New Member to the Hat Forum

[StoryPNW]

Thanks for the comments! First, let me say I’ve seen a lot of fine looking fedora hats on this site. I really do like the the look and style of most all the hats I’ve seen here. As far as who told me they don’t look good on me, we’ll, I guess that’d be me . It’s probably more of a confidence thing as they are uncommon here and will draw attention and remarks. Not that they’re necessarily bad remarks but more of the G Man, Indiana Jones, or 40’s gangster variety lol. I’ve even been jokingly referred to as a pimp while wearing a fedora. The Akubra styles seem to blend in much better with my “style”; carhartt pants or jeans, boots, flannels for cool weather, or T shirts and polos in warm weather. The Campdraft I ordered will be more of a dress hat for times I dress up a little more than usual; church and date night, etc. Most importantly, full brim hats will give me the protection I need and I can look somewhat stylish at the same time. Win, win.

I totally understand how you feel, and tend to lean the same direction as you for the most part. I have been wearing brimmed hats for a little while now but still feel a little self conscious in certain surroundings. The casual style of the Akubras blends in much easier where I live too but I do like the occasional fedora or panama.

 

[belfastboy]

Thanks for the comments! First, let me say I’ve seen a lot of fine looking fedora hats on this site. I really do like the the look and style of most all the hats I’ve seen here. As far as who told me they don’t look good on me, we’ll, I guess that’d be me . It’s probably more of a confidence thing as they are uncommon here and will draw attention and remarks. Not that they’re necessarily bad remarks but more of the G Man, Indiana Jones, or 40’s gangster variety lol. I’ve even been jokingly referred to as a pimp while wearing a fedora. The Akubra styles seem to blend in much better with my “style”; carhartt pants or jeans, boots, flannels for cool weather, or T shirts and polos in warm weather. The Campdraft I ordered will be more of a dress hat for times I dress up a little more than usual; church and date night, etc. Most importantly, full brim hats will give me the protection I need and I can look somewhat stylish at the same time. Win, win.

In my years here in The Lounge I have noticed a definite story arc. The evolution of hat wearers seems to follow a pattern. Men come to hats for varying reasons but many (most) are not fully comfortable at first. Newbies tend to select lower crowns/narrower brims and even then this new thing on their head seems enormous.

But after a bit of time that self consciousness begins to lessen and the man starts to 'wear the hat' rather than the hat wearing him.

Once comfortable in those first hat choices many venture forth to slightly wider and wider brims, taller and fuller crowns. Eventually we discover our sweet spot and settle into wearing our chosen hat with ease. Yes, you will get the odd "Indiana Jones, Cowboy, Gansta," comment but like the self conscious beginnings those comments too will just slide away. It is a fun journey....enjoy the ride.

 

[hambone71]

In my years here in The Lounge I have noticed a definite story arc. The evolution of hat wearers seems to follow a pattern. Men come to hats for varying reasons but many (most) are not fully comfortable at first. Newbies tend to select lower crowns/narrower brims and even then this new thing on their head seems enormous.

But after a bit of time that self consciousness begins to lessen and the man starts to 'wear the hat' rather than the hat wearing him.

Once comfortable in those first hat choices many venture forth to slightly wider and wider brims, taller and fuller crowns. Eventually we discover our sweet spot and settle into wearing our chosen hat with ease. Yes, you will get the odd "Indiana Jones, Cowboy, Gansta," comment but like the self conscious beginnings those comments too will just slide away. It is a fun journey....enjoy the ride.

Sounds like a lot of wisdom in those words. Thanks for the encouragement and I look forward to the journey!

 

[belfastboy]

Sounds like a lot of wisdom in those words. Thanks for the encouragement and I look forward to the journey!

I neglected to mention that my words described my journey as well.

 

[Rmccamey]

Me too. Try walking out of the house in a bowler for the first time! Now, I can't wear them often enough

In my years here in The Lounge I have noticed a definite story arc. The evolution of hat wearers seems to follow a pattern. Men come to hats for varying reasons but many (most) are not fully comfortable at first. Newbies tend to select lower crowns/narrower brims and even then this new thing on their head seems enormous.

But after a bit of time that self consciousness begins to lessen and the man starts to 'wear the hat' rather than the hat wearing him.

Once comfortable in those first hat choices many venture forth to slightly wider and wider brims, taller and fuller crowns. Eventually we discover our sweet spot and settle into wearing our chosen hat with ease. Yes, you will get the odd "Indiana Jones, Cowboy, Gansta," comment but like the self conscious beginnings those comments too will just slide away. It is a fun journey....enjoy the ride.

I neglected to mention that my words described my journey as well.

 

[Gary in NC]

Hi everyone, I just want to briefly introduce myself. I’m a relative newcomer to the world of hats. I never really wore even a ball cap until about a decade ago when I wanted to protect my head from the sun. I’ve got several Tilley hats of various styles and purposes, but about 1 1/2 years ago I saw somebody wearing a bowler. I thought to myself that I liked that look and I wondered if I could pull it off. I ended up buying a Scala wool felt bowler just to see if I liked it. I LOVED the look, and I got positive comments everywhere I went. My wife loved it too, and believe me - that matters! But that hat had a strange fit so I discovered that Stetson makes a fur felt bowler. It was way more than I wanted to pay but the reviews were stellar. I pulled the trigger and bought the gray with black band. Wow, what a fit and nice quality too. I loved it so much that I bought the fawn color too. I wore those hats all through the fall, winter, and spring.

Then of course I needed something for summer. Sure the Tilly’s are there, but I’m getting interested in this newfound world hats that I have discovered. I just recently ordered and received a Stetson Latte florentine in gray with black band. I’m very happy with that because it looks amazing, it gets compliments everywhere, it’s not very expensive and I don’t think a surprise NC mountain rain shower will hurt it. Now I’ve got a Special Edition Hemp Stratoliner on order that should be here in the next few days. Those two along with my Tilleys should get me through summer.

Anyway, I’ve been looking through this forum along the way and I’m finding it to be addictive to say the least. I’m not a collector and I’m not a purist, but I do have a genuine fascination of these classic styled hats. So far I’ve bought new, checking reviews and asking questions. I never even thought about vintage before, but some of the vintage hats that I’m seeing here are just killer. I’ve got a feeling that I’ll have some hats with mojo in my possession within a year - Ha!

Alright - so much for this intro being brief, but suffice it to say I have developed a love of these hats over the past couple of years. I may or may not post a lot here - depending on whether I have anything of value to say. I do look forward to learning more and maybe being able to ask a question or two along the way. Thanks!
Gary

 

[Gary in NC]

Me too. Try walking out of the house in a bowler for the first time! Now, I can't wear them often enough

View attachment 430306

I love wearing my bowlers. You pull that one off quite well!

 

[belfastboy]

Hi everyone, I just want to briefly introduce myself. I’m a relative newcomer to the world of hats. I never really wore even a ball cap until about a decade ago when I wanted to protect my head from the sun. I’ve got several Tilley hats of various styles and purposes, but about 1 1/2 years ago I saw somebody wearing a bowler. I thought to myself that I liked that look and I wondered if I could pull it off. I ended up buying a Scala wool felt bowler just to see if I liked it. I LOVED the look, and I got positive comments everywhere I went. My wife loved it too, and believe me - that matters! But that hat had a strange fit so I discovered that Stetson makes a fur felt bowler. It was way more than I wanted to pay but the reviews were stellar. I pulled the trigger and bought the gray with black band. Wow, what a fit and nice quality too. I loved it so much that I bought the fawn color too. I wore those hats all through the fall, winter, and spring.

Then of course I needed something for summer. Sure the Tilly’s are there, but I’m getting interested in this newfound world hats that I have discovered. I just recently ordered and received a Stetson Latte florentine in gray with black band. I’m very happy with that because it looks amazing, it gets compliments everywhere, it’s not very expensive and I don’t think a surprise NC mountain rain shower will hurt it. Now I’ve got a Special Edition Hemp Stratoliner on order that should be here in the next few days. Those two along with my Tilleys should get me through summer.

Anyway, I’ve been looking through this forum along the way and I’m finding it to be addictive to say the least. I’m not a collector and I’m not a purist, but I do have a genuine fascination of these classic styled hats. So far I’ve bought new, checking reviews and asking questions. I never even thought about vintage before, but some of the vintage hats that I’m seeing here are just killer. I’ve got a feeling that I’ll have some hats with mojo in my possession within a year - Ha!

Alright - so much for this intro being brief, but suffice it to say I have developed a love of these hats over the past couple of years. I may or may not post a lot here - depending on whether I have anything of value to say. I do look forward to learning more and maybe being able to ask a question or two along the way. Thanks!
Gary

View attachment 436552

Welcome to The Lounge

 

[scottyrocks]

Hi everyone, I just want to briefly introduce myself. I’m a relative newcomer to the world of hats. I never really wore even a ball cap until about a decade ago when I wanted to protect my head from the sun. I’ve got several Tilley hats of various styles and purposes, but about 1 1/2 years ago I saw somebody wearing a bowler. I thought to myself that I liked that look and I wondered if I could pull it off. I ended up buying a Scala wool felt bowler just to see if I liked it. I LOVED the look, and I got positive comments everywhere I went. My wife loved it too, and believe me - that matters! But that hat had a strange fit so I discovered that Stetson makes a fur felt bowler. It was way more than I wanted to pay but the reviews were stellar. I pulled the trigger and bought the gray with black band. Wow, what a fit and nice quality too. I loved it so much that I bought the fawn color too. I wore those hats all through the fall, winter, and spring.

Then of course I needed something for summer. Sure the Tilly’s are there, but I’m getting interested in this newfound world hats that I have discovered. I just recently ordered and received a Stetson Latte florentine in gray with black band. I’m very happy with that because it looks amazing, it gets compliments everywhere, it’s not very expensive and I don’t think a surprise NC mountain rain shower will hurt it. Now I’ve got a Special Edition Hemp Stratoliner on order that should be here in the next few days. Those two along with my Tilleys should get me through summer.

Anyway, I’ve been looking through this forum along the way and I’m finding it to be addictive to say the least. I’m not a collector and I’m not a purist, but I do have a genuine fascination of these classic styled hats. So far I’ve bought new, checking reviews and asking questions. I never even thought about vintage before, but some of the vintage hats that I’m seeing here are just killer. I’ve got a feeling that I’ll have some hats with mojo in my possession within a year - Ha!

Alright - so much for this intro being brief, but suffice it to say I have developed a love of these hats over the past couple of years. I may or may not post a lot here - depending on whether I have anything of value to say. I do look forward to learning more and maybe being able to ask a question or two along the way. Thanks!
Gary

View attachment 436552

That Stetson looks great on you.

You may have just inspired me to pop on my Akubra Capricorn for today's activities, which I extremely ever rarely wear.

And welcome to TFL.

 

[Dudebassoon]

Howdy, new to hats and new to the forum. This is my first akubra, and first attempt bashing/steaming a hat. Was going to an open road feel but got the center crease too wide. Still learning, thanks for the add

 

[thelongroad]

Greetings folks. I am a new member. Very much looking forward to diving in to the community here.
My challenge, as far as hats are concerned, is that I have a gargantuan head. Something in the neighbourhood of a size 66 or 8+++ . Any pointers as far as makers, brands, styles… I am well and truly open to input. Anyway, wishing you all a great day. My best, John.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Greetings folks. I am a new member. Very much looking forward to diving in to the community here.
My challenge, as far as hats are concerned, is that I have a gargantuan head. Something in the neighbourhood of a size 66 or 8+++ . Any pointers as far as makers, brands, styles… I am well and truly open to input. Anyway, wishing you all a great day. My best, John.

Welcome! I hope you enjoy your stay here.

66cm!?!? You poor soul. I can tell you that my solution for the same problem; I’m a smaller hat size, but larger than some hatters have equipment for. I bought a block and flange and loaned them out to hatters so they could make me hats. The initial cost is a bit steep and you’re limited to the shape you buy, but it at least gets you in the game. The other problem is finding felt hat bodies large enough to get you what you want. They are out there, but you’ll be limited.

Tell us what style and dimensions you’re looking at and maybe we can give you better answers.

 

[Mysfit]

Hello everyone! I was a member awhile ago. Kids are grown and on their own and I am again looking at hats. I came across this Open Road, Size 7. Looks to be in beautiful shape, still with $12.95 price tag. I am a 7 5/8, so no go for me. Appears to be cash only no shipping from Utica NY. So if anyone is near there and a size 7, could be a nice pickup for $40.00

 

[JMax]

Hello. New to the Hat forum but active in the outerwear section. Been lurking for a bit, not partaking and trying to keep this new passion from going all inferno on me. I got into hats about a year and a half ago. My path has been a bit different as I went big and tall almost immediately. I prefer flat-brims too. Outta Buda Texas. Anyways, that’s me. And if you are remotely interested in outwear, especially leather jackets, hop on over for a bit. I will return the favor and stoke that fire. Cheers.

 

[belfastboy]

Hello. New to the Hat forum but active in the outerwear section. Been lurking for a bit, not partaking and trying to keep this new passion from going all inferno on me. I got into hats about a year and a half ago. My path has been a bit different as I went big and tall almost immediately. I prefer flat-brims too. Outta Buda Texas. Anyways, that’s me. And if you are remotely interested in outwear, especially leather jackets, hop on over for a bit. I will return the favor and stoke that fire. Cheers.

Welcome to the Hat side of the Forum. A few years back I hopped over to the outerwear section, accumulated 1/2 dozen jackets and got it out of my system. So now back in the hat section of the Lounge where I belong!!!

 

[JMax]

Welcome to the Hat side of the Forum. A few years back I hopped over to the outerwear section, accumulated 1/2 dozen jackets and got it out of my system. So now back in the hat section of the Lounge where I belong!!!

Thank you. I do recall you visiting the outerwear section. Well done getting out at 6 jackets.

 

[belfastboy]

Thank you. I do recall you visiting the outerwear section. Well done getting out at 6 jackets.

I can't really take any credit for my exit ....I am too lazy to sell the few I don't wear and I have zero storage capacity to add any more!!

 

[JMax]

I can't really take any credit for my exit ....I am too lazy to sell the few I don't wear and I have zero storage capacity to add any more!!

Space for jackets is my limiting factor too. It takes quite a bit of headgear to get to that point. Reason enough for me to stay in outerwear lol.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Hello. New to the Hat forum but active in the outerwear section. Been lurking for a bit, not partaking and trying to keep this new passion from going all inferno on me. I got into hats about a year and a half ago. My path has been a bit different as I went big and tall almost immediately. I prefer flat-brims too. Outta Buda Texas. Anyways, that’s me. And if you are remotely interested in outwear, especially leather jackets, hop on over for a bit. I will return the favor and stoke that fire. Cheers.

Hey J:
Yay you made it!!
Glad to see you wonder over to the hat rooms of the lounge. The only cost of admission would be some pics of hats on heads. Doesn’t really matter the style. Anything from a Pith helmet to a Fez has fans. Ball caps...not so much.
Folks here are generally supportive and courteous of whatever you wear and whatever phase you are at in hats.
You’ll find several members here that are as knowledgeable of everything hats as TMitchell is to leather jackets and as willing to help as he is too.
I look forward to your posts and if you contribute half as much here as you do in the leather rooms we all will be better.
Welcome brother, now lets see some hats on a Harley.
B

 

[JMax]

Hey J:
Yay you made it!!
Glad to see you wonder over to the hat rooms of the lounge. The only cost of admission would be some pics of hats on heads. Doesn’t really matter the style. Anything from a Pith helmet to a Fez has fans. Ball caps...not so much.
Folks here are generally supportive and courteous of whatever you wear and whatever phase you are at in hats.
You’ll find several members here that are as knowledgeable of everything hats as TMitchell is to leather jackets and as willing to help as he is too.
I look forward to your posts and if you contribute half as much here as you do in the leather rooms we all will be better.
Welcome brother, now lets see some hats on a Harley.
B

Thanks B. Good to hear from you. No doubt the folks here are supportive, I could see that while lurking. Hats on a Harley in the TX Hills. Yes, that sounds good.