The BORSALINO BROTHERHOOD

[belfastboy]

Are the Borsalino hats made today worth the retail price? Don't know anything about the Borsalino except I like the look. Are they like the big mfg companies in the USA in that the quality dropped in the 60s? I'm thinking of getting a couple but don't want to waist my limited funds.

I have looked at modern Borsalinos and I think they offer a decent hat....BUT I do not think the quality warrants the prices they ask. I definitely would not order one on line as I have seen some in the shop where the quality control has been appalling.....others looked pretty good. If you are willing to spend that kind of money I suggest you look at a custom, The custom hatters here on the Lounge can make you a fine hat in any style you should desire. Or if you are a common size keep an eye on FineVintageFedoras on Etsy. Scott sells some nice vintage Borsalinos at fair prices. I have 4 of his.

 

[moontheloon]

Are the Borsalino hats made today worth the retail price? Don't know anything about the Borsalino except I like the look. Are they like the big mfg companies in the USA in that the quality dropped in the 60s? I'm thinking of getting a couple but don't want to waist my limited funds.

I've owned modern Borsalino hats that were fantastic and I've owned some that were trash.
I've sold all my modern Borsalinos but one ...a dark grey Alessandria... and that one is absolutely special and I would put it against any custom and a good amount of vintage hats.
Granted I handled probably 20 hats at Bencraft and happened to find an absolute gem in a pile of decent hats that were the exact same hat.
I do not recommend buying a modern hat without handling it ... you are really rolling the dice because so much of it is absolute garbage.
Like my Bencraft experience... you could have a stack of the same hat in front of you and if you are lucky one might be worthy of leaving with.... luckily I stumbled upon an absolute diamond in a pile of cubic zirconia

 

[Bill Hughes]

Solid advice. Thanks.

 

[Bob Roberts]

I've owned modern Borsalino hats that were fantastic and I've owned some that were trash.
I've sold all my modern Borsalinos but one ...a dark grey Alessandria... and that one is absolutely special and I would put it against any custom and a good amount of vintage hats.
Granted I handled probably 20 hats at Bencraft and happened to find an absolute gem in a pile of decent hats that were the exact same hat.
I do not recommend buying a modern hat without handling it ... you are really rolling the dice because so much of it is absolute garbage.
Like my Bencraft experience... you could have a stack of the same hat in front of you and if you are lucky one might be worthy of leaving with.... luckily I stumbled upon an absolute diamond in a pile of cubic zirconia

I'm sure I've seen a pic of that modern Borsalino before but don't feel like searching posts/threads. Got a coupla fast pics you could put up if you don't mind? Thx.

 

[moontheloon]

I'm sure I've seen a pic of that modern Borsalino before but don't feel like searching posts/threads. Got a coupla fast pics you could put up if you don't mind? Thx.

It's also the hat in this video

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[Bill Hughes]

I think that hat is fantastic. Borsalino makes both hare fedoras and all beaver fedoras. I would assume the beavers are of high quality.

 

[Bob Roberts]

It's also the hat in this video

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Thanks. Could tell by how it responded to yer finger tips and slight pressure it's a good one.

 

[Bird Lives]

It's also the hat in this video

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Hat looks perfect, and you lok perfect wearing it! One of those shots looks like an album cover waiting to happen. And I agree with Bob, you can tell there is something special going on with that felt by the way it responds to your touch...I can't help but smile when I see a felt that melts to your touch like that...

 

[DougC]

Dropped into to Meyer the hatters yesterday to see what they had--they have some new old stock Alessandras...3 in 6 3/4 and 1 in 7 1/4.

 

[RJR]

Hat looks perfect, and you lok perfect wearing it! One of those shots looks like an album cover waiting to happen. And I agree with Bob, you can tell there is something special going on with that felt by the way it responds to your touch...I can't help but smile when I see a felt that melts to your touch like that...

+1

 

[Bird Lives]

It's also the hat in this video

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I really LOVE it, when a new production hat turns out to be so nice...
I know what you mean....you need to handle a stack of the exact same hat...and IF you are lucky you hit one like your Borsa here...But man...thats the joy and thrill of the hunt....when it does produce a pay-off....And it's posts like your vid here, that encourages us by showing us, they are still out there, and still being made......Thanks Moon, I love it!

 

[alanfgag]

Borsalino Gorasgu - likely early post WWII era. Very nice quality felted edge on this one.

 

[moontheloon]

Borsalino Gorasgu - likely early post WWII era. Very nice quality felted edge on this one.

absolutely beautiful Alan
I recently became a fan of the Gorasgu when I became the owner of one ... absolutely wonderful hat
yours is an exquisite example of this wonderful Borsalino model
... I love looking at it !!!

 

[besdor]

That is a nice hat!!!
I like the bordo doppio ( double brim) on the hat.

 

[FedOregon]

Borsalino Gorasgu - likely early post WWII era. Very nice quality felted edge on this one.

Beautiful, Alan. Yet another gem. Love the felted edge, the felt, the liner.... wonderful.

 

[besdor]

They definately dont make them like that anymore. The way things are going in italy, they might not be making anything soon.

 

[GunnerTarkington]

I picked up this beautiful Borsalino in a batch of hats and its about a size too small New Old Stock. Euro size 6 and fits like a 7-7 1/8. I'm guessing 1950's? any contradiction to that assessment?

 

[FedOregon]

Beautiful hat, although I know little about dating Borsalinos...

 

[alanfgag]

Possibly late 1950s - 1960s. Second Lupo felt I've had the pleasure to see today.

 

[GunnerTarkington]

Thanks guys, the image in the liner is of the Sailor's Monument in Brindisi, Italy. The address of Francesco Sion's mens shop was located at a major intersection in Brindisi. Although the store no longer exists the building still houses retailers. I love looking up the history as much as I can.