Stetson Stratoliner Milan {modern}

[VTporkpie]

Sometimes you have a good vintage that is so nice you find yourself wearing the lesser of the hats simply because you don't want to mess up the better hat. That secondary hat for me in the summer is the milan Strat. Not going to be ruined by sweat, but not so plasticy that it looks or feels cheap. A fine pick-up for the summer and the wife likes the "little airplane." Thanks to all who commented on this thread, especially as the weather warms and some of the weaves come back out for the year.

 

[The Good]

Has anybody been rained on while wearing this hat? I want to know how well it could hold up. Despite being a summer hat, meant for warmer days, I would like my straw hats to keep looking good.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

I got stuck out in a rain storm while my wife shopped for new flowers. I had to put the flowers in the trunk while it poured down on me.
Rain just dripped off the front of the brim. A little water came thru but not much. Let the hat sit out over night and make sure the sweatband was dry before putting it up in my hat rack hanging in my Hat closet.

 

[Hoyt Clagwell]

I have been wearing mine a lot lately. This is not a bad hat at all.

 

[EliasRDA]

I hate resurrecting threads but I hope that all do not mind on this one.

I'm looking to get a straw fedora to replace my one from Hawaii that I purchased near 9 yrs ago now, the straw on that one is starting to make crinkle like noises on touch. Well, thats the best I can describe it, its like its starting drying out or something, & I have no idea off hand who made it, back then I didnt care who just how it looked.

I like the little bit I can see on this hat, so am wondering after all this time how those here that have it like it? Will you be bringing it out for another summers wear? Has it held up well?

I like the grey a bit better than the sand, & if I can get a white I would pass on it due to worrying about getting it dirty. I'm already a bit irrated that my current Stetson fedora has some sort of spot right on the crown front & its not 6 months old. I can see dirt marks on my hawaii straw fedora along with major sweat marks on the wide black ribbon.

So, give me some feedback all. It worth the 85 or so dollars?

 

[tommyK]

I think the new "Original 47" has proportions closer to the vintage Stratoliners than this new one does so it's what I got.

 

[rclark]

I think the new "Original 47" has proportions closer to the vintage Stratoliners than this new one does so it's what I got.

+1

 

[carldelo]

I think the new "Original 47" has proportions closer to the vintage Stratoliners than this new one does so it's what I got.

View attachment 13257

TommyK, how do you like the 47, overall quality, etc.?

What is the sweat band like, and is the brim 2-3/4 as advertised?

PS your photo of the hat looks much better than the product photos I've seen...

 

[rclark]

Here are some photos of my Original Forty Seven

 

[besdor]

That picture looks better than the actual hat that I saw. My sample was so soft and flimsy, I passed on it .

 

[Mr.Astor]

Are we talking Milan?? As in Knox Milan, cavanaugh Milan, or a close proximity to a panama? That hat is not a Milan. IMHO!

 

[carldelo]

That picture looks better than the actual hat that I saw. My sample was so soft and flimsy, I passed on it .

Yes, I agree, the photo and video I saw on the Delmonico website clearly shows a softer, flimsier straw, with a cloth (von Bauer?) sweat band that can be rolled. It looks nothing like the hat in RClark's post. RClark, did your hat come from the Stetson outlet? TommyK, does your hat have a leather or cloth sweat?

 

[VetPsychWars]

Yes, I agree, the photo and video I saw on the Delmonico website clearly shows a softer, flimsier straw, with a cloth (von Bauer?) sweat band that can be rolled. It looks nothing like the hat in RClark's post. RClark, did your hat come from the Stetson outlet? TommyK, does your hat have a leather or cloth sweat?

My Original 47 looks like that too. My ribbon also looks similarly bad. When I get better weather here I'll take it to the fabric store and match some thread to it and retack it myself.

Tom

 

[RBH]

I will post my photo again of the before and after.

I have 3 of the milan Stratoliners. And wear them all summer long.
In fact, my everyday one is on my head as I type.
All three have been reblocked by Major Moore. and two of them have a mid ribbon now.
The white one does not get as much wear but with the new mid ribbon that may change.

 

[tommyK]

TommyK, how do you like the 47, overall quality, etc.?

What is the sweat band like, and is the brim 2-3/4 as advertised?

PS your photo of the hat looks much better than the product photos I've seen...

Mine is the rollable shantung version. It does have a cloth sweatband. The brim is just a little over 2 5/8's. Not quite 2 3/4. It is on the flimsy side like many milans I've handled. Like I said the proportions are what drew me to it. It has a much higher crown than many modern straw hats, about 5 3/8's at it's highest point on the side.

Quality is on par with other modern Stetson products; good, not great.

I like rclarks's panama version and would buy this hat in panama form if I can.

I like RBH's conversion of the milan Strat as well. I would consider doing that if I had a local hatter who could do it.

 

[rclark]

Yes, I agree, the photo and video I saw on the Delmonico website clearly shows a softer, flimsier straw, with a cloth (von Bauer?) sweat band that can be rolled. It looks nothing like the hat in RClark's post. RClark, did your hat come from the Stetson outlet? TommyK, does your hat have a leather or cloth sweat?

Mine is the non-rollable genuine panama version. I purchased it online.

 

[EliasRDA]

Mr Astor,
Sorry, not sure if that question about the milans was pointed at me or not.

I am asking about the Stetson Stratoliner Milan, as it says at the top of the thread.

I liked the look of the 47, at first, now reading that the one offered is a foldable with cloth sweatband I'm liking it less. Personal preference, not to slight those that like/love it, just not my cuppa.

So, for those that own the Strato Milan, I take it that its an okay hat for the price. Not as good as a custom, but something I wont mind getting banged about either, somewhat, heh.

 

[EliasRDA]

RBH,
You mention a mid ribbon, pardon my stupidity but about how wide is that? like the one in your profile pic?
Nice reblocking by the by, course without seeing the original in person, the original doesnt look all that bad to me. Again, personal preference.

Thanks

 

[RBH]

RBH,
You mention a mid ribbon, pardon my stupidity but about how wide is that? like the one in your profile pic?
Nice reblocking by the by, course without seeing the original in person, the original doesnt look all that bad to me. Again, personal preference.

Thanks

No problem. Here is a shot of the white mid ribbon.

The Milan Stratoliner is a very nice hat for the money as it is. I just like a bit of a taller
crown and this hat has plenty to work with on a reblock.

 

[gtdean48]

...
The Milan Stratoliner is a very nice hat for the money as it is. I just like a bit of a taller
crown and this hat has plenty to work with on a reblock.

REALLY like the re-block to lift the crown & mid-ribbon customization Cuz.
What's the block number?