Milan Mania

[feltfan]

Knox Milan

A large 7 3/8. Fits tight on my bean, but that's handy
on a windy day.

Knox, Cavanagh, and Stetson all had similar offerings.

 

[NewMexExpat]

Finally posting Leone Capelli Milan

Thanks, J. T. That helps a little, I guess. I'm looking at something a little out of character for me. I'm thinking I'd like something a little more formal than my Lagomarsino fedora, Open Road, or Ecuador-blocked PHM Panama for my son's wedding in Arkansas this June. Unfortunately, they only show the white version on the website, ... ... Wish they showed it in my color; it really looks much nicer:

I finally decided to go ahead an buy this back in May. I'm very, very happy with it. I think it worked very well for the wedding (candid photo below), and I'm amazed that it leaves my head feeling cooler than any of my other hats, including a Montecristi (makes sense) and a coarser, more loosely woven Cuenca.

 

[ScionPI2005]

I had posted this one in the 'New Hats' thread, but it seems appropriate here also.

I have three 'firsts' with this one:
First straw.
First Milan.
First Stetson.

I have been considering purchasing a Stetson Dega, and now that I see one actually in use, I'm considering it even more so. ValEag, can you elaborate on your impressions of this one? How is the straw quality? Is the sweatband comfortable? Any other comments? Thanks.

 

[jazzncocktails]

Can do! I wore it to church today.

JP, I've got that exact hat from Miller, and it has been my primary summer straw. It's a great summer hat for relatively low cost--and it looks good on you!
Steve

 

[jazzncocktails]

Here's a Biltmore Milan I've had for a couple years, which I'm sure is made from the synthetic/fake stuff. I have to say though that it is nigh indestructible. It got soaked in China during monsoon season, and it's no worse for wear!

Lexybeast, I'm looking for another Milan, and I like the looks of that one--particularly the orange in the ribbon. Nice--I'll check out Biltmore!

 

[barrowjh]

Milans and rain

I know that true straws do not get along well with water (require re-shaping if they suffer the misfortune of getting soaked). So, I wonder about the typical Milans for sale today (everywhere but Optimo) that are semi-synthetic (not really woven wheat). I suspect that the shellac on these synthetics would help them hold their shape, even if soaked in a thunderstorm. Anyone with direct experience?

 

[cookie]

I finally decided to go ahead an buy this back in May. I'm very, very happy with it. I think it worked very well for the wedding (candid photo below), and I'm amazed that it leaves my head feeling cooler than any of my other hats, including a Montecristi (makes sense) and a coarser, more loosely woven Cuenca.

Is that a vintage straw? ...looks like one...

 

[NewMexExpat]

Is that a vintage straw? ...looks like one...

No, Cookie, it is brand new. J.T. tells me the label, Leone Capelli (made for Levine Hat Company located in St Louis) is possibly made by HATCO. Levine's told me it's imported.

Regards,

Mark

 

[bolthead]

Hey Lexy....

Lexybeast, I'm looking for another Milan, and I like the looks of that one--particularly the orange in the ribbon. Nice--I'll check out Biltmore!

Our Black stingy straws are very similar, other then yours being a Biltmore and mine is a Knox, the ribbon is almost identical.....:eusa_clap

 

[Lefty]

my new beater

 

[carouselvic]

That girl with the splotchy make-up wears her pug funny.

 

[Lefty]

Would you argue with someone wearing her make-up like that?

I know that there have been recent statements about backward pugs but, having no other hats with pugs, are they properly worn "pointing" back, or is that just a preference?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

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[carouselvic]

In watching old TV shows, I have seen them every which way.

This different as well. TLH

 

[RBH]

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Damn Marc... is that one yours?
For some reason I like it.

 

[daizawaguy]

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Very nice. What make is the hat?

 

[daizawaguy]

RBH! Great minds think alike! As I replied and returned to the main screen, I see the same pic has been copied!

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Yep, it's mine. No maker's label. Here's the story: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=130853&postcount=1


.

 

[RBH]

RBH! Great minds think alike! As I replied and returned to the main screen, I see the same pic has been copied!

even across a great distance!

Yep, it's mine. No maker's label. Here's the story: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=130853&postcount=1


.

I remember that post now,
I hope we can see a shot of it on.

 

[Lexybeast]

I know that true straws do not get along well with water (require re-shaping if they suffer the misfortune of getting soaked). So, I wonder about the typical Milans for sale today (everywhere but Optimo) that are semi-synthetic (not really woven wheat). I suspect that the shellac on these synthetics would help them hold their shape, even if soaked in a thunderstorm. Anyone with direct experience?

I'm not sure about other brands, but the finish they put on the Biltmore leaves it like a hardhat. I've worn it during moderately heavy rains in China, and completely soaked it before. It doesn't lose its shape whatsoever. I can wear the thing in a pool and not have to worry.

I got this one maybe two and a half years ago, so I'm not sure how they're making them at the moment. Not my prettiest hat, but when I want a low maintenance, worry-free hat, I can't beat it.