I require assistance in choosing a Fedora.

[GamaH]

Hi, i'm generally new to hats, since I spent a good deal of time in a climate where wearing a hat was not only unnecessary but also impractical. However, I am looking to change all this and here's where you guys come in.

I saw a few articles mentioning that when choosing a fedora, you should take into consideration what/where you will be wearing it to, your physique and the shape of your face.

I want something that is presentable when matched with a classic suit or tuxedo, and yet can be worn casually with just a shirt and slacks.

I should mention that I'm very small sized for a male (barely over 5'3), so I believe I should be looking at fedoras with a shorter brim. However, I am not sure what would constitute as short, since I have no idea what the average brim's size is to begin with! However, I cannot wear a fedora with too stingy a brim because I have massive ears that stick out visibly by an inch, so I need something in the middle that flatters a short and petit build, while simultaneously preventing my ears from looking too big. From what I've seen so far, 2inches seem to be an ideal length to me, but I always like to consider a good second opinion.

Another thing is that I'm still waiting for my 20th birthday, so wearing something 'too classic' (if that's even possible) may not be such a good idea. I don't mind dressing well, even if it means pushing my age up a bit; I just don't wish to look like a 19 year old trying to dress like a 40year old.

I spent a good deal of time debating whether I should go with a Borsalino or a Stetson, and I just decided to go with both. Regardless, I would greatly appreciate any advice or assistance you can provide on this matter.

My wardrobe consists mainly of formal and luxury shirts in solid colors of black, white, and gray. I have pants in black and gray. Brown fedoras do somewhat appeal to me, however I do realize that I have to take into consideration my skin color, eye color(??) and wardrobe too.

 

[zetwal]

I can't give any useful fashion advice, but I would like to welcome you to the Lounge.

 

[T Rick]

I'll second the Welcome, and give only this in advice. Find a Hat retailer near you if possible (a real Hatter if at all possible, I know there are some in NYC). Go there and try on several different styles and colors, different types of creases etc. This is where you will begin to get an idea of what looks good on you (not always what you initially thought would) and what you want in a hat. It is quite possible your initial expectations may drift a bit while you are getting a feel for this.

What I did was about the same (I am a recent convert), I went to Detroit's premiere Hatter and told them I was there to look and learn for now (not sure how well that will go over in NY, but here they saw a potential Customer- I've been back, and not bought a hat there yet, but accessories and am considering restoration of some vintages I've subsequently picked up).

Have some fun with it, exploring and learning in the initial phases of "hat as hobby" can be quite enjoyable. Do that and read lots here on the Forum, look at lots of pictures and gain some more knowledge. You'll be stylin' and "owning" your own look in no time.

 

[GamaH]

So purchasing hats online is a bad idea?

 

[Yeps]

So purchasing hats online is a bad idea?

Purchasing hats online is great, but trying hats on in real life helps.

This chart also helps.

 

[danofarlington]

So purchasing hats online is a bad idea?

Not at all. I have bought from many of the retailers on the Internet, as well as from E Bay, with good results. It's a tradeoff between the wide selection available on the Internet, with a small selection at a store, but being able to see immediately how the styles suit you and how the hats fit. To get a good selection, one is pretty much forced to go to the Internet. But if you're new to hats, it's best to start with at least a visit to a hat store to try them on, and that will provide you with much information. When you know more about which styles suit you, you can then go to the Internet if the store doesn't have it. Finally, I would recommend not thinking of the first hat as the one-and-only hat. You're setting yourself up for disappointment if you see it that way. Think of it as a first hat first, then other one for different purposes.

 

[scottyrocks]

In your case, Gama, online would probably not be the way to go.

Youre a hat newbie, so to speak. Your height and some of your features are not typical. Proportions are everything. Because of those reasons I strongly suggest you stop in at JJ Hats in Herald Square and/or Worth and Worth on W57th. You need to try on a bunch of hats and see what looks right, and what looks 'wrong' on you.

Youll know almost immediately what looks wrong (regardless of what anyone else may say). And youll find a few that look more or less right, and then youll have a better idea of what you should be looking at. Take crown and brim measurements of hats you like on you.

It is only when you have this info that I would recommend shopping on line. Youll have dimensions, and youll have a better idea of how a hat that youve never tried on may fit you. When all is said and done, though, live and in person is the best way to start, imho.

 

[GamaH]

This chart also helps.

Yeah, that was the article I referenced in my opening post. Good article, but the problem is that I have no what is a 'standard' height or length for a crown or brim, so when it says 'low crown' or 'short brim', I don't know what height or length is considered short.

 

[jlee562]

If you don't know what you want or don't know what would look good on you, then buying online is not the best idea. Once you have an idea on what kinds of hats and what specs to look for, you can find some great deals. But I would also suggest going to a hat store and trying on different sizes. Heck, you might find one you like and look online for it later. But it's best to have an idea of what looks good on your head first.

 

[Benzadmiral]

Yeps, thanks for reposting that guide. But what do you do if you have a short slender face AND a long nose??

 

[GamaH]

In your case, Gama, online would probably not be the way to go.

Youre a hat newbie, so to speak. Your height and some of your features are not typical. Proportions are everything. Because of those reasons I strongly suggest you stop in at JJ Hats in Herald Square and/or Worth and Worth on W57th. You need to try on a bunch of hats and see what looks right, and what looks 'wrong' on you.

Youll know almost immediately what looks wrong (regardless of what anyone else may say). And youll find a few that look more or less right, and then youll have a better idea of what you should be looking at. Take crown and brim measurements of hats you like on you.

It is only when you have this info that I would recommend shopping on line. Youll have dimensions, and youll have a better idea of how a hat that youve never tried on may fit you. When all is said and done, though, live and in person is the best way to start, imho.

There's one problem I can think of to that though. I can't bring my entire wardrobe to the store, so what may look good with the outfit i'm wearing for that day may not necessary look good with anything else.

 

[eto]

GamaH, Don't over think it. I just got my first hat from JJHats in the city, go there, they will set you straight with a good looking hat. Cool place to visit as well, great old school vibe, you'll love it.
The other cool part was after picking me out a hat which took me ten minutes, I went to the register to pay , he put a feather in the hat and handed me the hat, like a noob I said "do you have a bag". and he said, just wear it! Said it in the coolest slickest way only a new yorker can say it.
Kept my head warm for the train ride home as well.

 

[T Rick]

So purchasing hats online is a bad idea?

As stated above, not at all. In fact every hat I've bought so far has been an online purchase. Just got started a month and a half or so ago, and now am up to 8 I think (it can be addictive, for those of us prone to "collecting" anyway). But going to the store, I got to know what size may/should fit me, and what styles I was more interested in.

Also they shared some basic knowledge with me (tons more here on this site has also been shared by many generous Members) and that is a lot of the fun. And those at the store who took time with me will be rewarded, I have every intention of going back and buying from them, and using their services. I just got caught up in the chase for some vintages, and found some great deals for both those and for new (Stetson Outlet Stores) online. But I'd have been lost really, had I not taken some time to visit a "real" hat shop first.

 

[GamaH]

Ok I may have been in error in my opening post. I do own hats, but just not fedoras. I went to Texas awhile ago and went to a proper hat store and stuff to buy a Stetson as a souvenir. As such, I know my size (7 1/8). The only problem is that western hats are rather wide brimmed and do not flatter my height at all.

It has a 4inch brim and a 5inch crown.

 

[Historyteach24]

I am a new brimmed hat wearer also and these guys on this site have been super helpful. Really pay attention to face shape it does matter I bought a snapped brim fedora that I like but it does not flatter my facial shape. Since I have a fuller face I have to buy larger crowns and brims and pork pies look better on me also. If there is any advice I can give it is follow the advice you get on this board and pay attention to your face!

 

[GamaH]

My facial structure is similar to Axl Rose (we have the exact same jawline). What would it be considered?

 

[Feraud]

Stop in at J.J. Hat Center and try on a few fedoras. Get an idea of how the hat looks on you.
http://www.jjhatcenter.com/

 

[Mulceber]

If you have the same relatively-tall head that he has as well, I'd suggest going for a tall-crown (5 1/2") with a medium or slightly small brim (2-2 1/2"). -M

 

[Historyteach24]

Face would look long with a strong jaw. There is a grezat write up about this here http://artofmanliness.com/2008/05/28/the-perfect-hat-for-your-ugly-mug/ another lounger sent me here and it helped alot

 

[jlee562]

There's one problem I can think of to that though. I can't bring my entire wardrobe to the store, so what may look good with the outfit i'm wearing for that day may not necessary look good with anything else.

You're over thinking!