Stetson Stratoliner B

[srq2002]

If they would bring out a modern Stetsonian dimension hat in the Pure....I think I would jump.

Didn’t they? I bought a close out Stetsonian a year or two back, very tall and wide. Of course, that was in their Sovereign grade, quite soft, quite thick.

 

[Frunobulax]

Didn’t they? I bought a close out Stetsonian a year or two back, very tall and wide. Of course, that was in their Sovereign grade, quite soft, quite thick.

The 150th Anniversary Stetsonian was a Royal Deluxe. They are also soft and thick. If you haven't already, it would be great if you could post pics in The Stetsonian Institution.

I would love to see it.

 

[belfastboy]

Didn’t they? I bought a close out Stetsonian a year or two back, very tall and wide. Of course, that was in their Sovereign grade, quite soft, quite thick.

I have 2 of the Stetsonian 150th Anniversary. Really nice felt but not beaver.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Didn’t they? I bought a close out Stetsonian a year or two back, very tall and wide. Of course, that was in their Sovereign grade, quite soft, quite thick.

I’ve seen exactly one of them, and I believe it was a proof from the designer that Stetson had at the time. I’ve never seen a modern Stetsonian in beaver other than that one. The Stetsonian was discontinued before the “Pure” line of beaver felt hats was introduced. There is some reason to believe that the current Royal De Luxe felt is 10% beaver, but that’s from some advertising from the Japanese market. Neither the Royal De Luxe nor the Sovereign felts are beaver…maybe a small amount of beaver in the mix.

 

[Babbo Philipe]

I don't see the modern Stratoliner thread anywhere nor have I necessarily seen mention of this fantastic new development from Stetson... the Stratoliner B.

For those who have followed me before, you know I like two things: a good factory crease and a hat with a decent amount of stiffener. This new Stratoliner B has both. The crown will definitely hold its shape and the brim has a good snap to it. When you compare these to the NOS Stratoliners from the 50s, the feel is much the same. I know some of you profess that these hats weren't stiff when they were new, but once you handle a NOS version, you know that's not necessarily true.

One significant change is that the crown has been creased 1/4" higher at its highest point and in the front. 1/4", you say? So what, you say?

1/4" can be quite a lot! It changes the entire look of the hat. The rake now looks right. It's a whole new ballgame!

The Stratoliner B is easily identified by its label, which says "Stratoliner B". My first was a Stetson Pure (100% beaver) in Alabaster and I knew it was different but it wasn't so obvious at first nor did I understand what the B meant. Now I know. You can measure to make sure, the keel is 3-1/2" high and the front crease's low point is 3-3/4" high.

The "Peacock" is an interesting color. Seems like it's blue with the saturation knob turned down. It's almost a neutral charcoal, except it's not. It would complement a brown leather jacket quite well.

Tom

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is it rabbit or beaver/rabbit mixture

 

[Babbo Philipe]

That is a very good point, Esther made me a bespoke Strat-look-a-like. Bespoke as in made to measure, she charged me two hundred euros, that's about $235 US. The hat is superb, worth every cent. As far as I can tell, the Stetson Strat B, is around $195.00.
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where did you get the shoes

 

[GatineauRoss]

Can anyone tell me what type of fur was used in the felt for the Stratoliner B?

 

[GatineauRoss]

I don't see the modern Stratoliner thread anywhere nor have I necessarily seen mention of this fantastic new development from Stetson... the Stratoliner B.

For those who have followed me before, you know I like two things: a good factory crease and a hat with a decent amount of stiffener. This new Stratoliner B has both. The crown will definitely hold its shape and the brim has a good snap to it. When you compare these to the NOS Stratoliners from the 50s, the feel is much the same. I know some of you profess that these hats weren't stiff when they were new, but once you handle a NOS version, you know that's not necessarily true.

One significant change is that the crown has been creased 1/4" higher at its highest point and in the front. 1/4", you say? So what, you say?

1/4" can be quite a lot! It changes the entire look of the hat. The rake now looks right. It's a whole new ballgame!

The Stratoliner B is easily identified by its label, which says "Stratoliner B". My first was a Stetson Pure (100% beaver) in Alabaster and I knew it was different but it wasn't so obvious at first nor did I understand what the B meant. Now I know. You can measure to make sure, the keel is 3-1/2" high and the front crease's low point is 3-3/4" high.

The "Peacock" is an interesting color. Seems like it's blue with the saturation knob turned down. It's almost a neutral charcoal, except it's not. It would complement a brown leather jacket quite well.

Tom

View attachment 366339

View attachment 366340

Can anyone tell me what type of fur was used in the felt for the Stratoliner B?

 

[belfastboy]

Can anyone tell me what type of fur was used in the felt for the Stratoliner B?

As far as I know it is the relatively low quality "Royal" level.

 

[GatineauRoss]

As far as I know it is the relatively low quality "Royal" level.

Thanks for your reply. I am new to the forum and Stetson felt hats. Can you please expand on how your reply answers my question?

 

[belfastboy]

Thanks for your reply. I am new to the forum and Stetson felt hats. Can you please expand on how your reply answers my question?

If yu use the Google search it will take you the links. Google: Fedora Lounge, Stetson felt grades. It will give you a much better explanation that I can.

 

[GatineauRoss]

If yu use the Google search it will take you the links. Google: Fedora Lounge, Stetson felt grades. It will give you a much better explanation that I can.

Would $209 USD be considered a fair price for a new Stratoliner B?

 

[belfastboy]

Would $209 USD be considered a fair price for a new Stratoliner B?

I think they run close to $250 new in a hat shop. So it would seem to be a good price. Depending on your size and patience level you might get a better Strat on the used market.

 

[GatineauRoss]

I think they run close to $250 new in a hat shop. So it would seem to be a good price. Depending on your size and patience level you might get a better Strat on the used market.

What and where is the used market?

 

[belfastboy]

What and where is the used market?

Ebay mostly, and the Classified advert here in the Lounge. On Ebay: MiamiBruno and DeadlyHandsome are trusted sellers.

 

[GatineauRoss]

Ebay mostly, and the Classified advert here in the Lounge. On Ebay: MiamiBruno and DeadlyHandsome are trusted sellers.

Thanks for the information. And I'm a size 57 cm (7 1/8 ") if that means anything to you.

 

[BobHufford]

Thanks for the information. And I'm a size 57 cm (7 1/8 ") if that means anything to you.

Are you looking for a particular color?

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/the-stratoliner-society-vintage.8329/page-83#post-3065984

 

[GatineauRoss]

Are you looking for a particular color?

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/the-stratoliner-society-vintage.8329/page-83#post-3065984

Natural or Caribou in the Stratoliner B; or Natural, Sage or Silverbelly in the Open Road

 

[rclark]

I wish I would have bought a Fortune and Glory.

I actually have a Fortune and Glory that I’ve never worn. Size 7 1/4.

 

[belfastboy]

Thanks for the information. And I'm a size 57 cm (7 1/8 ") if that means anything to you.

There are a great many more vintage hats in that 7 1/8" size than the larger 7 3/8" and up. With some patience you could snag a good vintage at a good price.