Perforated sweatband?

[jamespowers]

Have you ever seen a Stetson Playboy? Both sides of the crown have very small pin hole vents in the shape of a diamond. There is no liner as well so it breathes pretty well. It is not at all a formal hat but they are nice for a warm day and would be just fine to top off a business suit. You will also find some bowlers with vent holes in the top of the hat. Unfortunately, my Bat Masterson has none of these.
Your felts will hold up to a little "sweating like a pig." It just means that you are probably going to have to clean them more often. I wear a different hat everyday for quite a few weeks but I am fortunate enough to have a few hats. Spread the wear around. I am sure my hats will probably outlive me. I might as well enjoy them while I am here.
As an aside, I find that a Q-tip (or a lesser brand name ) with a little warm water will get out or at least dilute the sweat stain on the ribbon. Just don't dab across the grosgrain; go up and down with the ribbed grain. I just used that method today for my hat and it removed the stain with very little effort. Give it a try. I don't have a felt that I don't care what happens to it so I have to resort to these methods. I even baby my moth-eaten yard hat. Geez, now there is one I should not care about.

Regards to all,

J

P.S. I have a 6 7/8 modified Porkpie, Stephen L. Stetson straw you are welcome to if it fits. Very dark brown but it could use a reblocking due to the brim. :cool2:

 

[Matt Deckard]

Sweat stains showing on the outside of a hat have not been a big problem for me either, unless they are vintage sweat stains. Otherwise ,like you said, water and something to wipe it with does the trick.

I have seen a few old pics of guys with ventilation in their bolwers, and though it was weird seeing at the time I guess it keeps you cool. I have an unlined Dobbs bowler with a floating sweatband. Hard and light weight felt with a net like system holding onto the leather sorta like ones you see in boaters, anything to keep you cool and looking good. I'll try to post a pic.

I baby my bowlers and my boater, My straw fedora is a vintage Mallory that is a bit dry to manhandle, but when it comes to my felts... (Root can attest) I treat them like they are the red headed step children in the family. Rain, snow, dust storm, Even my Pristine Optimos get all the elements and a roll up now and again (I have a one year review coming up soon on how well the felt has held up).

Powers-- What brand of hat are you wearing in those pics at Art's? shop?

 

[jamespowers]

That is my latest acquisition. I like the color. It is a Royal DeLuxe Stetson with the Mode Edge. Considering it was pretty hot that day, I was fairly cool wearing it both figuratively and literally. LOL It still has the $15 price tag in it!

Regards to all,

J

 

[Matt Deckard]

Nice.