Stetson Sizing?

[Atticus Finch]

Hi Folks,

I realize that this is a tough question to answer, but I'll ask it anyhow and I won't hold anyone accountable for their answer.

Do Stetson sizes normally run large?

Here's why I ask. I normally wear a size 7 3/4, but when I bought a new Open Road in that size, it was too large. Quite a bit too large, in fact. I had to return it for a size 7 5/8 which, itself, is at the edge of being too large. Then I found a Stetson Panama in size 7 3/4 on OFAS. I debated buying it fearing that it, also, would be too large---but I hit the button anyway. Its here now and it fits quite nicely. Go figure.

So now I don't know what to do about future e-bay finds. Do I wear a size 7 3/4 Stetson or a size 7 5/8? Is my Panama more in line with normal Stetson sizing, or is my Open Road more typical?

Atticus

 

[carter]

Hi Folks,

I realize that this is a tough question to answer, but I'll ask it anyhow and I won't hold anyone accountable for their answer.

Do Stetson sizes normally run large?

Here's why I ask. I normally wear a size 7 3/4, but when I bought a new Open Road in that size, it was too large. Quite a bit too large, in fact. I had to return it for a size 7 5/8 which, itself, is at the edge of being too large. Then I found a Stetson Panama in size 7 3/4 on OFAS. I debated buying it fearing that it, also, would be too large---but I hit the button anyway. Its here now and it fits quite nicely. Go figure.

So now I don't know what to do about future e-bay finds. Do I wear a size 7 3/4 Stetson or a size 7 5/8? Is my Panama more in line with normal Stetson sizing, or is my Open Road more typical?

Atticus

I probably have a dozen or so Stetsons both vintage and modern. I consistently wear a 7 5/8. The 7 1/2 is too small and the 7 3/4 too large. I may occasionally use a stretcher on a 7 1/2 to get the fit or use padding/sizing strips beneath the sweatband if the fit is a tad loose but 7 5/8 is consistent for the most part.
I'd look at Fur Felt and Panama fit separately.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Do Stetson sizes normally run large? I normally wear a size 7 3/4, but when I bought a new Open Road in that size, it was too large. Quite a bit too large, in fact. I had to return it for a size 7 5/8 which, itself, is at the edge of being too large. Atticus

We had a recent thread on this topic, and several responses indicated variations (over and under) in every brand. The marked size is a starting point. Since you were able to return the Open Road for another size, it sounds like you bought a new one. Bear in mind that any responses to your question will probably be based on "used" (vintage) Open Roads. My experience is that, with these, sizing tends to be accurate.

It has been reported that Akubra sizes have been running a bit large, to allow for anticipated shrinking, with age. Stetson may be doing the same, with some models.

 

[tandmark]

Hi,

It's enough to make you wish that eBay sellers (and online hat shops too, for that matter) would list the actual inner circumference of the hat. That way, if a marked size 60 hat is actually a size 62, or whatever, we hat buyers could know a lot more accurately whether it'd fit us.

That sort of thing might also help answer any questions about how much you can expect various kinds of hats to shrink over time.

Until that day comes, guess we'll just have to ask the sellers via email and hope for the best.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Donato]

Hi Folks,

I realize that this is a tough question to answer, but I'll ask it anyhow and I won't hold anyone accountable for their answer.

Do Stetson sizes normally run large?

Here's why I ask. I normally wear a size 7 3/4, but when I bought a new Open Road in that size, it was too large. Quite a bit too large, in fact. I had to return it for a size 7 5/8 which, itself, is at the edge of being too large. Then I found a Stetson Panama in size 7 3/4 on OFAS. I debated buying it fearing that it, also, would be too large---but I hit the button anyway. Its here now and it fits quite nicely. Go figure.

So now I don't know what to do about future e-bay finds. Do I wear a size 7 3/4 Stetson or a size 7 5/8? Is my Panama more in line with normal Stetson sizing, or is my Open Road more typical?

Atticus

If anything, I find Stetsons a tad small. I just received a Stetson Sutley - great hat - but it fits a bit snug. I take a 7 1/4 size and that is what I ordered but I find the hat a little tight. I suspect when I get a haircut, it should be just about right. If not, I can always stretch it a bit. This is the second Stetson I have owned and the hatter had to stretch it a bit so it would fit true to size. I bought the Sutley online so I'll have to stretch it myself.

 

[Atticus Finch]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the replies, all. Since I started this thread, I have purchased two more felt Stetsons. One is a size 7 5/8 Gun Club, which fits very nicely---especially when my hair is short. The other is a 7 3/4 Open Roadish Stetson that was issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It has yet to arrive, so I don't know how it will fit.

From the looks of things, I'm beginning to believe that I'm a size 7.69 in felt Stetsons.

Atticus

 

[Aztex]

Hi,

First post here! I bought my first brand new Stetson Open Road! I chose an 1863 Distressed model as it was the only one in sage. I've had maybe 6 over the past 30 years.

This new one fits weird... The sides or more angled in towards the crown instead of vertical so even though the hat fit it feels un secure. I ordered my typical 6 7/8 and it's a bit big requiring 1/2 a folded paper towel to snug up. I have size 7's that fit perfect.

I know the leather sweat band can shrink a little bit over time but do you think it will square up where I don't feel a stiff breeze will claim my new hat?

Does Stetson change the actual mold for the Open Road periodically so this may be the new way it fits? So getting another would gave the same issue? Or do I have an odd ball?

Stetson was no help and actually argumentative on the phone. Provided no assistance other than an RMA slip. Said hats can vary up to a size which I called BS on! Maybe a little +/- but not a size.

Thanks!

Aztex

 

[thundurchasur]

Hi,

First post here! I bought my first brand new Stetson Open Road! I chose an 1863 Distressed model as it was the only one in sage. I've had maybe 6 over the past 30 years.

This new one fits weird... The sides or more angled in towards the crown instead of vertical so even though the hat fit it feels un secure. I ordered my typical 6 7/8 and it's a bit big requiring 1/2 a folded paper towel to snug up. I have size 7's that fit perfect.

I know the leather sweat band can shrink a little bit over time but do you think it will square up where I don't feel a stiff breeze will claim my new hat?

Does Stetson change the actual mold for the Open Road periodically so this may be the new way it fits? So getting another would gave the same issue? Or do I have an odd ball?

Stetson was no help and actually argumentative on the phone. Provided no assistance other than an RMA slip. Said hats can vary up to a size which I called BS on! Maybe a little +/- but not a size.

Thanks!

Aztex

I'm glad to see this because I was considering a new one.

 

[belfastboy]

Hi,

First post here! I bought my first brand new Stetson Open Road! I chose an 1863 Distressed model as it was the only one in sage. I've had maybe 6 over the past 30 years.

This new one fits weird... The sides or more angled in towards the crown instead of vertical so even though the hat fit it feels un secure. I ordered my typical 6 7/8 and it's a bit big requiring 1/2 a folded paper towel to snug up. I have size 7's that fit perfect.

I know the leather sweat band can shrink a little bit over time but do you think it will square up where I don't feel a stiff breeze will claim my new hat?

Does Stetson change the actual mold for the Open Road periodically so this may be the new way it fits? So getting another would gave the same issue? Or do I have an odd ball?

Stetson was no help and actually argumentative on the phone. Provided no assistance other than an RMA slip. Said hats can vary up to a size which I called BS on! Maybe a little +/- but not a size.

Thanks!

Aztex

Damn, that is disappointing. Hard to speak to your hat and the fit but my experience is a hat either fits and feels comfortable or it doesn't. And to me if a hat does not feel comfortable I won't wear it....it is one of my non negotiables. Might be best to cut your loss and return it. I have owned 5 modern Stetson's...all 7 3/8 and they have all been consistent in their sizing. But I guess not out of the question to have one escape quality control in a mass produced hat.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Hi,

First post here! I bought my first brand new Stetson Open Road! I chose an 1863 Distressed model as it was the only one in sage. I've had maybe 6 over the past 30 years.

This new one fits weird... The sides or more angled in towards the crown instead of vertical so even though the hat fit it feels un secure. I ordered my typical 6 7/8 and it's a bit big requiring 1/2 a folded paper towel to snug up. I have size 7's that fit perfect.

I know the leather sweat band can shrink a little bit over time but do you think it will square up where I don't feel a stiff breeze will claim my new hat?

Does Stetson change the actual mold for the Open Road periodically so this may be the new way it fits? So getting another would gave the same issue? Or do I have an odd ball?

Stetson was no help and actually argumentative on the phone. Provided no assistance other than an RMA slip. Said hats can vary up to a size which I called BS on! Maybe a little +/- but not a size.

Thanks!

Aztex

My modern Stetson dress hats are some of the largest 7 5/8 hats I own. I often fit better in 7 3/4 hats, but not in those modern open crown Stetson dress hats. Maybe the same with your OR?

I also have to ask: if you’re a size 6 7/8 or 7 have you looked at the vintage market?

I can attest that out of a pile of new hats of the same model and the same size there is definitely a difference in fit. Some of the Akubra retailers will even go through their inventory and find you a large or small fitting hat. I think it’s unusual for it to vary a whole size, but it doesn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility at Hat-Co.


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[Frunobulax]

My modern Stetson dress hats are some of the largest 7 5/8 hats I own. I often fit better in 7 3/4 hats, but not in those modern open crown Stetson dress hats. Maybe the same with your OR?

I also have to ask: if you’re a size 6 7/8 or 7 have you looked at the vintage market?

I can attest that out of a pile of new hats of the same model and the same size there is definitely a difference in fit. Some of the Akubra retailers will even go through their inventory and find you a large or small fitting hat. I think it’s unusual for it to vary a whole size, but it doesn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility at Hat-Co.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I've had the same experience with modern Stetsons. Some are spot on, but others are large. I swam in my first Stetsonian, but after wearing for a while, it got better.

 

[Aztex]

My modern Stetson dress hats are some of the largest 7 5/8 hats I own. I often fit better in 7 3/4 hats, but not in those modern open crown Stetson dress hats. Maybe the same with your OR?

I also have to ask: if you’re a size 6 7/8 or 7 have you looked at the vintage market?

I can attest that out of a pile of new hats of the same model and the same size there is definitely a difference in fit. Some of the Akubra retailers will even go through their inventory and find you a large or small fitting hat. I think it’s unusual for it to vary a whole size, but it doesn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility at Hat-Co.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Hi,

Yes but I had not seen any vintage of the sage which is what I was after this time. I've had others in different colors and they had a better fit.

I had been searching for an Akubra Campdraft but don't see them for sale. Any suggestions?

 

[Aztex]

Ya know maybe it's because it's new.... I've only had "vintage" or used OR's in the past..

The crown feels so stiff that when I push it down tight it kind of rides on the top of my head and slowly springs back up...

It's a COOL hat! Beautiful color and an OR....I wonder if it'll change for the better....

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Hi,

Yes but I had not seen any vintage of the sage which is what I was after this time. I've had others in different colors and they had a better fit.

I had been searching for an Akubra Campdraft but don't see them for sale. Any suggestions?

https://everythingaustralian.com.au/row/campdraft-hat.html

https://hatsdirect.com/collections/the-akubra-range-1






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[thundurchasur]

I had been searching for an Akubra Campdraft but don't see them for sale. Any suggestions?

In Stock, depending on size and color.
https://www.hatsbythe100.com.au/akubra-campdraft-open-crown-taupe.html

 

[jlee562]

Some Loungers have had mixed experiences with Hats by the 100.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/hats-by-the-hundred.94323/

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Some Loungers have had mixed experiences with Hats by the 100.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/hats-by-the-hundred.94323/

My one experience with them wasn’t good.


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[thundurchasur]

Some Loungers have had mixed experiences with Hats by the 100.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/hats-by-the-hundred.94323/

That's who I ordered mine from. I looked at the link that you provided and there were more people who were satisfied than not so I guess I'll find out soon enough. People who get burnt tend to be more vocal about their experience than those who have no problems. My woomera was in transit on Tuesday.

 

[RBH]

The recents Stetsons I have had have run large. So instead of 7 1/2 I get a 7 3/8s.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Ya know maybe it's because it's new.... I've only had "vintage" or used OR's in the past..

Getting back to your OP you've hit upon part of the problem that has developed with newer OR's as the crowns have gotten lower & lower. Some OR crowns now are as low as 5-3/8" open crown making them as low as 4" at the front dip which necessitates raising the dents higher so they don't touch your head. With just a bit of taper the hat is touching the sides & sitting on top of your head. The large deep elephant ear dents are impossible with anything under a 6" open crown. I don't think a conformateur measures it but I've had a custom hatmaker measure from ear to ear, up & over the top. Note the various crown heights & dents in some of my hats.

Vintage Stetsons with 5-3/4 to 6" open crowns

Vintage 3X

Older 4X

I'm afraid with new OR's about all you can do is test fit examples at retail. One of the reasons for the popularity of the CD that rarely gets mentioned is for an OR clone they are still close to a 6" open crown.