Matching fedora colors to outfits

[Mountainmonk]

Hi everyone, this is my first post, and I'm getting ready to buy my second fedora (my first was a dark-brown bailey low-profile pinch front). I'm trying to match this next fedora with some winter wear (a vintage navy-blue peacoat, a navy blue blazer, a trench coat I was issued in the Marines and as many other outifts as possible).
From what I've read here, grey seems to be the most popular choice to go with the most outfits, being a neutral color. So if grey is the the best all-around choice for a navy blue outfit (and I'd love to hear other ideas for better colors if anyone disagrees), would a darker or lighter grey go with the most outfits?
Thanks for your input, and I look forward to many a good conversation!
-Mountainmonk

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I love gray fedoras. Have a ton of them. I find the key to a versatile gray hat is to pick something in the mid-range, rather than really light or really dark. A gray with a slight brown undertone is also better than a one with a blue undertone because it will mix better with non-blue and non-gray clothing.

Since you wear a lot of navy blue, you may not need to worry as much about versatility, but that's your call. Also, a medium or dark brown fedora works nicely with navy blue.

Notice: The above opinion is not necessarily the view of this forum or it's other members. But it's right! Maybe.

NB

 

[Big Man]

First, welcome to the Fedora Lounge, Mountainmonk. I see that you are from Asheville. That's just a few miles up the road from me.

I would also recommend a gray hat for most of the colors you have listed. My personal preference is a medium to light gray for spring, summer, and early fall, and a darker gray for late fall and winter - but that's just me.

 

[John Boyer]

For the most part, I would echoe NB's posting below. I am looking into my 4th Fedora and think a Silverbelly is my next choice. I wear a lot of black, grey pinstripe and navy blue's. I think a Silverbelly and/or some sort of grey would go with the widest variety of colors and patterns. I have contemplated a black or midnight blue fedora but, for now, intend to pursue the Silverbelly. John

 

[Mountainmonk]

Thanks for all the advice! Now the real question - Where can I find a quality gray pinchfront fedora for under $100? If you're not allowed to list vendors within a thread, feel free to email me moyogi AT hotmail.com


Edit: Email address format changed to protect you from spambots.--AlanC

 

[Big Man]

... Where can I find a quality gray pinchfront fedora for under $100? ...

While I am sure there are a number of very good hats from several vendors, the one that quickly jumps to my mind is the Jaxon "Bogart" offered by Village Hat Shop for $68. I have a grey "Bogart" I bought from VHS a couple years ago that I like very much. It has seen a lot of wear as a daily "business hat", and I would recommend it highly.

 

[Doctor Strange]

A couple of more choices below $100...

The Miller Vienna (alas, it will be a bit over $100 with shipping):

http://www.millerhats.com/millercd_catalog/millercd4.html

The Akubra Bogart or Stylemaster; best price just now (under $100 including shipping to the US!) at:

http://hatsbythe100.com.au/product/...tsuniquer&disp=Akubra Barmah Jacaru Drizabone

(Select Akubra at the left; the Bogart's on the first page, the Stylemaster on the third.)

I'm sure other folks will suggest some more...

 

[RBH]

Welcome to the Lounge!!!
I too would suggest Akubra.

 

[tortswon]

One guy's opinion

Welcome to the Lounge! My first fedora was an Akubra Stylemaster in moonstone with a specially fitted black band purchased from one of the members of the lounge. My basic suit colors are gray, black, blue, and brown. I think it works with all but the brown. It also dresses up a casual outfit amazingly well. Best, Sam

 

[Mike in Seattle]

The problem with Akubra is they're significantly more than the OP's stated upper limit...but nonetheless, fantastic hats.

Besides the ones already listed, you might check out The Fedora Store.com. Duane's been a longtime supporter of the Lounge and Classic Style magazine, and was a huge help when I bought my first couple fedoras. There are also other vendors here on the Lounge but the names are escaping me at the moment.

 

[BobC]

I'll add my name to the Akubra camp. The first fedora I bought was a Bailey wool felt, but that was before I learned about Akubra. I paid about $80 plus shipping for the Bailey and I could have had a quite nice fur felt Akubra for very little more money. My first Akubra was a Stylemaster that I have since sold. I bought it too big, and the crown is shorter and more tapered than I now like to wear. I have since bought an Akubra Fed Deluxe IV that I love, I have a Camp Draft ordered now, and I want to get another Fed Deluxe IV.

By the way, welcome to the lounge, Mountainmonk. You will like it here, and if you hang around you'll pick up lots of great hat info from these hat folks.