Summer Felts

[Sir Tom]

I know felt hats can be worn all year long but what are some felt hats designed for warmer weather? The OR , Campdraft and Stratoliner come to mind but what are some other felt hats designed for warmer months. It seems I remember seeing some summer felts with vent holes.

 

[duggap]

Why would you want a hat with vent holes in it. It may be cooler but I wouldn't like the looks. There are several brands that are lightweight felt. The newer Borsolina is very lightweight. And you can get a custom beaver from Art Fawcett in lightweight felt. I have one in natural color and wear it all summer long with my straws and it is not too hot down here in the southland. I just don't wear my regular weight on a consistent basis in the summer.

 

[Sir Tom]

I really do not want one with vent holes. I do recall seeing a thirties or early forties vintage summer felt with three small vent holes on each side. I wonder how common this was? It seems like it was a Stratoliner.

 

[scotrace]

I can speak for two. In vintage, the Lee Adventurer is very nice, and unlined. A summer weight felt. In new hats, Art Fawcett makes a lightweight felt hat that is excellent.

 

[Feraud]

Vented hats are supposed to allow some heat to escape. Not sure how well it works. A few members have beautiful examples of vented felts. Hopefully they add their comments.

For a summer hat you would probably want something in a light color and in as lightweight a felt as possible.

 

[bolthead]

I have 2 vented Lids....

Vented hats are supposed to allow some heat to escape. Not sure how well it works. A few members have beautiful examples of vented felts. Hopefully they add their comments.

For a summer hat you would probably want something in a light color and in as lightweight a felt as possible.

One is an Akubra 'Airstream"......

The other is this Perforated Biltmore that I just received......

I can't wait to see how this one is when it's warm outside.......

 

[Lefty]

Here are some examples of vintage light-weight felt hats.

There are 5 or 6 threads on ventilated hats. All of them seem to conclude that ventilation holes are pretty, and worthless. Of course, I don't think anyone has had a hat as ventilated as that Biltmore. Most just have about 12 holes in a small diamond pattern on the hat's side, or in a circle in the crown. Woodfluter customized one of his hats with large holes and grommets, which I believe he found to be effective.