Modern Stetsons?

[Fatdutchman]

What is the general consensus on the quality of modern Stetson fedoras? I have heard varying reports on them, the most disturbing of which says that the felt is "power dyed" or something like that, where a colorant is forced into the felt, but the felt itself is not really dyed, and when the hat gets wet, the color runs out all over you!

Is this so, or is it safe to buy a modern made Stetson?

 

[Matt Deckard]

Stetson of today when ompared to most hats has a runny color job and the felt tends to sag and shrink in the rain. I prefer Akubra for it's color safe reasons and lower cost.

I hear tell they are improving their felt and their styles... though the color running is what I dislike the most on all their hats from the 80's to now.

 

[Rooster]

I bought a modern stetson about 8 years ago. The color leached out whenever I/it was in the rain. It has shrunk about one size also. I'm not very impressed.[huh]

 

[jeboat]

New vs Old Stetsons

Basically there is no comparison of the "new" versus the "old" Stetsons. I have several of both. The older Stetsons are legendary for their soft, pliable felt and fine leather sweats. Rain does not bother the oldies but watch out when you get a newer one wet. It is guaranteed to shrink and maybe even run color down your face.

I use the newer ones for days when I don't care much about losing it, e.g. when on vacation. I have been known to leave hats and umbrellas on airplanes...I did send a modern one to a Welshman I met last fall as a gift. He really liked it but then he had never seen a Stetson of any kind until he handled mine when I was there. Ignorance is bliss I guess...

jim