Stetson "Nostalgia"? (now with pics)

[Matt Deckard]

I can't believe they brought it back.

They sold the Nostalgia about 10 years ago and I owned three of them back then. I'd order them from the outlet. I took two to Baron hats and they accidentally shrunk the crown so I suggest caution with these ones when near any moisture as the high crown on the originals was extremely stretched out felt that was extremely thin at the top.

I'm guessing it was brought back because of the new indy movie and the similar block style used for the indy hats.

 

[scotrace]

A fellow could buy the stock hat from Aaron and have an edge binding applied, right? It does look Whippety.

 

[Woodfluter]

I can't believe they brought they brought it back.

They sold the Nostalgia about 10 years ago and I owned three of them back then. I'd order them from the outlet. I took two to Baron hats and they accidentally shrunk the crown so I suggest caution with these ones when near any moisture as the high crown on the originals was extremely stretched out felt that was extremely thin at the top.

Steven, since you've been talking with Stetson (Hatco), could you find out whether they would make this putative new Nostalgia from standard-sized bodies that have been stretched beyond the usual limits, or from taller bodies? Addressing Matt's issues from some years back. Hate to say it, but it sort of sounds like they are loath to venture too far from current standards, perhaps quite understandable from a business perspective.

If these were indeed comparable in quality and durability to the older hats, I would be very interested in purchase, especially if they were welted (although not ruling out bound at all...) and I think 2-5/8 brim and caribou would be an outstanding choice. I also think Hatco might be a tad too fixated on the pricing issue...I believe folks would pay a bit more for something first-rate and durable.

- Bill

 

[metropd]

So when are they available?

 

[carter]

Steven, since you've been talking with Stetson (Hatco), could you find out whether they would make this putative new Nostalgia from standard-sized bodies that have been stretched beyond the usual limits, or from taller bodies? Addressing Matt's issues from some years back. Hate to say it, but it sort of sounds like they are loath to venture too far from current standards, perhaps quite understandable from a business perspective.If these were indeed comparable in quality and durability to the older hats, I would be very interested in purchase, especially if they were welted (although not ruling out bound at all...) and I think 2-5/8 brim and caribou would be an outstanding choice. I also think Hatco might be a tad too fixated on the pricing issue...I believe folks would pay a bit more for something first-rate and durable.
- Bill

Hats from the Outlet Store are there because they are wearable but still have a flaw(s) that failed to pass QC at HATCO. Thin felt at the crown may have been one of those flaws. I have purchased at least two dozen hats from the Outlet Store and most flaws are virtually undetectable, but they are there. Don't judge a hat from an Outlet Store as if it were full retail. There is a difference.

I live near the Outlet. Maybe I'll take a drive that way this week.

 

[Colby Jack]

Carter...let me know if you see anything interesting in a 7 5/8...:eusa_clap

 

[Rick Blaine]

Carter...let me know if you see anything interesting in a 7 5/8...:eusa_clap

Ditto that in 7 3/8 or 7 1/2!

 

[MK]

.

Stetson just sent me some hats to review in Classic Style...including the Nostalgia. It is a good looking hat. The crown and brim look great. Of course the felt is modern and doesn't compare to how it was back in the day. I need to spend a little more time with it...but I would venture to say it is the coolest looking mass produced hat being made today.

 

[besdor]

We are working woth Hatco to change the Nostalgia around a little to give it more of a 1940's look. The current version has a 22line band with a 2 1/2" brim. We are going to sell the hats with a 19 line band with a bound edge . This will make it look more like the "Whippet" style from the past. We tried to get a welted edge but that wasn't possible.
Once the samples are finished, I will post pics for everyone to see.



Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[Matt Deckard]

Actually I'd bet on the Akubra for felt quality and the crown block is pretty much the same as what Akubra is using. I have a couple of Nostalgias a few years back and since they stretched the dress hat crown out soo much they tapered (shrunk) faster than any hat I've ever seen.

Stetson was doing both bound edge and raw edge Nostalgias a few years back.

If they are using bigger hoods this time around to make the hats and not stretching them out an elaborate amount like they did to the previous versions then they might fair better.

I'd venture to say though that they are making them exactly he same way. I;m also sure it's to take advantage of the Indiana Jones Market soon to hit and they need as many fedora's on the front lines as possible.

 

[indycop]

We are working woth Hatco to change the Nostalgia around a little to give it more of a 1940's look. The current version has a 22line band with a 2 1/2" brim. We are going to sell the hats with a 19 line band with a bound edge . This will make it look more like the "Whippet" style from the past. We tried to get a welted edge but that wasn't possible.
Once the samples are finished, I will post pics for everyone to see.



Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

Will it be in pumpkinhead sizes too, and long ovals?

 

[MK]

I;m also sure it's to take advantage of the Indiana Jones Market soon to hit and they need as many fedora's on the front lines as possible.

Actually....the Hatco folks were talking with me about producing a fedora that would appeal to our members before the film was announced. I do think Indy 4 got them to fast track the project....but it isn't there only motivation.

 

[jimmy the lid]

We are working woth Hatco to change the Nostalgia around a little to give it more of a 1940's look. The current version has a 22line band with a 2 1/2" brim. We are going to sell the hats with a 19 line band with a bound edge . This will make it look more like the "Whippet" style from the past. We tried to get a welted edge but that wasn't possible.

Steven -- are you sticking with the 2 1/2" brim, or are you also looking into the possibility of 2 5/8" brim, as well?

Cheers,
JtL

 

[AlanC]

Whatever can be done to encourage the hat corporations to produce classically styled fedoras is a good thing.

 

[Tango Yankee]

Stetson just sent me some hats to review in Classic Style...

I like the sound of that! Here's to looking forward to reading it in issue number 6! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Cheers,
Tom

 

[carldelo]

We are working woth Hatco to change the Nostalgia around a little to give it more of a 1940's look. The current version has a 22line band with a 2 1/2" brim. We are going to sell the hats with a 19 line band with a bound edge . This will make it look more like the "Whippet" style from the past. We tried to get a welted edge but that wasn't possible.
Once the samples are finished, I will post pics for everyone to see.



Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

Steven - I hope you'll post here when you get the hat in your shop - I'd definitely come over to check it out, even a sample in the wrong size. And I echo the question re: large sizes, specifically 7-3/4.

Are there going to be any other brim widths besides 2 5/8? I like 2 1/2 and 2 1/4 and I like welted edges, which are so hard to get on a new hat these days.

Atterbury, the last hat I bought is a Stetson Ashland (from Besdor, BTW). It's has a 2-1/4" underwelt brim and is a great shape. It's Royal quality so not as nice as a Sovereign quality Chatham, but nice just the same. Of course mine is dark brown and I get called Indy quite a bit, but, whatever....

 

[besdor]

The hat will most likely be a 2 1/2 inch brim . We now have to decide on the wider binding or the standard 4 line even binding that is used today.
What do fellow loungers think?



Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

P.S. Yes it will go up to a 7 3/4.

 

[Matt Deckard]

I did like that that last time I spoke with Stetson that they were bendable with ideas. I'm still proud to say i'm first guy to get them to advertise their dress hats in a print publication in... more than 10 years?

 

[KY Gentleman]

The hat will most likely be a 2 1/2 inch brim . We now have to decide on the wider binding or the standard 4 line even binding that is used today.
What do fellow loungers think?



Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

P.S. Yes it will go up to a 7 3/4.

I like the specs, I want to order one. When are they going to be available?[huh]

 

[metropd]

If it is a 2 1/2 inch brim... I'm out. I can buy a 2 1/2 inch brim anywhere.