Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

The Black Hat Brigade

Mean Eyed Matt

One Too Many
Messages
1,142
Location
Germany
The form and the ribbon / bow design. I have many hats that have a similar look. I believe I have seen the branding before too. It was common to see made up American and British brands. Usually the paper labels don't have any company mark. Sometimes you can tell the company by the paper label format or hat construction. Also by doing a trademark search but it could remain a mystery. If you can post a photo of the paper label it might help. I would say it's mid to late 1950s. The liners are glued in once you get into the 1960s.


Thanks for the notes, MW! Interesting... Your dating is what I thought, too. But never knew this bow design is German.
Your encyclopedic recall is great! I will picture the paper label as soon as possible for you!
 

Joao Encarnado

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,776
Location
Portugal
A 60's Stetson and a Resistol Stagecoach
20161123.jpg


20161124.jpg
 
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
Black hats often feel somber and cheerless to me. I liked them for formal attire or at funerals, but lately I’ve been working them into my rotation. Still not my favorite color, but I don’t avoid them like I used to.

Puerto Fino with 3 1/8” brim:

cceb4e69575a007b2278ac5c8945d9dd.jpg


8e89d0447d155f9b792d57e1fed89914.jpg


fc9543977d9341a052af7ffec716be4f.jpg


12781eceb51c03d94c8fe24a3f09471a.jpg


80c37f34a41f5c393442a366cde2e1db.jpg


I gave it a good brushing, but I find that black hats need a lint roller and I didn’t bother today...it’s also drizzling so water is beading and streaking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
View attachment 165063

Okay, I know it is not vintage but here is a photo of my Optimo Black Dearborn fedora. I have 23 hats from Optimo and this is just one in the rotation. I added the feather which can be easily removed if that is your taste.

Very nice! I like vintage hats for their attributes, not their age. Optimo holds its own with the best of any vintage.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

WideBrimm

A-List Customer
Messages
476
Location
Aurora, Colorado
I really do like black fedoras, of which I have at least a couple. They tend to go with any clothing. Either short or wide brim hats look good. They've only got one drawback: PET HAIR. Black hats are a magnet for pet hair, especially cat hair.
It's hard to get rid of the pet hair, even with a good hat brush!
 

Rmccamey

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,818
Location
Central Texas
I have a black cherry coming from Art but we are putting a colorful wide ribbon on it to counter the somber black and give it some "pop".

I'm not much into solid black either but I do have a short hair trilby (thanks Brent) that is really sporty and I find it has become my grab'n-go hat!
 

T Jones

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,786
Location
Central Ohio
I can take 'em or leave 'em when it comes to black hats. They're not high on my list of favorites, but they're not at the bottom of my list either. With that said, some black hats can look pretty nice with the right proportions and ribbon work. Here's a black Borsalino that I refurbished....
Borsa-and-Leather-Jacket-3-A.jpg

Borsa-Hat-5-A.jpg
 
Last edited:
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
I can take 'em or leave 'em when it comes to black hats. They're not high on my list of favorites, but they're not at the bottom of my list either. With that said, some black hats can look pretty nice with the right proportions and ribbon work. Here's a black Borsalino that I refurbished....
Borsa-and-Leather-Jacket-3-A.jpg

Borsa-Hat-5-A.jpg

I read your comments in this thread written 10 years ago. It seems that your opinion has moderated a bit; that speaks well for you. We are all growing and learning and changing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

T Jones

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,786
Location
Central Ohio
I read your comments in this thread written 10 years ago. It seems that your opinion has moderated a bit; that speaks well for you. We are all growing and learning and changing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
I remember that. I hated black hats with a passion. The one I had then was a black Akubra Squatter. I really hated that hat. But, I found that black hats can actually be made to look pretty decent.
 

Tiki Tom

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,388
Location
Oahu, North Polynesia
I go through phases. Last winter I was really into my black fedora. It is sturdy, warm, and stylish. And holds its shape really well.
However, I recall times when I have said in the past "why did I buy that thing? Black? Really?"
I guess that's why I have a collection of hats. Sometimes one strikes my fancy, sometimes another.
 

GHT

I'll Lock Up
Messages
9,772
Location
New Forest
The hat, for me, is an accessory. The colour doesn't matter, it's how it compliments whatever I am wearing that makes it my selection of choice. Black does tend to get disliked, probably because of it's association with funeral attire, who knows?

Black needs some contrast, so if the garment is black I would contrast that with a fine straw, like a Biltmore, worn with a black hatband. As for wearing a black, felt fedora, that's no problem if it does, as I explained, compliment the rest of the outfit.

shirts 154.JPG shirts 155.JPG Aloha 023.JPG
 

Forum statistics

Threads
109,006
Messages
3,072,502
Members
54,038
Latest member
GloriaJama
Top