

[Lotsahats]

Welcome, Mike! You certainly can't go wrong with a VS. Art does amazing work, and his customer service is impeccable. Before you go the full custom route, though, you might want to hunt around eBay or your local vintage/thrift shops to see if you can pick up a few hats first; depending in your size, you might get some good deals. This method lets you get a feel for hats and styles, so you can nail down what you like.

Still, a custom order through one the TL vendors would be a great way to start, too.

Cheers,
A

 

[Cattus Petasatus]

Welcome Mike. Lotsahats gave some good advice. Thrift shops or eBay is a good way to go to get a feel for what you like without spending a lot. I can't run in the VS league yet, although I've seen Arts work and it's nice. Akubra is what I'd recommend next. You can't beat their price for the quality they produce. They have some low crown, wider brimmed hats. However, don't fear the high crown. You'll learn to love it. I didn't think I ever would but now I hardly ever wear my low crowns. You can't go wrong with a Fed IV or a Campdraft for an everyday hat.

 

[pfisto22]

Yes I have spent many hours on the net and ebay as I said I have been into hats for some time. The closest thing I have to a fedora is the 2 felts I have which arent bad for what I paid but I want to step up to a high quailty outdoors type hat that isn't a cowboy hat. As far as the typical higher crown fedora I don't know it just seems to dressy for me but I really have not put any on for any period of time but I do like the outback lower front crown style

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

This wanting of a lower crown is normal. For someone new to Fedora's. Its the fear of the unknown. Once you get a 5 inch crown you end up wanting all your hats to be that way. You are on the first step of a path many of us here on the lounge have followed. I would suggest getting a Akubra Campdraft.
it's a thin ribbon and is a more casual style hat. Hatsdirect The Campdraft
Everythingaustralian has a bluegrass green Campdraft that is real nice.

 

[Latoso]

Get what you want and what feels best for you. High crown / low crown? There's no right or wrong answer.

But if you have the opportunity to visit a hat shop and try some on and see how different styles look before you buy, that would be the best advice I could give. I've always been surprised by what styles ended up looking good on me and by others that didn't.

 

[KingAndrew]

Akubra hats are tough as nails, so for outdoor wear they excel. They make lots of "country" bush hats that might fit your tastes and style. The felt is softer than most cowboy hats, but stiffer than some dress hats. My Fed IV is a great hat and very comfortable, although not as soft as my Optimos.

Akubras are great value for the money. The posts above link to several retailers who carry them. But I would add David Morgan, the American distributor of the brand, whose catalog carries a good selection for a little less cost in postage than ordering direct from Australia.