Newbe Question

[Lorne]

Hello all,

Well, I've scored my first fedora! It is Stevens that is a rather dark olive green color. I've creased it as a pinch front with a center dent, and may I say so myself, it aint too shabby!

So, now what? I'd like a second hat in a dark gray, but I'm a man of limited means so I can't spend bunch on it. I'm looking for a 40's profile, the classic "Bogie" look. How little can I spend on what, and still have a decent hat. Any recommendations?

Lorne

 

[Mr_Misanthropy]

eBay, brother, eBay. I am just getting into fedoras and dressing vintage, and I just got my first fedora a couple weeks ago.

And then two more.... yeah, I got kinda hooked... I've got three now, and i'm planning to bid on another two or three today (thanks Magus!). Anyway, what I do is go to eBay and search "fedora 7" which shows me (mostly) size 7 fedoras, then I can get into vintage, etc from there. Anyways, if you let me know your hat size (check this link out if you don't know) I'll keep an extra eye out on eBay and let you know if I see anything similar to what you're looking for.

Welcome to the Lounge!

 

[binkmeisterRick]

Keep your eyes open in thrift stores, even. I've scored a handful of hats while thrifting. You have to be patient and dilligent, though. Flea markets can also contain some good finds. Again, dilligence and patience.

bink

 

[Hemingway Jones]

And don't forget the Vintage shops! I scored two immaculate Borsalinos, each under $60.

Another avenue is garage sales. You would be surprised of what you could find. Drive around your neighborhood on a Saturday morning.

As bink said, you have to be a vigilante. I mean Vigilant.

 

[Magus]

And don't forget the Vintage shops! I scored two immaculate Borsalinos, each under $60.

Another avenue is garage sales. You would be surprised of what you could find. Drive around your neighborhood on a Saturday morning.

As bink said, you have to be a vigilante. I mean Vigilant.

You lucky Eastcoasters. "Vintage Shop" in So Cal means "We take your grandpa's hat and try to set a price that only Brad Pit would pay".

Don't forget Estate Sales (rather than Garage sales or yard sales)...retirement communities can work well for that. though you do get the rare yard sale find.

M

 

[Lorne]

Next hat...

What about a new hat? I've seen hats such as Bailey's reasonably priced. Are they worth owning?


Lorne

 

[Marc Chevalier]

You lucky Eastcoasters. "Vintage Shop" in So Cal means "We take your grandpa's hat and try to set a price that only Brad Pit would pay".

Agreed.

Don't forget Estate Sales ...

True, but the vintage dealers who go to these venues zero in on hats. They're often the first items of clothing to be snatched up at estate sales.

 

[John in Covina]

What's the lowdown on this scoop.

:fedora:

So the usual suspects are:

Ebay
Antique Shops
Vintage Clothing
Used Clothing
Thrift Shops
Garage / Yard Sales
Estate Sales
Flea Markets

Another ploy is 'putting the word out' such as, if there is a Senior Citizens center, see if they'll let you put up a Wanted Poster. Actually any place where there is a bullitten board. Lots of places use to let you put up a 3x5 card. Wanted: "Men's Dress hats and Fedoras! Contact info and time to call."

Put an ad in the Penny Saver or local papers.

Sincerely,

 

[geo]

As an alternative to vintage, I would suggest Akubra.

http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi/products.cgi?group=Fedora+Hats

Good quality hats made in Australia, with many Fedora models to chose from, affordable prices.

One model is even called "Bogart".

 

[John in Covina]

AARON'S too!

Aaron at Aaron's Hats is a supporter of the Lounge, you may wish to peruse his site and give him a call.
Be sure to tell him you are a Fedora Lounge Member!

go to: http://www.getahaton.com/

sincerely,

 

[thefedorastore]

Bailey Fedoras

You mentioned that you wanted something of a bogart style. I like the same styles, and I think you will find the Orson to be a good pick. I don't mean to be advertising, but I think what you are looking for is the Orson, no matter where you find it. It's has a Jet Nap finish, 100% virgin wool fiberes and a silk-like finish. The Orson has a pinch front, a very unique tapered diamond crown and a 2" snap brim. It's a great everyday hat too. I hope this helps in your quest for your next hat. The Orson should be readily available for you to choose from many online hat sites. If this is out of line, someone please let me know right away, but my site offers a large selection of felt fedoras, and with the Fedora Lounge discount (20% using coupon code TFS), you can end up getting most of the wool felts under $40.