Needing advice from dapper dudes...

[Burgandi]

Hello to all you well dressed gentlemen! I am needing some help on a nice fedora purchase for my boyfriend and thought I could get some good (fairly unbiased ) advice here...

I have been doing alot of research on my own and Im just getting bogged down with choices.

I would like to purchase a hat somewhere in the $100-$180 range... he used to have an Akubra that he loved but our dear cat peed on it (may it rest in peace... the fedora, not the cat! lol) about a year ago and he has been lamenting it ever since. I dont know what the style is and I cant ask without arousing suspicion but I know he wears a size 61 (which translates into a 7 5/8). I will say that he is a bigger guy and I notice that alot of fedoras tend to look a little tiny on his head because the brims seem small, even if the hat fits.

So, if there is a suggestion of a good Akubra hat, Id prefer to get that one (for sentimental reasons) but if any of you gentlemen have a different brand that sounds like it would fit the bill Id be very grateful.

Thank you for your help, Im sorry this message is so obnoxiously long!!!!!

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

Bad kitty!

I would like to purchase a hat somewhere in the $100-$180 range... he used to have an Akubra that he loved but our dear cat peed on it (may it rest in peace... the fedora, not the cat!

The favorable exchange rate prevailing between the Australian and US currencies make the Akubra a very attractive deal. I recently ordered one (not yet arrived) and the cost including shipping was $102.00.

Try this link http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?view=19&returncat=Akubra+Hats&returnpage=1

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

You said dapper dudes, but I'm going to chime in anyway. Since he is already an Akubra fan, needs a tall crown and wider brim...I'll say a Campdraft or a Federation IV. Both have nice tall crowns with little or no taper and are well within your price range. Check them out at hats Direct...

Federation IV
http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?group=Federation

Campdraft
http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?view=47&returncat=Fedora+Hats&returnpage=0

 

[Goose.]

Yep, like Kilo November and Charlie Baker, I mean, Chuck Bobuck; I'm a fan of Akubra. Apparently, so is your boyfriend. I presume that you don't know the model name of his pisser of a hat (???).

My size is a 61 as well. And the shorter brim hats don't work for me. About the shortest brim I can get away with is a 60mm. A 64mm works good for me...so, in addition to the hats mentioned previously, take a look at the Stylemaster, Bogart, and the Akubra model that is actually called "Fedora". These can all be found at the Hats Direct site.

The "Fedora" is called "Sydney" on the David Morgan (USA) website. Some diff color options and the Fedora from Hats Direct has a trolley cord (yuck), but that can be cut off.

Good luck and keep us posted.

That is a very nice thing you are looking to do. Especially in consideration that the cat is still around

 

[kaosharper1]

I have a brand new Art Fawcett custom hat in 7 5/8, dark moss green with an apple ribbon and a nice red pinstripe in the bow.
I paid $305 and have only worn it in the house. This is a pure beaver felt hat, better than anything Akubra sells. It just doesn't look good on me.
It's basically this one:

http://www.vintagesilhouettes.com/lim_ed_frameset.htm

Willing to sell it for $200 plus shipping.

Wow. That's a bargain!

On the Akubra side you should look a the Federation which is a tall crowned, wide brimmed hat in the 1930s style. It comes in many colors and is good for both casual and formal wear. There are a number of threads on this hat which is often called the "Fed IV" since that's the latest version.

 

[awest84532]

I'm 6'6" and weigh in at 265 lbs. Here is an Akubra Federation IV size 61 to give you an idea of how it fits a slightly larger guy:

 

[PADDY]

Post a photo of him.

And then the gents here have a better idea of the right hat to match him up with

 

[Burgandi]

Fed IV

I'm 6'6" and weigh in at 265 lbs. Here is an Akubra Federation IV size 61 to give you an idea of how it fits a slightly larger guy:

Yes, that does look nice! I thin k I read somewhere that the Fed IV is an unshaped hat... do I get it shaped before I give it to him? How hard is it to shape your own hat??

 

[Burgandi]

Thanks...

I have a brand new Art Fawcett custom hat in 7 5/8, dark moss green with an apple ribbon and a nice red pinstripe in the bow.
I paid $305 and have only worn it in the house. This is a pure beaver felt hat, better than anything Akubra sells. It just doesn't look good on me.
It's basically this one:

http://www.vintagesilhouettes.com/lim_ed_frameset.htm

Willing to sell it for $200 plus shipping.

Neil- thank you for the offer but Im looking for something in black so it will match his suits and overcoat... I appreciate it though!

 

[FurFeltFedora]

Burgandi I would also suggest an Akubra Federation IV (my store of choice is Hats Direct http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?view=38&returncat=Federation&returnpage=0) available in 5 colours.

I'm about 6'3" 220 and I find the proportions fit me to a tee..

It is an open crown, but shaping/bashing/creasing the crown is easy and there are lots of tips on how to do it both here and on the web. The beauty is that if you feel it's too tall you can shape it so that it's a little lower, or conversely make it quite tall - your choice.

IF you do opt for a Federation IV there is one thing you need to know, they make them a little small, 1/2 a size to be precise. So if your boyfriend takes a 61 I would order the Fed IV in a 62 (which actually is a 61.5). The hat comes with some foam strips to adjust sizing and they do tend to fit much better after some shaping and wearing.

Hope this helps you out some.

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

I would measure around his head first to be sure of the size.
http://www.hatsdirect.com/help/size.html

 

[Goose.]

Yep. Roger on what Neil typed. Unless he is specifically wanting a black, I'd get him Carbon (if dark is what he wants or had). Nice color that is close to black but just seems more versatile.

Here's a post of different colors...being Moonstone, Carbon, and Black: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=793685&postcount=2

Yeah, a pic or knowing what the cat ruined would help. But understand you want it to be a surpise. So, here's a fleet of Federation IV hats of different colors. Not trying to steer you towards a Fed. Just showing you color comparisons...plus I like to show pics of my "kids" http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=790557&postcount=209

 

[kaosharper1]

Yes, black is actually not a versatile color and a black hat with a black overcoat looks a little overbearing, unless he's going for a goth look.

There is carbon grey, which is a very dark grey and moonstone which is lighter. I'd go with the carbon grey. I have a carbon grey Fed and it goes great with everything except brown.

Here's a picture bashed Maltese Falcon style:

 

[Jabos]

I have a brand new Art Fawcett custom hat in 7 5/8, dark moss green with an apple ribbon and a nice red pinstripe in the bow.
I paid $305 and have only worn it in the house. This is a pure beaver felt hat, better than anything Akubra sells. It just doesn't look good on me.
It's basically this one:

http://www.vintagesilhouettes.com/lim_ed_frameset.htm

Willing to sell it for $200 plus shipping.

My two cents: jump all over Neil's offer and your boyfriend will have the hat of a lifetime. Dark hats can come later, but this is truly a work of art and I guarantee he will love the quality at that price. I know you are thinking "Green?" and it is $20 over your budget, but you can't buy a better hat (arguably) anywhere else in the world, regardless of the price. I don't know him, obviously, but I'll bet he can tell the quality of the Art hat from his Akubra. Again, just my two cents. I hope he is happy with the thoughtful gift, whatever you decide. Very thoughtful.:eusa_clap

 

[Burgandi]

Per Paddy...

And then the gents here have a better idea of the right hat to match him up with

A Pic of him, huh? He's the one on the left (obviously!! lol)

Sounds like most everyone thinks the Fed IV is the way to go? It looks like from most the pics its more of a casual hat, would you guys say it would still look nice if we went out to dinner??

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Was the hat that the cat destroyed black? If so, then I would go with black. If not, then perhaps whatever color it was would be best.

Another important question; What color suits does he usually wear? That's actually more important than the overcoat.

As for the Fed IV, it is a great hat and will come unshaped. Shaping is very easy, and your boyfriend may already know how to do it by hand. If not, he can get guidence here once he has it. That way, he'll get to personalize it as he likes it. Also, once you shape it, it can not be returned. Keep that in mind.

 

[Burgandi]

Was the hat that the cat destroyed black? If so, then I would go with black. If not, then perhaps whatever color it was would be best.

Another important question; What color suits does he usually wear? That's actually more important than the overcoat.

As for the Fed IV, it is a great hat and will come unshaped. Shaping is very easy, and your boyfriend may already know how to do it by hand. If not, he can get guidence here once he has it. That way, he'll get to personalize it as he likes it. Also, once you shape it, it can not be returned. Keep that in mind.

No, it was actually a weird grey/green color that never really went with anything... his suits are also black... one plain black and one pinstripe... If you dont mind me asking, what are you wearing in your pic?

 

[Goose.]

...

Sounds like most everyone thinks the Fed IV is the way to go? It looks like from most the pics its more of a casual hat, would you guys say it would still look nice if we went out to dinner??
...

Take a look at this gentleman then you tell me.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=788432&postcount=10747

 

[Not-Bogart13]

No, it was actually a weird grey/green color that never really went with anything... his suits are also black... one plain black and one pinstripe... If you dont mind me asking, what are you wearing in your pic?

That is a custom Penman. It might be a little out of your price range, but if you could manage about $225 + shipping and a 3 month wait, you could get a rabbit felt (Akubras are rabbit felt, but Penman uses a higher quality). If you wanted that exact hat, just drop my name. The color is called Charcoal, and has black ribbon and brim binding. http://www.penmanhats.com/Home_Page.html

Given that your boyfriend wears black, black will work. But it might be better to go for a medium to dark gray (Penman or otherwise) just to break up the black and avoid the Amish/Rabbi comments. Unless, of course, he is a rabbi. [huh]
If the Penman is too expensive, the Fed IV in Carbon Gray is probably the closest you'll get.

If I can be of any further help, just let me know.

 

[kaosharper1]

A Pic of him, huh? He's the one on the left (obviously!! lol)

Sounds like most everyone thinks the Fed IV is the way to go? It looks like from most the pics its more of a casual hat, would you guys say it would still look nice if we went out to dinner??

I wear mine with a suit to work, and also to dinner. Always gets compliments.

But I agree about buying the ARt Fawcett. I have two. One is my avatar. The moss green is a dark green, almost black, that will go with black and grey. Its a bargain. If it were a 7 3/8 Neil would be hearing from me.

Look in the Art Fawcett Hall of Fame thread and you'll see some moss green hats there. Here's a great example:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?p=655257&highlight=moss#post655257