New To The Lounge With a Question...

[1930_Italian]

Good evening all,
This is my first post, I have been browsing the lounge for some time now, and I have finally decided to join....I am looking into making my first "higher dollar" purchase this weekend, and wanted to get some opinions, I am torn between these three:

Borsalino San Remo

Borsalino Como

Stetson Saxon

Any input would be gladly welcome (quality, period style ect...) I usually wear a fedora while I’m in a suit, never really use it for casual occasions.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

Hiya Italian. Welcome to the Lounge.
I'm no use at all in deciding between those fine lids. But why is there no Akubra on there??

 

[hatted]

I agree with Tutt. I just ordered a black Akubra campdraft -- for the price, style, & durability, I don't think there's another non-vintage hat I'd buy right now.

 

[1930_Italian]

Hey Tutt -

I looked at a few akubra's and I am sure I will get one down the line, the three that I mentioned above just struck me, not too sure why, I just liked them haha.

 

[hatted]

You ought to post some shots of your head. Head shape really determines what hat you should wear.

 

[1930_Italian]

Hatted -
Well, I agree with you, but I am unable to get a picture onto the computer right now - for what its worth - I currently wear a Bailey "Executive".

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Well, I see you're in Philly. There are several hat shops in town. Since giving us a photo isn't possible visit them (if you haven't already). Try on similar styles to see how they look.

As for the models you named, and your question...

I think Borsalinos are overpriced for what you get, but that's just me. I understand the attraction, though. If you gotta have it, you gotta have it. The San Remo is probably the most reasonably priced model they have. If you're going to shell out over $250, though, you might as well save for a little longer and go for a custom hat. In my opinion, which is far from the final word.

Stetsons are fair hats. They are a good place to start hat wearing life. I've avoided the Saxon because it looks to be more of a slim guy's hat, and I'm... well... large. If your heavy or have a wide round face, the small brims might be a bad idea. But if your Bailey looks good on you, I think the Saxon will do great.

Period style? [huh] 1960's and after, I guess. But the important thing is that the hat suit you.

 

[St.Ignatz]

NoBo, Famous HeadWear (17th&South) Closed it's doors August 1st.

 

[memphislawyer]

My first hat is a Stetson Saxon. I had my wife and the hat guy try me on some Borsalinos, Baileys, Dobbs and two or three Stetsons. They said that the Saxon looked good and when I posted pics here, positive reviews. I am learning about center dents vs tear drops and diamonds, and rebashing and stuff like that. Did get a Panama Bob hat as my second and any day now, an Akubra Stylemaster in taupe is coming.

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

Well done Memphis! You've graduated to Akubra. The Stylemaster is a bottler of a lid. Besides. everyone should have an Aussie on their head.

 

[RBH]

Welcome to the Lounge!

 

[duggap]

Well if your choice is between the three you mentioned, I would pick the Como. Actually I already did pick the Como. I have had one for two or three years and I really like the hat. It is soft and you can crease it about anyway you want and it stays. The new Stetson was a little too stiff for me. I have found that the less stiff a hat is the more comfortable it is to wear. I doubt you would regret that choice. Welcome aboard. What out for that Art Fawcett guy (our premier custom hat maker), he makes all you new comers wash glasses.

 

[tortswon]

Welcome 1930 Italian! I agree that the new Borsalinos are pricey for the quality. I respectfully disagree with my brother at the bar Tutt about the Akubras. I just don't particularly care for the felt although I do like their style. That leaves the Saxon which is a favorite of another brother at the bar, Memphislawyer. I have to say I agree with him on that one. Now take this recommendation that two lawyers are in agreement on this with the appropriate Gibraltar sized grain of salt it deserves.

Hope to see you at our next Philly hat crawl! Best, Sam

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Welcome Italian

I bought a Boralino Como a few years ago. I love it!!! use it when I perform..

I also have Akubra Federation Deluxe IV. I love em!!!

Each hat serves a different purpose for me. Look at what you want then just jump in you cannot go wrong. I suggest you do not buy a hat because someone else likes it. You are the one wearing it. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Spats McGee]

Welcome to the Lounge!

First of all, let me say that I don't own any Borsalinos or Stetsons. What I do own (among a few other hats) is 2 Akubra Stylemasters & I have a Campdraft on order. I sure like my Akubras and I think they're one of the best values in hats right now. I understand the appeal of the others, though. Borsalinos are good-looking hats and have a reputation for really, really nice felt. I just can't bring myself to drop $300 on a non-custom hat, though. Like NB13 said, for a little bit more, you could get a custom hat. The Stetson Saxon looks good, but the brim is a bit stingy for my liking. That, however, is purely a matter of taste.

I think NB13 hit the nail on the head when he advised you to visit a hat shop and try some on. If you live in an area where you can try a few on and see how they look, take advantage of that.

 

[John in Covina]

At this point the most I have paid for a hat is the $185 for the Matt Deckard MD1 as seen in the accessories section here: http://www.mattdeckard.com/ but they are just in production, I haven't taken possesion yet. I had the good fortune to have seen and felt the prototype and based on that made the choice to get one. I doubt I will be disappointed.

In new hats purchased "recently" the Akubra line up of Bushman, Squatter and direct from Australia a Campdraft have all been great values at $100-125 a piece. I delight in each one, they are superb hats.

Some 10 years ago I got a Stetson Sovreign at about $110 (the style is like the Temple) and it has been a fine hat that I enjoy a lot too.

A Hueckel a couple of years back that was a steall at $25, hard to beat.

The rest of the fedoras are all vintage and they are all pretty good to have with a lower cost than the new ones. Some now need "rebuilding" or a good clean and reblocking.

I have little regrets with any of the hats other than early on I seemed to wear a 7-1/8 but now find a 7-1/4 to be a better fit so the old ones tend to be snug.

I doubt you'll get one and say it was the worst decision in your life.

Enjoy!

 

[memphislawyer]

John, do explain why you went up a size. I wear a 7 1/8 and worry that my Stetson may not be as comfy as it should, now or in the future. The hat guy had me try on a 7 1/4 and said it was not the better fit, but it did have some wriggle room - Stetson Saxon that is. With my Stylemaster coming, I hear they tend to run larger so a larger 57 (7 1/8) may be ok

 

[John in Covina]

I think that maybe some of the hats have shrunk a little over time.

There used to be information on getting the leather sweat bands on Akubras to shrink by wetting & heating bit.

Failing that then my head has swollen with information since my first purchases!

 

[St.Ignatz]

Memphis, I've found the Saxon to be a "generous" fit. I'm a large 7 1/2- small 7 5/8 ELO and I have too much room in a 7 5/8 R Saxon. My akubra 61 Camp Draft was a bit roomy but with a little rain, a little sweat and some knee to elongate it fits just fine now.
Tom D.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

NoBo, Famous HeadWear (17th&South) Closed it's doors August 1st.

Oh, no! That's terrible. Isn't that the one where I got the Selentino?