Hat Logos

[NonEntity]

It seems that most of the major manufacturers are putting a metal logo pin on the band of their hats these days. Even Borsalino inscribes its name on the ribbon of its expensive Ultimo and Virgilio Dorse fedoras. I've noticed that the very same hat, like some Akubra models, will sometimes have a pin or not, depending on the vendor selling it, so the the vendor must have something to do with it.

Frankly, I think this ruins a hat! Not only is it gauche-looking, but also, even if you remove the pin, if the band is grosgrain, it's buggered up. An employee at a local hat store tried to convince me the pin is to keep the feather in place, but I know the real reason is the wearer wanting to show off the prestige of the hat. And the manufacturer gets free advertising.

What do y'all think about such logos pinned or emblazoned on the outside of a hat?

 

[Sefton]

What do y'all think about such logos pinned or emblazoned on the outside of a hat?

I think they make nice tie pins. I don't care to be a walking billboard. The only real exception being the leather Levi's patch on the back of my LVCs...since they've been doing that for over 100 years I don't mind it.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Frankly, I think this ruins a hat! Not only is it gauche-looking, but also, even if you remove the pin, if the band is grosgrain, it's buggered up.

If you dip your finger in water, and dab it on the pin holes; when it dries, the holes will have closed back up!

 

[flylot74]

What do y'all think about such logos pinned or emblazoned on the outside of a hat?

I hate that and any advertising on anything (clothes, cars, etc). I recently purchased a new car on the proviso that the dealer's name was not fixed on the car. I insist that if I must wear or anyway exhibit advertisement, that I should get paid for it.

 

[feltfan]

It seems that most of the major manufacturers are putting a metal logo pin on the band of their hats these days. Even Borsalino inscribes its name on the ribbon of its expensive Ultimo and Virgilio Dorse fedoras.
(...)
What do y'all think about such logos pinned or emblazoned on the outside of a hat?

I applaud the current owners of the Borsalino name
for putting a flag on the hat telling me not to buy it.

When I see a Borsalino on eBay with the name in gold
on the bow (yech) or Dobbs with a pin on it or what
have you, I know to move on to the next auction.
That is a clear indicator that it is a Borsalino made long
after they were any good.

There are notable exceptions. As I recall, Stetson had a
cool silver pin with a cowboy on it for a while (I believe
Douglas posted one once). Portis used a stylish eagle on
some hats. Knox 20s sometimes had the maker's name
embroidered into the button of the wind trolley. Now those
were classy ways to do it.

 

[NonEntity]

If you dip your finger in water, and dab it on the pin holes; when it dries, the holes will have closed back up!

Thanks, J.T. I have not bought a hat with the dreaded pin in the hat band, but if that were the only thing discouraging the purchase, now knowing the trick to healing the ribbon hole, I would get it.

 

[halpap]

I have avoided Borsalinos with the name in gold on the ribbon.

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

Hat pins have been around for sometime IE the Stratoliner pins, the Resistol 707, 737 hats as well as some Stetsons mentioned by feltfan. I have a Stetson 50 with the silver Sheriff. I think Stetson used the Sheriff pin Gold for the 100, Silver for the 50 and Black for the 20. I agree with the comments on the new Borso's, I can not see myself wearing a hat with the ribbon imprinted like that. Even if the hat was spectacular, I would have to replace the ribbon, before I would wear it. i forgot to mention the Stetson Key Club or Gun Club hats. I am sure there are more, these are just the first that come to mind.

 

[Doh!]

I like the aeroplane pins posted above, but hate the company logo trend. I always take them out of any new purchase.

("Always" meaning "twice.")