Revitalize or replace?

[deanzat]

I've had this Stetson for fifteen years or so, and we've been through a lot together (including three horrific floods). It's pretty dirty and it's very floppy now. And since I got my Banjo Paterson, the Stetson seems tiny and pointy, almost like a Chico Marx hat. And the lining? Don't get me started on the lining. I wear it very little these days because my wife says it seems a little dressy compared to the Banjo, and I no longer wear suits every day - or ever.

A near-enough shop will clean and block the hat and replace the lining, but it would cost almost as much as some new Akubras. So there's my dilemma. What would YOU do? Thanks, Z

 

[gtdean48]

Renovation would cost more than new Akubra but a hat with history & character is worth the effort & cost. Renovate it! gtd

 

[Dewhurst]

If it has great sentimental value I would either have it done up nice, or get a special box for it and put it somewhere safe.

Or use it as a display piece or something.

 

[carter]

Dance with the one who brung ya.

Have it cleaned and reblocked.

You'll be glad you did.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Well,.... first, I'd turn it around so the bow's on the correct side.

Then I would try my own hand at dusting the ol' friend off and wetting 'er down so I could reblock it myself, by hand, this time with the front pinch in the front. A slightly different crown crease might help a lot to counter the tapering. You'd be surprised how well decent felt sets up and holds the shape you put into it once it dries from the wetting. Usually, they even feel like they have a little more body to them as the process can sometimes reactivate a little of the original stiffener.

Other than that, I'd wear it when I felt sentimental and enjoy the funkiness of a black dress hat being coupled with casual modern clothes.

None of the above is necessarily the right things or wrong things or only things to do. Just what I would do.

G'luck!!

 

[indycop]

Well,.... first, I'd turn it around so the bow's on the correct side.

I think the pic is backwards because aren't the single pockets on button shirts usually on the left side? Of course you may just be messin around!

 

[Matt Deckard]

It can be cleaned and re-blocked for a price as you say... the question is do you want a new hat or is that one your companion now? Sounds like it's a good sturdy felt that is taking a punishment heartily, but do you like it looking distressed. I myself would suggest that you keep that Stetson as a beater and get a new Akubra. You increase your versatility and if a time comes where you just truly give up on the Stetson, then you should have it re-blocked.

 

[deanzat]

computer cam...

images are mirrored in this case.

I'm headed over to the shop at lunchtime for their opinion and an estimate...
Thanks for all the feedback. Z

 

[Wil Tam]

mirrored?

???

 

[John in Covina]

Decisions! Decisions!

Have it renovated - is it worth the price of renovation, will you wear it?

Keep it as is and use as beater - condition continues to degrade but you get use out of it until it's time to hang up for good.

Set it aside for a while and reconsider at a later date.

Just get a new Akubra that's more along the lines of what your wardrobe needs are these days.

Sell it or give it away.


So it comes down to if you value it, to what level you value it and if you will be able to use it effectively in the future. If you have a good understanding of that basis then you can get closer to deciding if it is worth the expense or not for the renovation.

The magic eight ball says: "Reply hazy - try again later!"

John

 

[RBH]

I would leave it as it is! Sometimes you just need to have and old friend... and that hat looks as if it has been a friend indeed!
By all means get and Akubra, and maybe soon you will want to check with one of our fine custom hatters that are members here!

 

[deanzat]

Easy decision

The shop is going to clean and block it for far less than they suggested over the phone, so I dropped it off. Their attitude: a hat that's been worn regularly for years is entitled to look like a hat that's been worn regularly for years. They won't attempt to stiffen it, just clean it and take out some of the weird wrinkles.

While I was there, I tried on a bunch of Stetsons and realized another reason to keep my hat - there are very few hat styles I like on me. The two hats I did like were so similar to hats I already own that there was no reason to buy them.

Itchin' for a new hat, though. Think I'll order a campdraft and see if I can create the perfect-for-me hat.

Thanks again, Z