So, what is the agreed-upon "classic dimensions" of a hat?

[MattJH]

Is there such a thing as a general benchmark of what most hats are that others are measured against? My assumption is a 5 1/2" crown, 2 1/4" brim, and 1" ribbon, but then again, it's just assumption. I searched through the archives and didn't actually find any concentrated discussion about this specific topic, just somewhat vague references. Thanks!

 

[AlanC]

I doubt you're going to get much consensus on that. I would think the best you could do would be to look at a classic hat like a Whippet.

Just to show the lack of consensus, I would think a more classic brim width would be 2.5".

 

[Lefty]

I'll echo Alan, but note that it's been pretty widely accepted here that the popular style of the 30s hats are well reflected by Art's Jazzman. Beyond that, good luck finding any agreement on anything. Maybe the best way to go about it would be to try to find out which hats sold the best in different decades. Again, good luck with that.

 

[Mike K.]

I would think that if there was just one benchmark, there would not be the millions of different hats that we see today - with the countless brim sizes, crown heights, band widths, edge treatments, bashes, and colors.

 

[Stan]

Yep

Hi,

I'm quite new to this world, and I've manged to figure out that there's lots and lots and lots and lots (do I gots enough lots or do I need more?? - Ha!) of variation on the theme here.

I think the best you're going to get is what each of us likes best.

Me, I'd say a 2 5/8" to 2 3/4" brim and a 5 3/4" to 6" open crown. But, that's what looks best on me.

While I'm at it, I prefer the thin ribbons over the wider ones, edge binding and in matching color -- think Open Road and Stratoliner here.

I even like the Alpine crown (aka cattlean's crease) or a simple center crease with front pinch for more of a Fedora vs. Cowboy look.

But, that's just me. As was already mentioned, this is why there are *so* many styles over the decades!!

Good luck on your quest!

Stan

 

[MattJH]

I'm familiar with all of the variety out there.

I'm more talking about the oft-used term "classic dimensions" when referring to a hat, and what it actually means.

Thanks!

 

[John in Covina]

Regular is what's regular for you...

Since the variety of fedoras is so great, classic dimensions would only apply to a particular style or segment of time, also there may be regional differences US versus Europe, City versus rural.

The 30's , represented by film of the time seems to be a bit more specific style and that would have classic dimensions for that era, like the aforementioned Jazzman.

In the 1940's the brims tended to be wider so a classic 40's fedora would have different dimensions and yet be classic.

As the style evolves thru the 50's and 60's those classic dimensions change again and again.

Think in terms of suit lapel widths, what is the classic width? Perhaps it could be the one most used, most suits produced. Or would that scue the size to when suits were more popular?

Is there an EVERYMAN'S fedora correct for all of the last 9 decades?

 

[kaosharper1]

I'm familiar with all of the variety out there.

I'm more talking about the oft-used term "classic dimensions" when referring to a hat, and what it actually means.

Thanks!

Hats are fashion, and fashion comes and goes. "Classic" in the 1930s and 1960s were very different. So I think you'd have to be a little more specific about what era you're talking about. Your question is a little too broad.

 

[cookie]

I would think that if there was just one benchmark, there would not be the millions of different hats that we see today - with the countless brim sizes, crown heights, band widths, edge treatments, bashes, and colors.

All God's (tonsorial) creation....lol lol [huh] [huh]

 

[MattJH]

Well, I don't really know what I'm asking. I just know that I see "classic dimensions" mentioned a lot when describing a hat, and I was wondering what those dimensions were. Now I understand that it's contextual and depends upon the era. Thanks everyone.