Should I defeather this Stetson??

[Mobile Vulgus]

OK, here is a question... I just got this Stetson on ebay:

It is new, unworn and in the original box. I paid $19.00 (plus shipping, the bid was only $9.00).

I am Not a fan of those goofy feathers in the hat ribbon on any hat. I prefer just the ribbon and maybe a pin. But I just don't like the look of those feather thingies.

Should I remove the feather? If I do will it mar the hat? How are these things affixed? Does Stetson glue them under the ribbon or are they glued to the hat outside the ribbon?

What do ya'all think on this one? Anyone have experience with removing the feathers?

 

[Yeps]

I would definitely take it out. It is probably just stuck back in there, although there might be a little dab of glue holding it in. Either way, I think it has to go.

Nothing against feathers (my go to hat still has its feathers), but those just are a bit much.

 

[hatophile]

Yank that sucker off, man.

Seriously, I'm not much for feathers, although certain ones on certain hats might add a bit of flair. For the everyday fedora, nah.

 

[SteveAS]

I would definitely take it out. It is probably just stuck back in there, although there might be a little dab of glue holding it in. Either way, I think it has to go.

Ditto.

 

[zetwal]

Remove ...

 

[rlk]

All personal taste, but those could be arranged to look a lot better if desired.

 

[G MAN]

I would take it off.

 

[Mobile Vulgus]

Yup, what I thot...

... I am starting to sense a consensus!

 

[Mr E Train]

My saying is, "A hat needs a feather like Dumbo needs a feather." In other words, it doesn't.

 

[Shel]

Yes and forthwith! I once thought it was mandatory for a hat to have a feather. I've since changed my way of thinking. For example, I wouldn't dream of adding one to the two Art Fawcett masterpieces I have and would probably remove feathers from future hat purchases also.

 

[gtdean48]

A hat needs a feather like a fish needs a bicycle....

 

[BanjoMerlin]

Yes, take it off.

But BE CAREFUL! There's liable to be a hook in there somewhere.

And stay away from trout ponds 'til you get it off there.

 

[rlk]

You should decide for yourself.

In defense of feathers--they have frequently adorned hats for centuries and add some color, movement and personality when properly applied(Panache literally). You will frequently see them in "Golden Age" Movies. Sometimes they work sometimes not--nothing to do with purity.

 

[BanjoMerlin]

I have several hats with feathers. Most of my black hats have a feather. But I only have one hat with a plume and it isn't a fedora.

 

[jlee562]

I would take that feather off. I'm not opposed to feathers, at least not as much as I thought I would be. I actually took the feather off my Stetson Temple and put it on my Stetson Latte, which is a Milan weave. That's probably hat heresy, but I like the way it looks. I also left the feather on my vintage Resistol. But this one looks really big for my taste.

 

[Undertow]

I've never cared for feathers, but you should most certainly decide how you feel about them.

Many hats come with them, but they're not typically hooked in or glued (not to say yours isn't, so just be careful).

Whatever you do, you might consider keeping them in your hat box, or near your hat care equipment. If you take them out, you may reconsider putting them back.

 

[Rat Pack]

What really matters is whether you like it.

Your answer to that question automatically answers the original one.

 

[BanjoMerlin]

I am Not a fan of those goofy feathers in the hat ribbon on any hat. I prefer just the ribbon and maybe a pin. But I just don't like the look of those feather thingies.

Should I remove the feather?

Yes, you don't like feathers so take it off

If I do will it mar the hat?

No, but it might leave a tiny impression where the feather was.

How are these things affixed? Does Stetson glue them under the ribbon or are they glued to the hat outside the ribbon?

Stetson usually doesn't glue them in but just be careful.

 

[CitizenGenet]

Feathers don't look good on modern hats, in my opinion.

 

[blixa00]

Remove...