Miller's Douglas Dress Hat

[gtdean48]

Asked this in another thread but no responses so I'll try it on its own....

Since Akubra doesn't seem to offer the Campdraft in gray anymore, has anybody had experience with Miller Hats Douglas Dress Hat?
http://www.millerhats.com/mdressfelt_index/index.html
Although it comes in the teardrop crease, it seem very similar. TIA...gtd

 

[Jauntyone]

I've had my eye on those as well. I ordered a similar hat from them a couple of years ago (same dimensions, different bash and wider ribbon) and was a bit disappointed in the quality of the felt, which is surprising considering that their in-house brand is made by Biltmore. The hat looked nice but the felt really seemed a bit "cheap"; not coarse, as some have described Akubras, but it just didn't have a good hand.
Still, I might order one soon, the "Douglas" is a ringer for a Stratoliner, as far as I cn tell.

 

[Rick Blaine]

Possible Alternative?

...previous thread on Beaver Brand's "River Runner".

 

[gtdean48]

Thanks Jaunty & Rick.
I did notice that Miller's has an Italian line made for them by Guerra = anybody heard of them? That hat does look like a Stratoliner for sure.
I do like the River Runner by Beaver, had a western hat by them that held up well in bad weather. I am looking for more of a gray color than what is listed on that site... gtd

 

[jimmy the lid]

I've always been surprised that the Miller "Douglas" isn't ever really mentioned here as a modern OR-clone alternative. It certainly has the look. Don't know anything about the felt, though.

Cheers,
JtL

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Well, like all of Miller's name-brand hats, the Douglas should be a Biltmore. I've heard mixed opinions. My take, based on owning other Millers; Good dress hat. Not what I'd wear for working or standing in a downpour.

 

[Rick Blaine]

Just dispatched the following missive to Hornet Hats

"Dear Hornet Hats,



I recently received two Christy's Adventurer fedoras & could not be more pleased, both are lovely hats.

I am writing to see if it would be possible to have an Adventurer made with a matching 5 linge ( 9 mm/ 3/8") ribbon and flat bow with the addition of a matching thinly bound brim, not unlike the Borsalino Alessandria or the Stetson Open Road ?



Many thanks for entertaining this odd request & warmest wishes for a happy Holiday season...." yaddayadda...

I'll let you know what they say...

 

[RBH]

"Dear Hornet Hats,



I recently received two Christy's Adventurer fedoras & could not be more pleased, both are lovely hats.

I am writing to see if it would be possible to have an Adventurer made with a matching 5 linge ( 9 mm/ 3/8") ribbon and flat bow with the addition of a matching thinly bound brim, not unlike the Borsalino Alessandria or the Stetson Open Road ?



Many thanks for entertaining this odd request & warmest wishes for a happy Holiday season...." yaddayadda...

I'll let you know what they say...

you better!!!

 

[carldelo]

I've had my eye on those as well. I ordered a similar hat from them a couple of years ago (same dimensions, different bash and wider ribbon) and was a bit disappointed in the quality of the felt, which is surprising considering that their in-house brand is made by Biltmore. The hat looked nice but the felt really seemed a bit "cheap"; not coarse, as some have described Akubras, but it just didn't have a good hand.
Still, I might order one soon, the "Douglas" is a ringer for a Stratoliner, as far as I cn tell.

I've come close to ordering a Douglas, it's really got a nice look. The brim is a little wide for me, but the biggest drawback is the 'no refund - store credit only' policy. The felt quality issue is worrisome - but aren't there different grades of felt from Miller? President, smooth, etc...

 

[Rick Blaine]

Reply from Hornet Hats, FYI

"Dear Hornet Hats,



I recently received two Christy's Adventurer fedoras & could not be more pleased, both are lovely hats.

I am writing to see if it would be possible to have an Adventurer made with a matching 5 linge ( 9 mm/ 3/8") ribbon and flat bow with the addition of a matching thinly bound brim, not unlike the Borsalino Alessandria or the Stetson Open Road ?



Many thanks for entertaining this odd request & warmest wishes for a happy Holiday season...." yaddayadda...

I'll let you know what they say...

REPLY:

Thank you for your email and apologies for not replying earlier. I am delighted you are pleased with the hats we supplied.

I have spoken to Christys and the narrowest ribbon they do is a 1/2". They can do a flat bow and can match the brim with the ribbon.

I hope this helps,

With kind regards,

Justin

... maybe in the new year for me...

 

[gtdean48]

Good to know, Rick. Thanks for the update. How do you get in touch with Christy's to place an order? gtd

 

[Rick Blaine]

Good to know, Rick. Thanks for the update. How do you get in touch with Christy's to place an order? gtd

Here: Hornet Hats

 

[gtdean48]

Many thanks... gtd

:eusa_clap

 

[JohnnyB53]

Well, like all of Miller's name-brand hats, the Douglas should be a Biltmore. I've heard mixed opinions. My take, based on owning other Millers; Good dress hat. Not what I'd wear for working or standing in a downpour.

Not all Miller brand hats are Biltmores anymore. About 6 weeks ago I called their customer service to get a handle on the build and felt qualities of their various models vs. similar models from Stetson. I was particularly interested in Miller's C-crown Manhattan and center pinch Vienna. The CS guy told me the Manhattan is sourced from Biltmore, but the Vienna is made by VM Hats of Baltimore. I did a search for VM and it doesn't appear that they make hats under their own name. They may make the felt fedoras offered by Hippodrome Hatters, but I can't say for sure.

In an earlier google I came across their website aimed at value-added resellers (VARs), and it showed a line of hats made for a big-name designer house, but I can't remember what the designer name was and I haven't been able to find that website again.

Maybe the rougher-feeling Millers are made by VM?

 

[gtdean48]

Just called Miller Customer Service...

I asked about felt of the Douglass Dress & was told it is rabbit. When I asked who made it for them, Maria said either Beaver Brand or Biltmore. So is $130 plus shipping a decent price for a rabbit fur felt Beaver Brand or Biltmore when I can probably get an Akubra Campdraft for $75 including shipping but have to wait a while?

 

[mayserwegener]

The CS guy told me the Manhattan is sourced from Biltmore, but the Vienna is made by VM Hats of Baltimore. I did a search for VM and it doesn't appear that they make hats under their own name. They may make the felt fedoras offered by Hippodrome Hatters, but I can't say for sure.

I know Hippodrome uses Bollman to make their velour hats. I assume they use Bollman for their other models too.

 

[Preacher Man]

Hello gtdean48

I just ordered a Campdraft from Hatsdirect on Dec. 20; including shipping it cost 103.00. I know it's not made in grey, but have you considered Beaver Brand hats? I ordered a Beaver Brand # E1540 - center dent fedora in banker grey with a 4 ligne ribbon with a Stratoliner style bow. You'll find it on the Fedora Store web site. The hat pictured is a light brown color-click on the picture-it'll take you to the info page for that hat - it can be ordered just about any way you like. By the way, it's a snap brim. Good luck on your search. God Bless!
Preacher Man.

 

[gtdean48]

Thanks Preacher, I have 2 Campdrafts on order from Everything Australian, both under $75 including shipping. I am on the list with HatsDirect about ordering a run of Campdrafts in gray. Don't recall the thread where that is but think is Something About Campdrafts one. I have looked at a Beaver Brand, too = the one earlier in this thread...