How to find hat shops

[simmonsjeffreya]

I'm new here and was hoping you all could help me find a hat shop in my area. I live in Syracuse, NY and wouldn't mind driving about an hour so that would be the Syracuse, Binghampton, Utica, Rochester and Oswego areas. I've found a few shops in New York City, but that's out of the question as that's a 6-8 hour drive one way from here. I've tried using google maps to locate a shop but have had no luck. I was hoping someone in the area would be able to recommend a shop, or if there's another site to find them?

While I know that I could purchase one online, I would prefer not to as I'd rather try one on in person first, to determine what size I would need for my first hat. I'd love to be able to find a shop that carries Akubra, as I like the look of the Stylemaster as well as the Federation. Also while I'm at it, any other brands to look into?

If it comes down to having to buy online, is there a good shop you've used in the US that didn't cost a fortune for shipping and allows exchanges if the size was wrong? I believe I'm a 7 5/8 regular, Akubra size 61, but am too unsure to risk just buying one. Any information you all could give me would be greatly appreciated.

-Jeff

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I can't be sure, but I think upstate NY is pretty dry when it comes to hat shops. Not that there are many left anywhere else. Your interest in Akubra makes it even harder. There aren't many US dealers around.

Many of us have been in your position, including me. Eventually, I just had to roll the dice. Here are a few things I have learned;

When ordering an Akubra, do not just convert your american size to cm size. Measure your head at least three times to get an accurate result. Then consult a size chart for Akubras. Hatdirect.com has one.

As for vendors, the only US Akubra seller I can recall is David Morgan. However, I recommend doing the math for hatdirect.com and Everything Australian. Sometimes, depending on the current exchange rate, it cost less to order from Australia. I have dealt with hatsdirect (the only people who carry the Federation), and as long as you follow their size advice they won't give you any problems with exchanges.

Now, Akubra is pretty much the best value out there for a factory made lid. While I do like some others, it's hard to turn guy away from one of the best.

 

[Bingles]

Welcome Jeff and greetings from your neighbor to the West, Buffalo!

I don't know of any hat shops in the area, except the Custom Hatter here in Buffalo. While I highly recommend him and his work, if you're just starting out, the prices would probably overwhelm you.

What I found works for me is finding a brand you like, then doing the mail order thing. Once you find a brand you like, you can order various styles without having to worry about sizing issues.. just whether it looks good on you or not. Right now I'm addicted to Biltmore. Like you however, I wish I could try a hat on FIRST.. would save a lot in the long run on shipping cost... then again, that's the price one pays to look good.

 

[simmonsjeffreya]

Thanks for the information, still hoping I'll find a local place to buy but I guess it's looking like I'll have to purchase online. Thanks for the recommendation on where to buy where they have no hassle returns.

-Jeff

 

[duggap]

We all have the same problem you are having. The secret is to know your hat size correctly and then you have more options. You can have a custom made and shipped to you, or you could buy from one of the hat shops in NYC or elsewhere and have it shipped to you, or last you can start looking for used vintage hats. I have a fairly nice selection of hats and everyone I have has been shipped to me. I have never bought from walking into a store. Good luck and welcome aboard.

 

[simmonsjeffreya]

Well, I finally took the plunge. I picked up an Akubra Sydney hat in Charcoal from David Morgan. I wanted to get the Casual Hat (mainly because it's precreased) but naturally it didn't come in my size. So now that I've taken the plunge, I've got a couple questions to ask while I await delivery.

When it comes to shaping this hat, what exactly would I have t do? I like the look of the shape they have right at David Morgan's site as it's always how I pictured how I wanted it. Link to shape. Would I simply push down in the middle, then pinch in the front or is there more involved than that?

Also, to anyone who owns one, how well does this hat hold up in rain/snow? Has it been fairly durable, and what should I get for maintaining it besides a brim brush and possibly a hat jack?

All in all I can't wait for the hat to arrive, and hope you can help me out a bit. Thanks for the suggestions for the other websites to try, but David Morgan was cheapest, shipping for Australia was just too much money and I was reading on the David Morgan site and found they as well will offer an exchange if the size is wrong, though it should be right, I hope.

 

[Akubra]

If it comes down to having to buy online, is there a good shop you've used in the US that didn't cost a fortune for shipping and allows exchanges if the size was wrong? I believe I'm a 7 5/8 regular, Akubra size 61, but am too unsure to risk just buying one. Any information you all could give me would be greatly appreciated.

-Jeff[/QUOTE]

Jeff,

I am up in far northern Maine, so I am in the same boat. There is NOTHING anywhere near me that carries Akubra. I am also a big fan of Akubras (as you can tell by my screen name). [huh]

The best place to buy on line is far and away www.aussiebushhats.com Their prices are the best and they will ship a hat to you for about $20 US. They will also get it to you in about one week!! Unless of course it is an Akubra that is made to order. I just got myself an Akubra territory shipped for $120 US dollars!! And I got it in one week!!

Be carefull with the sizing, I don't think they accept exchanges(check the website, don't take my word for it)

Good luck

Jamie

I WITH I COULD PM YOU.... I forgot to say welcome. I just read your last post. Yes a hat jack is a great investment. To shape a felt hat you go slowly and use steam from a boiling kettle. Do a search on "bashing" or hat shaping and you will get a lot of advice.

Good luck once again and post some pictures when you get your hat.