Looking for size 8 hat

[Murray]

Hello friends...newbie here.
I didn't see an intro thread-if I missed it slap me around a little.
I've never worn hats. I'm 6'5 and 295---and as the title suggests I have a big melon.
I'm 59 y/o-and want to see if I can wear a hat without looking silly.
If you have any pre-loved hats in gargantuan size 8 or 8+, and would like to re-home one or some at reasonable prices, would you let me know? Mainly interested in fedora, felt and straw.
Thanks so much.
Murray Farr

 

[tropicalbob]

Hello friends...newbie here.
I didn't see an intro thread-if I missed it slap me around a little.
I've never worn hats. I'm 6'5 and 295---and as the title suggests I have a big melon.
I'm 59 y/o-and want to see if I can wear a hat without looking silly.
If you have any pre-loved hats in gargantuan size 8 or 8+, and would like to re-home one or some at reasonable prices, would you let me know? Mainly interested in fedora, felt and straw.
Thanks so much.
Murray Farr

Hi, Murray,
It's not easy. First, just finding hats in our range is tough (I'm a 7 7/8 or 63 cm.), and, second, finding hats that suit your particular face and head-shape is even harder. If you're anywhere near a hat shop, it's a really good idea to stop in and try on various styles. Also, don't be afraid to go custom: you might pay a bit more, but you get a hat that fits you perfectly and a style that suits you. Take a look at Alley Kat Hats, Art Fawcett's VS hats, and any of the custom guys on this forum. A little research will save you a bundle. One maker I'd also recommend is Peters Bros. in Ft. Worth: I have two of their hemp straws in the Stratoliner style, and I think their sale is still going on (there's a thread on them on the Hats page). If I can think of anything else I'll let you know, and if you have any questions at all just ask.

 

[Wesslyn]

Also, are you sure you're a size 8? Not trying to insinuate that you don't know, but try 7 1/2 and move up size by size. When I started wearing hats, I swore I wore 7 3/8 and now I'm wearing 7 1/8. Getting used to a fedoras fit takes time and perhaps it's just my experience but folks tend to seek out hats that they eventually cconsider too big when they get started.

 

[tropicalbob]

Also, are you sure you're a size 8? Not trying to insinuate that you don't know, but try 7 1/2 and move up size by size. When I started wearing hats, I swore I wore 7 3/8 and now I'm wearing 7 1/8. Getting used to a fedoras fit takes time and perhaps it's just my experience but folks tend to seek out hats that they eventually cconsider too big when they get started.

That's true, but I'd also say that you have to consider any shrinkage that may occur with the sweatband. Buying a hat online is always going to be tricky, which is why, although it almost sounds counter-intuitive, you'd be best starting off with one of Art Fawcett's hats, as he sends you the conformator (?) which pretty much guarantees a perfect fit. Most of us wasted money on our early purchases, from what I've gathered from my personal experience and what I've read on this forum.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Because there are variations in size charts it's good to know your personal specs: I'm a 7-5/8 LO, 61 cm, & dead on at 24.0". Take a cloth measuring tape & measure the circumfrence of your head where the hat will set. Then compare that measurement against size charts. As TB said above, you will have to contend with possible shrinkage when buying a used or vintage hat but if it's close you can always gently nudge it back to size with a stretcher.

I'm also 6'5 but happily weighing in at 215 these days. You have the physical presence to wear a bigger brim, 2-1/2" & larger. Don't buy a stingy brim & stay away from pork pies unless you have some other feature about you that you want to accentuate.

Welcome to the forum Murray! Sorry I have no hats large enough to offer you.

 

[hatsRme]

I have a nice Stetson 8, but how can I Contact you? I'll be offline until later today, though, so maybe we can reconvene this evening (eastern daylight savings time).

 

[Murray]

Many thanks to all of you! Invaluable info and advice.
I'm totally open to a custom---but not ever having worn anything but ball caps and a straw "golf hat" for lack of a better term, I don't know if hats will work for me. (Note- I really want them to work for me-but don't want to look like a "poser"...
As it relates to size-I measured my head as advised with cloth tape and am a solid 64-1/2 cm!!! That's a big melon!
HatsRme, I'm reachable at 479-426-0304.

Thanks again, all. You're a lot of help!!

Best regards,
Murray

 

[tropicalbob]

Many thanks to all of you! Invaluable info and advice.
I'm totally open to a custom---but not ever having worn anything but ball caps and a straw "golf hat" for lack of a better term, I don't know if hats will work for me. (Note- I really want them to work for me-but don't want to look like a "poser"...
As it relates to size-I measured my head as advised with cloth tape and am a solid 64-1/2 cm!!! That's a big melon!
HatsRme, I'm reachable at 479-426-0304.

Thanks again, all. You're a lot of help!!

Best regards,
Murray

I think most of us have experienced a period of self-consciousness when we first started wearing hats, but remember that, historically-speaking, hatlessness is by far the exception, and then think of all those guys of a certain age (as they say) wandering around your local mall dressed like toddlers. Once you find the styles that suit you, you won't even think about going out of the house without one. All the best.

 

[89quattro]

PM sent, expect pic's of some eligible candidates over the weekend.

For the record, did you measure your head, and if so, what was the result? Wondering if you are in the running for the Lounge's "biggest melon"? My current measurement (with a fresh cut) is a solid 25 1/4 in. Having some difficulty sourcing a new MC helmet...

 

[Murray]

PM sent, expect pic's of some eligible candidates over the weekend.

For the record, did you measure your head, and if so, what was the result? Wondering if you are in the running for the Lounge's "biggest melon"? My current measurement (with a fresh cut) is a solid 25 1/4 in. Having some difficulty sourcing a new MC helmet...

Perfect, looking forward to some pics. I DID measure my head-it was 64.5 centimeters---25 3/8 inches?

I bought my helmet at the local Harley Davidson dealership----it's a 5x. Full face, black. Maybe that will give you an option.
Best,
Murray

 

[89quattro]

this is what I just ordered, also a 5X - thanks

http://www.hjchelmets.com/is-max-ii/is-max-ii-solid/#.V7UI-pgrLIU

 

[Rick Blaine]

Mine

 

[Murray]

Thank you! Not a camo fan, but nice lid!