Good hat for someone with a large, round head and round face?

[PRW94]

Hi, Santa is going to bring me another hat for my collection, which includes a Stetson Temple, a Stetson Open Road with the LBJ cattleman’s crease and a Thomas Gomez custom Panama.

I’m looking for another fedora type hat because I never have really been 100% in love with the Temple, I am not sure it flatters my head and face. (The Open Road is a different story, I love it.)

That head is 61 centimeters around, is round like a basketball and my face is also roundish although not to the extent of my overall noggin.

Just looking for suggestions as to other Stetsons and, especially, Akubras because I have always wanted one of those, that veterans here think might work for me.

I actually had considered a homburg LOL but not sure how versatile that would be.

 

[PRW94]

One addendum and a major reason for the post: This will have to be a sight unseen online purchase, the closest dedicated hat store to me is 350 miles away.

 

[Rmccamey]

It would probably be good to look through a lot of the hat threads to find some examples of hats and styles you like.

One addendum and a major reason for the post: This will have to be a sight unseen online purchase, the closest dedicated hat store to me is 350 miles away.

 

[Trouser Bark]

It won't answer your question directly but this guy and a buddy of his spend a lot of time thinking about what looks right.

Take a peek at around the 6:45 mark.

Good luck.

 

[PRW94]

It would probably be good to look through a lot of the hat threads to find some examples of hats and styles you like.

I love the Stetson Stratoliner and the Akubra Stylemaster, Leisure Time and Traveler, and I still have this itch to see what a homburg looks like on me. But that is simply from looking online and as noted, I am not going to be able to try on before buying, which is why I cast out a line for assistance.

 

[PRW94]

This is a photo of me wearing the Temple … which I guess doesn’t look that bad LOL … holding my grandson who is starting out right as far as chapeaus. I’m also vertically challenged, about 5-7.

I really have the itch to get an Akubra. I’m thinking the crown on a Federation would be too tall, I am just having trouble visualizing what the other options might look like. And I see that Akubra has a homburg, LOL, I am probably going to have that itch until I try one on and see what it looks like, thought about ordering a cheap Scala just to do that.

Anyway, any suggestions for a specific hat that might work for me?

 

[Trouser Bark]

Anyway, any suggestions for a specific hat that might work for me?

The Temple looks just right which means that Akubra's Stylemaster would look great as well. They're pretty similar styles though so the primary difference would likely be color.

 

[PRW94]

The Temple looks just right which means that Akubra's Stylemaster would look great as well. They're pretty similar styles though so the primary difference would likely be color.

Sounds good. As noted I really was looking to get an Akubra. My wife got a nice Banjo Paterson at a hat shop on River Street in Savannah, Ga., a few years back and I have been bad jealous ever since.

She’s into hats even more than I am. She scored a mint 7X beaver Stetson cowboy hat including the original box for $35 at an antique store a few years back … she has a more common hat size than I do so good things like that happen to her … and I got her a gorgeous bolero hat from Agnoulita for Christmas one year.

And you could see from the photo we are starting the grandchild out right.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Hi, Santa is going to bring me another hat for my collection, which includes a Stetson Temple, a Stetson Open Road with the LBJ cattleman’s crease and a Thomas Gomez custom Panama.

I’m looking for another fedora type hat because I never have really been 100% in love with the Temple, I am not sure it flatters my head and face. (The Open Road is a different story, I love it.)

That head is 61 centimeters around, is round like a basketball and my face is also roundish although not to the extent of my overall noggin.

Just looking for suggestions as to other Stetsons and, especially, Akubras because I have always wanted one of those, that veterans here think might work for me.

I actually had considered a homburg LOL but not sure how versatile that would be.

With your large head, I would go for a wider brim. A 2-3/4 inch brim is what I would try (your OR might have that brim size already). 2-1/2 inch brim might look somewhat small on your head.

With a round face I don't know what kind of crown to recommend. Just remember that you can always change the shape of the crown with steam. You can try a center crease and a c-crease and a diamond and see which one works best for you. Because of that, the type of crown might not be as important as the brim size. Also, be aware that the Stetson Temple has a dimensional brim (longer in front and back then it is side to side) and with a big head that might not look the best.

There are a ton of threads already devoted to finding the right hat for your head shape and size. I can recommend using the search function and parusing those threads. I searched "right hat" and chose the "titles only" option and got quite a few hits. Somewhere on TFL is a guide that shows a bunch of different head shapes and what kinds of hats look best with them (or something like that). If I remember right, if even tells you what color hat to wear for your hair color. I have the flu right now and don't have the energy to search for it, but maybe you'll run across it. It was published in the fifties (I think) and really has some good tips.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

With your large head, I would go for a wider brim. A 2-3/4 inch brim is what I would try (your OR might have that brim size already). 2-1/2 inch brim might look somewhat small on your head.

With a round face I don't know what kind of crown to recommend. Just remember that you can always change the shape of the crown with steam. You can try a center crease and a c-crease and a diamond and see which one works best for you. Because of that, the type of crown might not be as important as the brim size. Also, be aware that the Stetson Temple has a dimensional brim (longer in front and back then it is side to side) and with a big head that might not look the best.

There are a ton of threads already devoted to finding the right hat for your head shape and size. I can recommend using the search function and parusing those threads. I searched "right hat" and chose the "titles only" option and got quite a few hits. Somewhere on TFL is a guide that shows a bunch of different head shapes and what kinds of hats look best with them (or something like that). If I remember right, if even tells you what color hat to wear for your hair color. I have the flu right now and don't have the energy to search for it, but maybe you'll run across it. It was published in the fifties (I think) and really has some good tips.

One other note: if you do like the dimensional brim (I love it), then David Morgen sells the Akubra Adventurer. If is basically a Stetson Temple (but a bit better quality imo) but the brim is larger. I really think you woukd be more comfortable under a larger brim.

Another similar option is the Akubra Squatter. Also a large, dimensional brim but it has a bound edge.

Both of these come open crown so you put in your own bash.

 

[Trouser Bark]

I've got the same size noggin and I agree w/ TLC... If you sport a head clearly designed to carry large amounts of wisdom and power you may also be the guy that looks a little goofy in a bowler or anything w/ a stingy brim. I just ordered a Stetson Dexter which is a three inch brim fedora and although it seems big enough in the pics that I instantly had a Wiz of Oz flashback (I'll get you, my prettyyyy) I'm guessing it'll seem proportional on my 7-5/8 conk.

My assumption is that it might be close to right for you as well with the singular exception being an up close conversation w/ a tall person. In that instance your eyes might be shielded by the brim. An effort to keep your head inclined at an odd angle during that talk would cure the minor inconvenience. A minuscule price to pay for being able to wear what you like.

 

[Rmccamey]

A few additional comments;

Your fedora looks great, so that same pattern (ie, Stratoliner, etc) should work well for you.

With the exception of western hats, the vast majority of brim widths are going to fall between 2 1/4 and 2 3/4. Over time, and with the hats you have and those you will get in the future, you will "find" the brim width that suits you best.

Homburgs are extremely versatile hats. If you look, you will see them everywhere. Most people think of the homburg as old fashioned, formal hats for special occasions. With different creases (teardrop, cattlemen's crease, pinch front) and by using a more flat brim pattern or by lifting the sides, homburgs can take on multiple personalities. Don't be scared of homburgs.

That said, be open to new experiences - it's only a hat, after all. I never thought I would wear a pork pie with a 2 inch brim. Ha - it's a lot of fun and I get into conversations with a lot of of great people as a result. Bowlers seemed like a big step for me, too, but they have become my "go-to" hat. it's a bit tricky to buy vintage stiff felt bowlers (unlike soft felt hats, it's almost impossible to stretch a bowler) but there are several great hatters who can craft a custom bowler and who can also guide you to an appropriate brim size in the process.

Bottom line -enjoy the journey.

I love the Stetson Stratoliner and the Akubra Stylemaster, Leisure Time and Traveler, and I still have this itch to see what a homburg looks like on me. But that is simply from looking online and as noted, I am not going to be able to try on before buying, which is why I cast out a line for assistance.

 

[Edward]

Hi, Santa is going to bring me another hat for my collection, which includes a Stetson Temple, a Stetson Open Road with the LBJ cattleman’s crease and a Thomas Gomez custom Panama.

I’m looking for another fedora type hat because I never have really been 100% in love with the Temple, I am not sure it flatters my head and face. (The Open Road is a different story, I love it.)

That head is 61 centimeters around, is round like a basketball and my face is also roundish although not to the extent of my overall noggin.

Just looking for suggestions as to other Stetsons and, especially, Akubras because I have always wanted one of those, that veterans here think might work for me.

I actually had considered a homburg LOL but not sure how versatile that would be.

I think the first question I'd ask is whether you want something that is in a similar vein to what you already have, or something different.

If different.... a Homburg is an excellent choice. An easier wear to adapt to than a bowler when you're used to a fedora, but a bit different still. Homburgs are 'technically' a more formal hat (I'd reach for one for black tie, or with a lounge suit as a wedding guest), but (particularly if you like a pinch in the front) I like them worn more casually as well - gives them a bit of a louche vibe. Of course, that's coming from an Irish perspective (and having lived in Britain now for a little over half my fifty years); on this side of the pond, the fedora/trilby was much less common than homburgs and Lord's hats (a Lord's Hat is a homburg without the brim binding, a notch less formal), so there was a 20s and into the 30s tradition of wearing those hats in a less formal context than might have been considered 'correct' n the US.

Fifteen odd years ago you could by a vintage homburg all day long for twenty quid on eBay, but they're not quite as common now. Still, worth having a hunt on there for a nice used example to try.

I love the Stetson Stratoliner and the Akubra Stylemaster, Leisure Time and Traveler, and I still have this itch to see what a homburg looks like on me. But that is simply from looking online and as noted, I am not going to be able to try on before buying, which is why I cast out a line for assistance.

I think if you're looking for something that might be a new style to try, definitely trawl ebay as a cheaper way of experimenting than buying new. For new, I'd be more inclined in your situation to try something in a vaguely similar vein to what you have, but experiment with a different colour and such.

The Stetson Stratoliner is a gorgeous hat. I have two of the straw type (one Milano, one the deluxe in hemp), very pleased with those. I'd love to have a furfelt one, but those are crazy spendy over here (not sold by Stetson EU, so you're into importing from the US, and with the pound consistently since 2016 historically weak against the US dollar, that's not an option for me for now).

In terms of something that might be an alternative to the style the Temple is shotting for (if, perhaps, a bit closer the mark in the views of many), I'd give consideration to the Akubra Federation. Exclusive to Hatsdirect.com in Australia (fast international shipping, great company to deal with). Very popular in these parts. I've owned five in various colours over the years (and about to buy my sixth in February!). Only replaced two. One that got beetled and was later donated to a friend as a costume piece, and a new dark brown deluxe that I bought a few months ago because my 2008 original, after years of *heavy* wear, is just a small bit battered ( a couple of moth nibbles, discoloured liner....). Still *loads* of life in it, but I decided to make it a kicking about hat, and buy another for Fancy, for want of a better way of putting it. More of an indulgence on my part than a genuine *need*.

The Federation is available in two different options: a standard 100% Rabbit (https://hatsdirect.com/collections/the-federation-iv-1/products/federation-iv-open-crown), and a Deluxe (https://hatsdirect.com/collections/the-federation-iv-deluxe/products/federation-iv-deluxe-open-crown). The Deluxe used to be listed as a rabbit / hare mix, now it says 100% rabbit but of a different grade than standard. Both excellent hats - tbh, ime the bigger difference between these is down to which colour you prefer, as brown aside they have different options. The deluxe will be available come February in Moonstone again (a very light, silver grey. I have one of those on order - my sole wish is that they would put a silver-grey ribbon on that one as imo that would make it look nicer worn with earthtones, but hey ho.). The Akubra Squatter offered by the same sellers looks to me to be basically the same hat but with a bound edge brim, which might appeal (it is also sometimes available in a green that could be a point of difference). If your Temple is brown, it could be an idea to consider the deluxe in the new, darker grey colour they offer (Graphite) as a great option for wearing with blacks / greys and so on. The light Moonstone (currently only available in 61!) is a great colour too, though you might find a darker shade more practically for very regular wear.

Another Akubra you might consider is the thing ribbon Campdraft - available currently it appears in a sand (light tan) or bluegrass green - https://hatsdirect.com/collections/the-akubra-range/products/campdraft-open-crown . I believe Akubra used to manufacture this model for Stetson under licence; when that arrangement came to an end, they sold their take as the Campdraft.

Away from Akubra, here's a real sleeper I've found in the last year or two. The Hat Centre https://www.hatcentre.co.uk is in London, UK. The Stamford Hill part of town. A small, independent business run by a very lovely, older Jewish gentleman. Range of hats sold under their own brand. Worth a nose around the website, but my favourite is this:

https://www.hatcentre.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=153&product_id=144

Tall crown, wide brim - in black, it is the classic Jewish gentleman's wide-brim fedora. If you have a look at post #54,642 here https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/post-new-hats-here.28145/page-2733#post-3125470, you'll see my commentary on the two I have - one in navy blue, one in the russet brown colour. (They also come in brown, black, green, olive, wine, French Navy (between a royal blue and a navy blue as we'd know it) and grey. I'm halfway tempted to buy one of each. I do already have three black fedoras, though, so probably no more of those, and one wine (I don't know if I'll wear that often enough to need two, but still....). The Grey is calling to me as it has a darker grey ribbon, which makes it just a hair more flexible than the black ribbon on my others....

The Hat Centre hat is close to my Akubra Federations. Main differences are:

Felt is thicker, but softer from the off (my navy was hand-bashed no problem; my russet needed a little steam; neither the Western-type solidity my latest Akubra Fed Deluxe had when it arrived). The brim is a uniform 75mm / 2 3/4" around, rather than the dimensional brim on the Federation. The crown is as high as the fed; very fractionally less square, a tiny bit more tapered when open crown (both arrive open crown), but that difference becomes practically invisible once bashed. I wouldn't call one or the other of this and the Fed better or worse. They're both equally good, just a touch different. One thing on which I do have a preference - which would be the hat centre - is that the HC has a deeper ribbon, with a bigger bow, and a wind trolley (not that I tend to use the latter, but I love it as a visual detail). Wholly subjective, though.

The Hat Centre does mail order, though you need to be a little patient with it. The business seems to be essentially a one-man operation as best as I can make out, so it can take up to a couple of weeks to get the hat to me here in London, but totally worth the wait. I just hope that the business carries on for the foreseeable if the owner chooses to retire; having discovered these, I'd be gutted if they were no longer available!

 

[Hurricane Jack]

All newbies should read post #124 in the link below & thank Vic @carouselvic for posting it from his collection.

Choosing the Correct Hat for your Body Type

The hat that looks best on you is the one you think looks best on you.Quoted for truth. Well, truth in my opinion. If you see a hat you like, buy it and wear it; it's really that simple. Except for these blowhard self-appointed "experts", 99% of the people you encounter couldn't care less...

www.thefedoralounge.com

 

[PRW94]

Thanks everyone for the input.

The Temple is caribou in color BTW. And my Open Road is silverbelly. Both colors work for me.

As for what I am seeking that’s “different,” unless I scratch the homburg itch, I am looking for something fedora wise that has a little variation in styling from the Temple, although still in the same ballpark since that appears to work so well for me, and a different color than caribou or silverbelly. Something to give me a little variety.

 

[RickP]

The Temple looks just right which means that Akubra's Stylemaster would look great as well. They're pretty similar styles though so the primary difference would likely be color.

Temples, Downs, and Stratoliners in the Stetson line, Stylemasters, Lightning Ridge, Bogarts in the Akubra line are all nice hats. Be careful though....Stratoliners, Temples, and Stylemasters replicate on the wall pretty quickly when you start seeing different colors

 

[Frunobulax]

Everybody has given top-notch advice. One comment from me based on your first post. If you are happy with the way the Open Road looks on you vs. the Temple, it may be the crown shape. The OR has a straighter, boxier crown than the Temple, which is fairly tapered. So you might consider something with a straighter crown profile. Since you are looking at Akubras, certainly the Camp Draft fills that bill. I believe the Fed also has a straighter, less tapered crown than the Temple.

 

[PRW94]

Update: Went for an acorn Stylemaster and also tacked on a cheap wool import homburg just to see how that works for me, if it does that will be my next fur felt upgrade.

 

[Trouser Bark]

A man of action!

It's a known big head trait! You go!

...and please let us know how it worked out once they arrive.

 

[PRW94]

Update: I still don’t have the Stylemaster in hand, it’s caught in USPS hell right now.

It sat in Indianapolis, where apparently three-fourths of the Christmas presents in the US have been sent to pile up while the shiny new distribution facility there has an absolute meltdown for its first Christmas rush, for 8 days and it’s now sat at a distribution center 60 miles from me for two days.

I’m going to check with the local post office in the morning if there’s still been no movement, plus David Morgan has said they would expedite ship a replacement to me and eat the shipping charge if I order by Wednesday and I can send the other one back for a refund.

I should have sprung for expedited shipment to start with, but I figured Ground Advantage would be fine ordering 3 weeks before Christmas, and apparently even time sensitive overnight packages are getting stalled in Indianapolis.

But on a more positive note I got the cheap beater wool Scala “Godfather” homburg I ordered from Amazon and I absolutely love it. So the next assignment is to replace it with a fur felt version.