SUPER detail on vintage fedora

[Marc Chevalier]

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Won this c. 1940(?) fedora on eBay, almost as a fluke. When it arrived, I was very surprised to find that the edge of the brim has a flexible, shapeable wire sewn into it -- this allows one to set the brim at pretty much any angle of choice, without the need for steaming. I've seen brim wires in cowboy hats and ladies' hats, but NEVER in a vintage men's fedora. It's a great detail that's a lot of fun to play with! (My hat's brim has an overwelt edge. The wire is hidden inside it.)


Wonder if any of today's hatmakers put brim wires in their fedoras?

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[The Duke]

I like everything about that hat and the color ribbon, is that a light brown?
nice grab!

 

[Marc Chevalier]

The felt is a really nice heathery brown, with a raw flannel-like look and texture. You can see it best in the second photo from the top.


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[ideaguy]

Marc- Absolutely the tops-literally- "a crown upon your head"-now that's humility from the hatter! Maybe the wire's there so if you try to take it
off, ZAP! and yes, I've heard of Fedoras with the wire brim, usually off-brands,
or as you said, Westerns-but carried over into their "city" line. Would be fun to really give the brim a completely different shape-photos??

 

[Marc Chevalier]

For the moment, I've got the brim in a shape that I really like. When I get bored with it, I'll take photos of the next wire-twisting experiment.


Fellas, if you've never had a hat with a brim wire, I recommend trying it out! Maybe one of our esteemed hatmakers could whip one up for you.


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[J. M. Stovall]

Could be trouble at the airport though. ha

 

[spiridon]

Great looking hat Marc! I really like that color combo as well as the way you have it styled.:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Dinerman]

what's the felt like on that?

 

[John in Covina]

Flex Wire

Hey Marc!

The flex wire sounds like a real hoot to play with, you can get pretty dramatic with the brim then. Does it lay out well or do you have to fiddle with it to "get it right?"

Cool color & have fun!

 

[Marc Chevalier]

what's the felt like on that?

It's very, very soft -- much like new flannel. Looks like undyed flannel, too.


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[Marc Chevalier]

Does it lay out well or do you have to fiddle with it to "get it right?"

Cool color & have fun!

Thanks so much, John! It is fun. I really like the fact that the wire holds up any gravity-defying swoop that I could ever imagine for the brim. I do have to fiddle with it, but not much. The wire is very pliable, but firm.

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[DOUGLAS]

Man o man Marc, I saw that hat and almost bid. I am glad I did'nt, it looks great on you. FANTASTIC!! I love the ribbon color. Art, please take note.
Damn smart looking. You get the best Marc:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I'll tell you something, Douglas. If and when I don't win a hat, I'll always be glad if you're the one who does.


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[Vermifuge]

Thanks so much, John! It is fun. I really like the fact that the wire holds up any gravity-defying swoop that I could ever imagine for the brim. I do have to fiddle with it, but not much. The wire is very pliable, but firm.

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Maybe.... Lead?

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

I remember you mentioning that hat on the QM, and it looks great in the pictures. I think our esteemed hatters should look into that feature.

 

[Rick Blaine]

Akubra Traveller

"The brim has a memory wire to assist the hat bouncing back to its original shape."

 

[Marc Chevalier]

That's good! But a memory wire sounds like its shape is more or less permanently set ... whereas the wire in my hat is pliable, and can be reshaped as often as the wearer likes.

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[Lincsong]

Once again Marco snags a winner.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I've just learned that this kind of wire was inserted into cheaper quality hats. In the golden era (and today too?), it was perceived as a gimmick to sell inferior fedoras. Interesting, huh? In any case, I do like this particular hat and the wire too. Just thought that everyone here should know the history behind the gadget.


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[DOUGLAS]

It is interesting to note what was considered "cheaper quality" back then. I am sure the felt is better than most commercially made hats of today.