I need some HAT help!!!!

[deadlyhandsome]

I'm going to have to get one of "those hats" one of these days just to keep my TFl card.

Shhh, not so loud with those blasphemous confessions!

 

[Rmccamey]

And with all the great new Gannons floating around here, I'm going to have to get back into "that" queue, too!

My vintage Gannon Sahara and Copper. (Can I call a one-year old Gannon hat "vintage"?)

I know what I will be wearing! My new Gannon...1930’s Capone! Looking for the grey pinstripe suit now...

View attachment 278282 View attachment 278283

Shhh, not so loud with those blasphemous confessions!

 

[Frunobulax]

I'm going to have to get one of "those hats" one of these days just to keep my TFl card.

 

[johnnycanuck]

I have an older Goorin Brothers model in black called the "Jameson". It is a western fedora with a teardrop 4" crown in front and 3 1/2" in the back. The Safari brim in the front and back is 2" and 2 3/8" on the side. I am looking to upgrade to something similar in black fur felt and fully lined and would really appreciate suggestions. Thank you. View attachment 270658 View attachment 270659 View attachment 270660

Lots of good Akubra would fit the bill. Maybe with a ribbon swap. Banjo Paterson, leisure, traveller, big art with the brim snapped down.
Just an idea. Look at the Akubra lineup.
Johnny

 

[Lobo Rojo]

Thanks for the suggestion...I recently acquired an Adventurer and a Bushman and am very happy with them.

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

Hi all,

I've been reading this forum intermittently for many years, but I have a question and decided to sign up finally.

I've been wearing a wool Stetson for years but have decided to progress to a slightly wider brim and a better fit (stretching a too-small hat is not ideal). I've got a similar hat to what I've been wearing that is on its way in the mail now (non name brand) that is larger with a wider brim. But while it has taken a while to get here, I've been wondering if what I want exists in the form of a vintage fur felt Stetson.

It seems it does! But unfortunately not in my size (cursed with a massive noggin). The one for sale on Etsy looks exactly like the one I envisioned (a wider brimmed, fur felt version of the Stetson I've been wearing).

I'm wondering, so that I can keep an eye out for one in my size in the future, if anyone has any information on this hat (that is to say, a more specific name or model).

I don't really know how to go about linking all these pictures from the Etsy ad or that I should, so I guess I'll just drop the link and hope this isn't perceived as some complicated advertising ploy. I have no affiliation with the seller. If anything I feel bad sharing the link, cos I'm holding out hope that the hat will grow or my head will shrink magically overnight. (Let me know if I should remove the link and post the photos instead; that is fine, too.)

Anyway, thanks in advance, gentlemen!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/606723...a&ref=sr_gallery-10-35&organic_search_click=1

 

[jlee562]

Well the linked hat has a pressed in crease, so it's not super, duper old. The current Stetson Chatham is very, very similar, with a slightly slimmer ribbon, even has the suede finish.

https://www.delmonicohatter.com/product/IT503.htm

The Stetson Downs is essentially the same in regular finish felt:
https://www.delmonicohatter.com/product/TF22100723DWNS.htm

 

[1967Cougar390]

Hi all,

I've been reading this forum intermittently for many years, but I have a question and decided to sign up finally.

I've been wearing a wool Stetson for years but have decided to progress to a slightly wider brim and a better fit (stretching a too-small hat is not ideal). I've got a similar hat to what I've been wearing that is on its way in the mail now (non name brand) that is larger with a wider brim. But while it has taken a while to get here, I've been wondering if what I want exists in the form of a vintage fur felt Stetson.

It seems it does! But unfortunately not in my size (cursed with a massive noggin). The one for sale on Etsy looks exactly like the one I envisioned (a wider brimmed, fur felt version of the Stetson I've been wearing).

I'm wondering, so that I can keep an eye out for one in my size in the future, if anyone has any information on this hat (that is to say, a more specific name or model).

I don't really know how to go about linking all these pictures from the Etsy ad or that I should, so I guess I'll just drop the link and hope this isn't perceived as some complicated advertising ploy. I have no affiliation with the seller. If anything I feel bad sharing the link, cos I'm holding out hope that the hat will grow or my head will shrink magically overnight. (Let me know if I should remove the link and post the photos instead; that is fine, too.)

Anyway, thanks in advance, gentlemen!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/606723...a&ref=sr_gallery-10-35&organic_search_click=1

Welcome. Not knowing your size is difficult. I would start by measuring your head. There are many sites that offfer fur felt Stetsons in the price of the Etsy hat. 1970’s is really not that vintage. The quality was down on many hats at that time. Take a look at the thread topic of “What hat are you wearing today” here at the Fedora Lounge. It can give you an idea of vintage vs. new fur felt hats.

Steven

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Hi all,

I've been reading this forum intermittently for many years, but I have a question and decided to sign up finally.

I've been wearing a wool Stetson for years but have decided to progress to a slightly wider brim and a better fit (stretching a too-small hat is not ideal). I've got a similar hat to what I've been wearing that is on its way in the mail now (non name brand) that is larger with a wider brim. But while it has taken a while to get here, I've been wondering if what I want exists in the form of a vintage fur felt Stetson.

It seems it does! But unfortunately not in my size (cursed with a massive noggin). The one for sale on Etsy looks exactly like the one I envisioned (a wider brimmed, fur felt version of the Stetson I've been wearing).

I'm wondering, so that I can keep an eye out for one in my size in the future, if anyone has any information on this hat (that is to say, a more specific name or model).

I don't really know how to go about linking all these pictures from the Etsy ad or that I should, so I guess I'll just drop the link and hope this isn't perceived as some complicated advertising ploy. I have no affiliation with the seller. If anything I feel bad sharing the link, cos I'm holding out hope that the hat will grow or my head will shrink magically overnight. (Let me know if I should remove the link and post the photos instead; that is fine, too.)

Anyway, thanks in advance, gentlemen!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/606723...a&ref=sr_gallery-10-35&organic_search_click=1

It looks newer than the 1970s...maybe very late ‘70s, but I also wouldn’t be shocked if it was from the 1990s. Several hats should fill the bill, and usually at prices lower than that hat on Etsy.

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

Ah, very nice. Thanks for the info.

My head size is 23.25" to 23.75" - can't for the life of me get a reliable measurement.

What is the meaning of "pressed in crease," by the way?

I think any fur felt would be a massive improvement from what I'm used to. I am not big on the idea of buying new, but I'm not judging those who do either.

I am most interested in a 2" brim, or a 2.25" maybe. But I'm a svelte dude, so anything more than that wouldn't work, I don't think. 4.5" is the distance from my pupils to the bottom of my chin, and that crown height has always served me well in the past.

I'll definitely check out the thread!

Thanks so much for the kindness and hospitality, all.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Ah, very nice. Thanks for the info.

My head size is 23.25" to 23.75" - can't for the life of me get a reliable measurement.

What is the meaning of "pressed in crease," by the way?

I think any fur felt would be a massive improvement from what I'm used to. I am not big on the idea of buying new, but I'm not judging those who do either.

I am most interested in a 2" brim, or a 2.25" maybe. But I'm a svelte dude, so anything more than that wouldn't work, I don't think. 4.5" is the distance from my pupils to the bottom of my chin, and that crown height has always served me well in the past.

I'll definitely check out the thread!

Thanks so much for the kindness and hospitality, all.

You’re going to have to narrow your size down from 23.25" to 23.75". That’s a significant variance. Try on some real hats in real hat sizes and see what fits the best.

 

[jlee562]

Ah, very nice. Thanks for the info.

My head size is 23.25" to 23.75" - can't for the life of me get a reliable measurement.

What is the meaning of "pressed in crease," by the way?

I think any fur felt would be a massive improvement from what I'm used to. I am not big on the idea of buying new, but I'm not judging those who do either.

I am most interested in a 2" brim, or a 2.25" maybe. But I'm a svelte dude, so anything more than that wouldn't work, I don't think. 4.5" is the distance from my pupils to the bottom of my chin, and that crown height has always served me well in the past.

I'll definitely check out the thread!

Thanks so much for the kindness and hospitality, all.

You'd be surprised about brim width. 2.25" is firmly in stingy brim territory to some around here.

Prior to the 1960's hats were sold "open crown," or unshaped and would be creased to the user's liking. Stetson currently makes the Premier Stratoliner, which is sold open crown. Eventually, hats were manufactured on forms which already were shaped as a "creased" hat.

Edited to add: Aside from the difficulty of finding a vintage hat in your size, as I mentioned earlier, a 70's hat just isn't that old. JMHO, there's no compelling reason to want a "vintage" pre-creased hat. By the 70's felt quality was significantly diminished. I suppose if one is the thrifting type I get it, but otherwise you're putting an arbitrary restriction on your available options. Many of us prefer vintage hats (pre-war in particular) because the quality was better and the stylings (e.g. open crown hats) are not widely available these days. With the hat in your link, the quality is most likely not better than what can be had today, nor is the styling inherently unique or uncommon. The Chatham is more or less the same hat.

 

[1967Cougar390]

If your head measures near the upper end of the chart below you might find that your choices are limited in a vintage hat. The measurements you provided fall within three hat sizes. As stated above by Brent, I would recommend trying on actual hats. When checking actual hat sizes, I’d personally stay away from hats marked S,M,L,or XL. They definitely are not accurate for sizing. I would recommend (if you are in the USA) going to a western shop or even Tractor Supply Company if you don’t have a hat store near your location. Either location would provide plenty of western hats to try on for size.

23" , 7 1/4 or 58
23" 23-3/8" , 7 3/8 or 59
23-3/8" 23-3/4" , 7 1/2 or 60
23-3/4" 24-1/8", 7 5/8 or 61.

Good luck with your search.
Steven

 

[BobHufford]

...I’d personally stay away from hats marked S,M,L,or XL. They definitely are not accurate for sizing.

No doubt! I have a couple of Stetson hats up on eBay and one is marked "M" (measures out to 7-3/8) and one marked "L" (measures out to between a 7-1/4 and 7-3/8). Maybe Stetson added "XL" to the range at some point after the "M" was manufactured and adjusted the others down. Or they were just not very good at what they were doing in this time frame.

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

Tractor Supply Company

Fantastic suggestion! I went just now, and the options were limited in larger sizes, but Justin brand does indeed properly name sizes. A 7 3/8 fit decently enough, to where it didn't fall off when I bent over (if anything it felt somewhat loose), and it seemed to come down farther on my head/closer to my ear, which is something I have been wanting to improve upon over my last hat.

So now I'm really confused. It definitely wasn't tight, but I'd have pinned myself at a 7 1/2 at the very minimum.

They had another labeled L-XL that seemed a nice fit. But as you say, that doesn't give me the info I seek.

I'm going to take a quick jaunt to the antique store, and then downtown to a proper hat store (there used to be 2, now I'm not sure if either is around).

If your head measures near the upper end of the chart below you might find that your choices are limited in a vintage hat.

I have heard this as well. Any idea why this is? I know the vintage Ray-Bans I wear constantly are more available second hand in one size now than the other, even though the other was apparently the standard size. As to why, I'm not sure.

I think these Ray-Bans are part of the reason I am interested in buying vintage wherever possible. They're superior in every way to the modern remake (imo) and definitely the prized possession of my clothing and accouterments.

Thanks, all. I hope you like reading. Brevity was never my strong suit.

 

[Frunobulax]

Fantastic suggestion! I went just now, and the options were limited in larger sizes, but Justin brand does indeed properly name sizes. A 7 3/8 fit decently enough, to where it didn't fall off when I bent over (if anything it felt somewhat loose), and it seemed to come down farther on my head/closer to my ear, which is something I have been wanting to improve upon over my last hat.

So now I'm really confused. It definitely wasn't tight, but I'd have pinned myself at a 7 1/2 at the very minimum.

They had another labeled L-XL that seemed a nice fit. But as you say, that doesn't give me the info I seek.

I'm going to take a quick jaunt to the antique store, and then downtown to a proper hat store (there used to be 2, now I'm not sure if either is around).



I have heard this as well. Any idea why this is? I know the vintage Ray-Bans I wear constantly are more available second hand in one size now than the other, even though the other was apparently the standard size. As to why, I'm not sure.

I think these Ray-Bans are part of the reason I am interested in buying vintage wherever possible. They're superior in every way to the modern remake (imo) and definitely the prized possession of my clothing and accouterments.

Thanks, all. I hope you like reading. Brevity was never my strong suit.

Larger sizes in vintage hats are more difficult to find because fewer were made and sold - average head sizes remain smaller than 7 1/2 to this day, though they've appeared to get larger over the years. Currently, 7 1/4 is seen to be the sweet spot, and there is mucho competition for hats of that size. Get bigger and the pool of available hats is reduced, as is the number of those competing for them. Put that together, and you can see some pretty high prices for larger sized vintage hats.

 

[belfastboy]

Larger sizes in vintage hats are more difficult to find because fewer were made and sold - average head sizes remain smaller than 7 1/2 to this day, though they've appeared to get larger over the years. Currently, 7 1/4 is seen to be the sweet spot, and there is mucho competition for hats of that size. Get bigger and the pool of available hats is reduced, as is the number of those competing for them. Put that together, and you can see some pretty high prices for larger sized vintage hats.

I am not much bigger than my father. He wore 7 1/8, once in a while a 7 1/4" based on the hats he left when de died. Me, I am a fat 7 3/8".....and certainly no smarter than him even with the larger cranium.

 

[Frunobulax]

I am not much bigger than my father. He wore 7 1/8, once in a while a 7 1/4" based on the hats he left when de died. Me, I am a fat 7 3/8".....and certainly no smarter than him even with the larger cranium.

Our skulls are probably getting thicker, rather than our brains getting bigger, LOL.

At 7 3/8, you'll get your share, and you just have to be diligent - even a little obsessive - and you'll come across some hats that fit that you'll really like.

 

[belfastboy]

Our skulls are probably getting thicker, rather than our brains getting bigger, LOL.

At 7 3/8, you'll get your share, and you just have to be diligent - even a little obsessive - and you'll come across some hats that fit that you'll really like.

I have abandoned the hunt unless it comes up here in the Lounge from a trusted source......My judgement is not to be trusted

 

[Deeeluxe Definitely]

Thanks for the continued help.

It hasn't been a great day in terms of my hat quest. I'm incredibly confused.

I tried on a hat downtown labeled "X-Large (7 1/2 - 7 5/8)" and it was the loosest hat I've ever put on. It was like a bucket. It wasn't even making contact with all sides of my head. It would have fallen right off if I even tilted my head down. (It was a hat by "Bruno Capelo Luxury Headwear," FWIW.)

At the other store downtown, both the L and XL were too small.

I did go downtown, but my city has seen better days.

The labels are undoubtedly incorrect. My head circumference is definitely no less than 23 1/4". The hat I've worn for years, a wool Stetson labeled L was very tight and I deformed it significantly through stretching.

What is also strange is that a really nice vintage cowboy hat I tried on at the antique shop was labeled 7 1/2 and was so small it just sat on top of my head. It was in great condition; baffling it shrank that much.

Worst news is that my hat arrived in the mail. It has a brim 1/2" wider than advertised and is too big for my head (at a label of XL). It looks pretty silly on me, really.

I guess I'm just filling you in. I don't think there's any helping me with this now. Maybe I'll make a trip to Pittsburgh and try some better known brands on.

Feeling a bit defeated at this point. Looks like I'll be dressing down for a while.