Growing appreciation for all styles of hats of the Fedora Lounge

[metropd]

It used to be a few years ago the only hat that was held in very high esteem on the Fedora Lounge was the fedora with the classically elegant Golden Era proportions. When I used to say I wore top hats, most of the people on here thought I was crazy. Now I see more threads about a variety of different hats. I see people buying the classic fedoras as well as trilby's, bowler's, homburg's, stingy brims, boater's, fur winter hats, Military hats, and of course top hats too.

I'm guessing this gradual acceptance over the years towards the diversity of hats came from so many new members.

What do you guys think? Do you think it is more complex than that?

 

[danofarlington]

It used to be a few years ago the only hat that was held in very high esteem on the Fedora Lounge was the fedora with the classically elegant Golden Era proportions. When I used to say I wore top hats, most of the people on here thought I was crazy. Now I see more threads about a variety of different hats. I see people buying the classic fedoras as well as trilby's, bowler's, homburg's, stingy brims, boater's, fur winter hats, Military hats, and of course top hats too.

I'm guessing this gradual acceptance over the years towards the diversity of hats came from so many new members.

What do you guys think? Do you think it is more complex than that?

Diversity begets diversity. I think it's about "getting permission" to venture into a new style. The wider range of things you see on actual people out there, or their photos, the more confident you are to try out something. Eventually even the squares will wear fedoras.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Dan is right, I think. But I also believe that, as the hat interest spreds and the membership here grows, the composition of the pool from which we all draw expands and changes. We members take so much away from our interactions with each other, and so as new people with new ideas enter in, we can not help but be influenced. Which circles us back to what Dan said.

 

[wgiceman]

I lurked around the lounge for quite a while before acquiring my first fedora. I had managed to buy one throw-down beater hat that was not of very good quality. Strangely, I received compliments on that one. So, in December of 09 I purchased my first hat. I was so naive that I didn't even notice that it was wool!

Since then I have managed to acquire 10 fedoras, 3 homburgs, 2 Cuencas, and 1 Montecristi. I have a trip to Chicago planned and I am trying to justify visiting Optimo. I am also planning on getting another Montecristi from Panama Bob.

I think the FL has a lot to do with the revival of hat wearing.

Of course, it is wreaking havoc on my personal budget and discretionary spending.

 

[Chinaski]

I think it's a visual thing. We begin to appreciate what we see, and when you start seeing different lids on a regular basis, they can become more appealing. As an example, I've never been a stingy fan, but Daizawaguy and GWD wear them so well and make them look so good I'll get one someday. That said, I don't think I'll ever have a porkpie crease...

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

When I used to say I wore top hats, most of the people on here thought I was crazy.

You are crazy. But man, you do look stellar in a top hat!

 

[metropd]

You are crazy. But man, you do look stellar in a top hat!

I can't deny the truth.

 

[metropd]

Diversity begets diversity. I think it's about "getting permission" to venture into a new style. The wider range of things you see on actual people out there, or their photos, the more confident you are to try out something. Eventually even the squares will wear fedoras.

I think this is one of the biggest reasons people have grown more open to accepting different styles of hats here on the lounge.

 

[Dewhurst]

I'm guessing this gradual acceptance over the years towards the diversity of hats came from so many new members.

You're almost certainly correct. Your membership precedes mine by a good margin, but I have read through way too many of the old threads to get a feel for how this community started and what people were thinking about.

Things were as you said. Very "classic" fedora emphasis.

Eventually, you start seeing lots of styles popping up in posts on a regular basis. Until you reach the current fever pitch.

Well, there's my horrible summary and long-winded way of saying you are probably right in your guess.

 

[Nick D]

Perhaps the membership has matured, as well. I don't mean that of the individual members, but as a group the Fedora Lounge has matured from its early days to what it is now. We increase in knowledge from our own research and what we learn from others here, and so have come to appreciate the larger variety of hats worn in the early 20th century.

 

[mayserwegener]

I totally agree. I come up with some different stuff. Not sure how much they are appreciated but I keep posting them. RLK (Robert) is the champion IMHO. He is always finding interesting - cool vintage hat styles.

 

[zetwal]

There is a difference between appreciating something (even intensely) and actually wanting to wear (or do) it oneself.

 

[mayserwegener]

Yes but one should feel comfortable to post pics of any type or style of vintage hat.

 

[zetwal]

Absolutely!

 

[gtdean48]

I will never wear, let alone own a boater, a homberg, a flat cap, a top hat, a porkpie, a beret (except my official BSA one) or a stingie but I do enjoy seeing what Robert will put on his noggin & post a picture. I love how the different styles & brim shapes effect his expression!!!

 

[Charlie Huang]

You are crazy. But man, you do look stellar in a top hat!

I think he wrote on Farcebook that he wanted to assassinate me so he can have my topper (cf. 'Top hat reblocking' thread)...

I must admit that my hat obsession has now focused primarily on top hats since entering the world of hats.

 

[danofarlington]

I will never wear, let alone own a boater, a homberg, a flat cap, a top hat, a porkpie, a beret (except my official BSA one) or a stingie but I do enjoy seeing what Robert will put on his noggin & post a picture. I love how the different styles & brim shapes effect his expression!!!

Ditto ditto.

 

[Dewhurst]

I will never wear... a flat cap...

/Dewhurst Faints!!!

 

[CRH]

Right on, metropd!

When I first found the Lounge I wouldn't have thought twice about a derby or a boater or a homburg on my nog but now I own two bowlers (couldn't spell the plural of derby) and I find myself shopping for a boater!

The Homburg, though, still seems a little formal for my lifestyle and attire. A topper is just way out there but I sure do enjoy watching you guys have fun with them.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I will never wear, let alone own a boater, a homberg, a flat cap, a top hat, a porkpie, a beret (except my official BSA one) or a stingie but I do enjoy seeing what Robert will put on his noggin & post a picture. I love how the different styles & brim shapes effect his expression!!!

For the most part, I agree. Though I can appreciate things I would not desire for myself. The exceptions, though, are the homburg (have 2) and one day a top hat, I think.