New Member to the Hat Forum

[belfastboy]

Hello All!

I've been lurking for some months now, but thought it was time to join up and introduce myself.

I spent the first 71 years of life disliking hats and virtually never wearing them, other than maybe a Dodgers baseball cap once in a while (I'm a big Dodgers fan). So out of the blue, earlier this year, I got some bug to get a hat; I have no idea why that happened. So I started with a Stetson Diamond Jim in black, which I like, and that inspired my screen name (but my name is Jim). I followed that with a Stetson Diamond Jim Shantung hat, then got a Stetson Catera (which I also like a lot). When I get into something new, I have a tendency to over do it and spend too much, so I am trying to pause for a bit to make sure my hat deal is going to stick.

Hardly anyone (men especially) wear hats around here in SoCal, excepting the usual baseball-type hats. So it is interesting watching people's reactions. Initially I may have been a little shy, but I am over that and wearing my hats like a boss. I have also decided yesterday that if anyone is asking questions, I will start suggesting they may not have heard that hats is the new hot thing - seeing if I can con people into adopting a new fad - hahaha.

I'll try to post up some pics soon.

Welcome to the Lounge. We are a tolerant bunch here and will overlook your love of the Dodgers. This is a great place to enjoy and learn about all things hat related.

 

[Frunobulax]

Welcome to the Lounge. We are a tolerant bunch here and will overlook your love of the Dodgers. This is a great place to enjoy and learn about all things hat related.

I'll do my best...

 

[belfastboy]

I'll do my best...

We need to support each other to be our best selves.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I'll do my best...

We need to support each other to be our best selves.

You’re talking about that game where you hit a ball with a stick, right?

 

[belfastboy]

You’re talking about that game where you hit a ball with a stick, right?

yes, but it is a round ball with a round stick.....and the ball is travelling on average 95mph and it comes at you in 3 differing planes as it makes it way from pitcher to batter. The Dodgers do have nice classic uniforms though.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

You’re talking about that game where you hit a ball with a stick, right?

Ma and Pa was poor. We used rocks. No home runs, we just run home.
B

 

[Frunobulax]

We need to support each other to be our best selves.

I'll try. I'll really try!

You’re talking about that game where you hit a ball with a stick, right?

Golf? Field Hockey? Croquet?

yes, but it is a round ball with a round stick.....and the ball is travelling on average 95mph and it comes at you in 3 differing planes as it makes it way from pitcher to batter. The Dodgers do have nice classic uniforms though.

And occasionally Vin Scully.

Ma and Pa was poor. We used rocks. No home runs, we just run home.
B

Lawncare guy is trying to sell his services to a young housewife...

"...and we can also take care of those four dead patches in your front yard."

Wife: "Oh, no, (points to dead patches); that's first, second, third and home!"

 

[Snowman]

Hello All!

I've been lurking for some months now, but thought it was time to join up and introduce myself.

I spent the first 71 years of life disliking hats and virtually never wearing them, other than maybe a Dodgers baseball cap once in a while (I'm a big Dodgers fan). So out of the blue, earlier this year, I got some bug to get a hat; I have no idea why that happened. So I started with a Stetson Diamond Jim in black, which I like, and that inspired my screen name (but my name is Jim). I followed that with a Stetson Diamond Jim Shantung hat, then got a Stetson Catera (which I also like a lot). When I get into something new, I have a tendency to over do it and spend too much, so I am trying to pause for a bit to make sure my hat deal is going to stick.

Hardly anyone (men especially) wear hats around here in SoCal, excepting the usual baseball-type hats. So it is interesting watching people's reactions. Initially I may have been a little shy, but I am over that and wearing my hats like a boss. I have also decided yesterday that if anyone is asking questions, I will start suggesting they may not have heard that hats is the new hot thing - seeing if I can con people into adopting a new fad - hahaha.

I'll try to post up some pics soon.

Welcome. Looking forward to seeing your lids.

 

[SafetyThird]

Hi all, been lurking on here for a little while and figured it's time to say hello.

I got into hats years ago but they were always work hats such as Tilley's of which I have several. Then I was bought a Herbert Johnson poet's hat, the original Indy fedora and fell in love with wearing hats but, as I live on a farm, I don't get a lot of opportunity to wear it, as it's such a smart hat. Along the way I've picked up a lovely Locke Panama which I bought for my wedding and then a more budget folding Panama for travel.

I wanted some more hats but good ones tend to be very expensive and cheap ones are rubbish quality. Then I discovered Akubra and fell down that little rabbit hole which lead me here and now I have my first couple of them and have been reading through this thread and the one on bashing hats and I'm guessing there'll be several more coming in the future.

I've just received an Akubra Zephyr which will be a summer work hat and a style master in carbon gray as an around town hat.

 

[Rmccamey]

Nice hats, my friend, welcome to the discussions.

Hi all, been lurking on here for a little while and figured it's time to say hello.

I got into hats years ago but they were always work hats such as Tilley's of which I have several. Then I was bought a Herbert Johnson poet's hat, the original Indy fedora and fell in love with wearing hats but, as I live on a farm, I don't get a lot of opportunity to wear it, as it's such a smart hat. Along the way I've picked up a lovely Locke Panama which I bought for my wedding and then a more budget folding Panama for travel.

I wanted some more hats but good ones tend to be very expensive and cheap ones are rubbish quality. Then I discovered Akubra and fell down that little rabbit hole which lead me here and now I have my first couple of them and have been reading through this thread and the one on bashing hats and I'm guessing there'll be several more coming in the future.

I've just received an Akubra Zephyr which will be a summer work hat and a style master in carbon gray as an around town hat.

View attachment 368680 View attachment 368681 View attachment 368682 View attachment 368683

 

[Alarickc]

I'm new round these parts, but have liked hats and valued the information on here for years. Just got my first proper hat and Optimo while passing through Chicago on the way to a Christmas trip to the PNW. This hat, a black beaver felt bowler size 63 and surprisingly round enough for my head, is the first of 4-5 Optimos I'm getting after having envied them from affar for a decade or so. I have an appointment for a fitting for a custom head block on my return and a design consultation for a full custom hat and the other hats I've selected. This disheveled me is in a Hotel parking lot in Nebraska, breaking in the bowler with a long day of road-triping.

 

[Rmccamey]

Welcome to the Lounge. Great looking bowler from Optimo. I'd love to have one of those myself. I encourage you to look at some other custom and vintage bowlers as well. Looking forward to seeing your next hats, too.

I'm new round these parts, but have liked hats and valued the information on here for years. Just got my first proper hat and Optimo while passing through Chicago on the way to a Christmas trip to the PNW. This hat, a black beaver felt bowler size 63 and surprisingly round enough for my head, is the first of 4-5 Optimos I'm getting after having envied them from affar for a decade or so. I have an appointment for a fitting for a custom head block on my return and a design consultation for a full custom hat and the other hats I've selected. This disheveled me is in a Hotel parking lot in Nebraska, breaking in the bowler with a long day of road-triping.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I'm new round these parts, but have liked hats and valued the information on here for years. Just got my first proper hat and Optimo while passing through Chicago on the way to a Christmas trip to the PNW. This hat, a black beaver felt bowler size 63 and surprisingly round enough for my head, is the first of 4-5 Optimos I'm getting after having envied them from affar for a decade or so. I have an appointment for a fitting for a custom head block on my return and a design consultation for a full custom hat and the other hats I've selected. This disheveled me is in a Hotel parking lot in Nebraska, breaking in the bowler with a long day of road-triping.

Welcome! It sounds like you’re starting off with the best. Looking forward to seeing your hats.

 

[Alarickc]

Welcome to the Lounge. Great looking bowler from Optimo. I'd love to have one of those myself. I encourage you to look at some other custom and vintage bowlers as well. Looking forward to seeing your next hats, too.

I'm planning on it, though the hat size makes it tough on vintage anything. I do plan on trying out other hatters in the future. Just wanted to indulge after covid, getting a new job (start on the 3rd), and moving to the Great Lakes region. Thank you for the welcome!

Welcome! It sounds like you’re starting off with the best. Looking forward to seeing your hats.

The feel is amazing. I don't think I'll be able to do anything but beaver felt after this. Thank you for your welcome and your interest!

 

[Yahoody]

Few things as enjoyable and uniquely you as a custom hat built on your own block. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Rmccamey]

I'm planning on it, though the hat size makes it tough on vintage anything. I do plan on trying out other hatters in the future. Just wanted to indulge after covid, getting a new job (start on the 3rd), and moving to the Great Lakes region. Thank you for the welcome!
The feel is amazing. I don't think I'll be able to do anything but beaver felt after this. Thank you for your welcome and your interest!

I'd suggest you add Northwest Hats to your custom bowler list. Mike has really mastered the old style D'Orsay brim curl. And, you are correct regarding size. It is difficult to find vintage hats, particularly bowlers, in the larger sizes.

 

[TheBeardGuy]

Within the last year, I became acquainted with hats, quite by accident actually. But the more I viewed and read, the more I really fell in love with men's hats, and especially the Pork pie hat......I began to buy hats. What a great experience, waiting for them to arrive and try them on. In all sorts of colors.
I have a white/gray beard, and I'm trying to figure out what color is really going to look best on me, since I have a very fair complexion (Irish background) and don't know what color hat will look good with my "looks".........But I'm here, and I love hats and I"m happy that I found this place.

 

[belfastboy]

Within the last year, I became acquainted with hats, quite by accident actually. But the more I viewed and read, the more I really fell in love with men's hats, and especially the Pork pie hat......I began to buy hats. What a great experience, waiting for them to arrive and try them on. In all sorts of colors.
I have a white/gray beard, and I'm trying to figure out what color is really going to look best on me, since I have a very fair complexion (Irish background) and don't know what color hat will look good with my "looks".........But I'm here, and I love hats and I"m happy that I found this place.

In terms of discerning your "best" colour for a hat....the best way, the most fun way is to buy hats of different colours and see what works......good ol 'trial & error. Perhaps not the most efficient but def the most fun. Then from colour you get into crown height, brim width, ribbon work, felt material...........it can be a very very deep rabbit hole in which to fall........but a fun one. Welcome.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Within the last year, I became acquainted with hats, quite by accident actually. But the more I viewed and read, the more I really fell in love with men's hats, and especially the Pork pie hat......I began to buy hats. What a great experience, waiting for them to arrive and try them on. In all sorts of colors.
I have a white/gray beard, and I'm trying to figure out what color is really going to look best on me, since I have a very fair complexion (Irish background) and don't know what color hat will look good with my "looks".........But I'm here, and I love hats and I"m happy that I found this place.

Welcome! We need new and enthusiastic members to keep this place interesting. The porkpie is a divisive style with those that love it and those that hare it and not many in between. You’ll find lots of support and help as you grow your collection.

Unlike other sites, The Fedora Lounge encourages adding to existing threads rather than making new ones…if a thread closely related to the topic already exists. Don’t be surprised if one of the bartenders (moderators) merges your thread into an existing thread. It happens to all of us and it’s no big deal.

Enjoy your stay!

-Brent

 

[TheBeardGuy]

My real problem is ...well....I sort of have yet to wear any of my hats outside. I don't know. The whole thought of wearing a men's hat in this day and age makes me a little self conscious....coz I know I'm not going to find anyone out there wearing a fedora or a pork pie hat. LOL