The Big Dilemma

[Dave_G]

Howdy Folks,

I'm the type of guy that goes to estate sales and I've been getting into hats lately... for myself. I don't resell. I went to a sale about two months ago and I found this:

http://s375.photobucket.com/user/Stetson_100/library/?sort=3&page=1

I did not pay the price on the price tag. I couldn't believe that this hat was in the original box, had the original receipt in the box, and the wind trolley.

It's a size 7. I can get it on my head but it's way too snug. I need to have it stretched one size. Took it to the local hat place and they want to put a new sweatband in it with their with their name on it. I really want to keep this hat for myself, but I feel removing the original sweatband and stretching it considering the nearly unused condition this hat is in would be a tragedy. But I love it so much it hurts to part with it.

What do you all think about this?

 

[hatsRme]

Hey, Dave;

There's a lot going on here. This SHOULD be in the "Ask a Question, Get an answer" Sticky thread, and I cannot open any of those links you so kindly posted.

What should we do now?

 

[gtdean48]

Can't see a one of your photo links, you didn't use the right URL provided by Photobucket.
Here is one of mine = use Reply with Quote to see the string used...


If all you need is a 1 size stretch = 7 to 7 1/8 then a hat stretcher is fine. I go from 7 1/2 to 7 5/8 all the time, lots in my collection.
I've also sent a pristine 7X CB that need a slight stretch to Art Fawcett & he worked his magic & returned looking original.

 

[gtdean48]

With that liner, looks like a Shudde Bros refurb from here...nice snag even if it is...

 

[RJR]

I defer to Tom as to whether or not its a refurb but agree that a one size stretch ought not be an issue with a stretcher.Caution:you'll likely have to repeat the stretch several times.

 

[facade]

Howdy Folks,

I'm the type of guy that goes to estate sales and I've been getting into hats lately... for myself. I don't resell. I went to a sale about two months ago and I found this:

http://s375.photobucket.com/user/Stetson_100/library/?sort=3&page=1

I did not pay the price on the price tag. I couldn't believe that this hat was in the original box, had the original receipt in the box, and the wind trolley.

It's a size 7. I can get it on my head but it's way too snug. I need to have it stretched one size. Took it to the local hat place and they want to put a new sweatband in it with their with their name on it. I really want to keep this hat for myself, but I feel removing the original sweatband and stretching it considering the nearly unused condition this hat is in would be a tragedy. But I love it so much it hurts to part with it.

What do you all think about this?

If you love the hat because of how it looks on you and would love it just as much if it wasn't a 100, then I see no problem with making it wearable. If you love it because its a Stetson 100, then in no way should it be altered. If it doesn't fit, sell/trade it and get one that does.

 

[Dave_G]

Let's try this. You should be able to just scroll through the rest of the album. And... Sorry, wrong thread. I'll post it there. Thanks.

 

[tonyb]

Dave, you say you have to stretch it one size. Am I to assume that you are a 7 1/8, then?

I'm sure I'm not alone here in having hats that don't fit and therefore never get worn. Hell, I rationalize, they don't take up much space, and they might make good barter material at some point down the road. And, and the very least, I'm preserving a piece of sartorial history. I'm not suggesting that's what you do with this hat, but that wouldn't be such a terrible outcome, at least for now.