The BORSALINO BROTHERHOOD

[RJR]

Taupe Borso this morning.

 

[steur]

Do Borsalinos tend to run larger or smaller? Was thinking about adding one to my collection. Am in between 7 1/8 and 7 1/4, mostly 7 1/4 (58 cm) because I like them a tad bit little loose.

A bit late, but I'd say definitely smaller. Most of the times borsalinos run one size small, certainly the ones for the European market. Oddly enough I find that the ones made for the American market seems to be truer to size (the vintage ones at least).

 

[steur]

Additional photos in natural light before their first brushing:

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Those are good looking hats, Brent. You did very well there. I'd give them a thorough brushing, multiple times. To get the sheen back on them you could use one of those velvet cushion that came with silk top hats back in the day. These work very well on velour hats as well to get the nap straightened out again. The hats may require thorough steaming and probably more than once (velour is very thick felt in general) to be able the get a good shape into them. But velours are always on the soft side and will probably stay that way. Embrace it and bring out the bohemian in yourself!

 

[alanfgag]

My recent eBay Borsalinos arrived today. The velour felt is dusty, but undamaged. The hand is exceptional, but the felt is so soft and floppy that I don’t know if it will hold a shape even with copious amounts of steam. Has anyone had stiffeners added to velour?

I’d be interested in any estimations of age if anyone has a guess.

Thanks, Brent

Velour felt is a unique finish. My recommendation would be to enjoy these hats for what they are and not attempt to make the felt conform to a general standard or crease in the way you have experienced from other felts from other makers. The velour will love steam and brushing. Steam will also reactivate some of the hand the hats had originally and might allow a shape to be held more successfully. I do not think the velour will love AquaNet in the same way.

As Steve has said, the manufacturing label will help to ascertain the age - I would also guess 1960s-70s.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Velour felt is a unique finish. My recommendation would be to enjoy these hats for what they are and not attempt to make the felt conform to a general standard or crease in the way you have experienced from other felts from other makers. The velour will love steam and brushing. Steam will also reactivate some of the hand the hats had originally and might allow a shape to be held more successfully. I do not think the velour will love AquaNet in the same way.

As Steve has said, the manufacturing label will help to ascertain the age - I would also guess 1960s-70s.

Thank you for the insights into velours. I really appreciate how information is so freely shared here. I will take your advice and give them even more steam. I think I was trying to make the felt into something it isn’t, and won’t ever be, rather than embracing it for what it is. I also need to get past my insistence that it not be so unruly.
Brent

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Can I please get some help on sizing a Borsalino? Is there anyway this could be punti sizing? I know that finding a 7 3/4 is unlikely but a guy can hope:

Thanks, Brent


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[deadlyhandsome]

This brown velour is the second of two matching hats (except for color) that I picked up on eBay. I followed the advice of my betters and brushed it a LOT and steamed it even more. I’m boxing it up for the summer without even getting to wear it one day, but I decided to take some photos first:

I don’t normally do a center dent but that was what this hat wanted.

Unfortunately there wasn’t anything under the sweats to help with the dating so I’m going to say 1920s or ‘60s


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[steur]

Can I please get some help on sizing a Borsalino? Is there anyway this could be punti sizing? I know that finding a 7 3/4 is unlikely but a guy can hope:

Thanks, Brent


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I have not seen that type of size label on American market hats, Brent. So my guess is it would be a punti size. Unfortunately no way the say for certain though.

 

[steur]

This brown velour is the second of two matching hats (except for color) that I picked up on eBay. I followed the advice of my betters and brushed it a LOT and steamed it even more. I’m boxing it up for the summer without even getting to wear it one day, but I decided to take some photos first:

I don’t normally do a center dent but that was what this hat wanted.

Unfortunately there wasn’t anything under the sweats to help with the dating so I’m going to say 1920s or ‘60s


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I think you've worked wonders there, Brent. Very fine looking hat.

 

[mayserwegener]

Can I please get some help on sizing a Borsalino? Is there anyway this could be punti sizing? I know that finding a 7 3/4 is unlikely but a guy can hope:

Thanks, Brent


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You might want to PM Besdor (Steven at Bencraft Hats) because he probably knows. My guess is early 1970s and 7 1/2 US since it's an American market hat.

 

[carouselvic]

straight out of the box from seller....these hats as new

Palladio color....Ludoela style

 

[carouselvic]

****OPA priced hat****...Vischio color....Ludoela model

 

[new2hats]

Where did you get this?

 

[Redfokker]

This brown velour is the second of two matching hats (except for color) that I picked up on eBay. I followed the advice of my betters and brushed it a LOT and steamed it even more. I’m boxing it up for the summer without even getting to wear it one day, but I decided to take some photos first:

I don’t normally do a center dent but that was what this hat wanted.

Unfortunately there wasn’t anything under the sweats to help with the dating so I’m going to say 1920s or ‘60s


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Rich color, I dig the brim stitching!

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Rich color, I dig the brim stitching!

Thanks Mike. After not being sure about the style I’m starting to warm to them.


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[Daniele Tanto]

****OPA priced hat****...Vischio color....Ludoela model

A stunning color, very rare to find!

 

[steur]

straight out of the box from seller....these hats as new

Palladio color....Ludoela style

****OPA priced hat****...Vischio color....Ludoela model

Two fantastic finds, Vic! Palladio is a great colour and I've never heard of Vischio before, but it looks stunning. I'm jealous now; can't imagine how bad it would have been if they were in my size.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

****OPA priced hat****...Vischio color....Ludoela model

What a lovey shade. Great find!


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[mayserwegener]

Borsalino "Cocisca", French Point Size 5 1/2, 2.9 ounces / 83 grams probably early 1960s. This hat was sold by Mauerer Vienna so for the Austrian market. The felt is very light weight with a fantastic Chamois finish and interesting "Ramarro" Green color. If you look closely you can see a stitched brim binding most likely applied for stability + protection due to very light weigh felt.

 

[M Hatman]

****OPA priced hat****...Vischio color....Ludoela model

Is that a 7 1/2 American? That is a wonderful color....if it is 7 1/2 and you ever want to trade it to a new home
M