The Bowler or Derby Hat

[Zoukatron]

I see plenty of bowlers in London these days. Sadly, they are normally in the heads of people working for the local authorities to advise tourists and the like in the centre or on the heads of upmarket hotel doormen.

 

[Steinbockhase]

I see plenty of bowlers in London these days. Sadly, they are normally in the heads of people working for the local authorities to advise tourists and the like in the centre or on the heads of upmarket hotel doormen.

Since Bowlers represent British lifestyle and tradition, it's no wonder they are used to promote British tourism.

 

[GLewis]

I see plenty of bowlers in London these days. Sadly, they are normally in the heads of people working for the local authorities to advise tourists and the like in the centre or on the heads of upmarket hotel doormen.

I’ve said this before, but I believe there should be a law that all Englishmen should wear a bowler and carry an umbrella. That’s just my opinion, and I could be wrong!

 

[Steve1857]

I'll second that, just as long as we're allowed to wear other hats every so often [emoji4]

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[steur]

I've been so lucky picking up hats from the Facebook Market Place this summer. I'd never even considered it before, now it's my go to hat check place.

I met the seller at the main station in Copenhagen and picked up this ca. 1920s/30s Bowler. Made in Belgium, sold in the little Danish town of Nakskov.

It's a very stiff felt with a very nice sheen imo.

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Excellent hat and wonderful look all over, Steve (very nice versatile pocket square there). Lots of nice bowlers to be found out there and you wear them well.

 

[Steve1857]

Excellent hat and wonderful look all over, Steve (very nice versatile pocket square there). Lots of nice bowlers to be found out there and you wear them well.

Thank you, Stefan. I'm honoured on all counts. I appreciate your praise. [emoji145]

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[Steve1857]

My recent purchase of a Belgian Bowler lead me to think of the Belgian artist René Magritte and his ubiquitous use of the image of the Bowler in his works.

I read this interesting article, which I thought might be of interest to some of you. Funny to think, just a few decades ago, you were "invisible" in a Bowler, but if you wear one now, you stand out. How times and fashion change.

Copy then paste the link below in your browser. It should work.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-magritte-fascinated-bowler-hats


Happy reading [emoji4]

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[alanfgag]

By quick count, 22 bowlers, 18 boaters, 14 caps, 5 fedoras, 0 women.

 

[stetsonofagun]

Unless you have a very large head (guilty) then buy vintage! You’ll get a better hat and spend less. As for how you’ll look in it or how you’ll be perceived, how can we know? Do you really care? If you’re looking to blend in and never stick out then skip hats altogether. I think you could look very sharp if you own the look and are comfortable with it.

A quick look: this dusty hat is available for $45 and that includes shipping (to the US only, sorry). Stiff felt hats are the best bargain out there if you like the style.

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What size is this one? It's great.

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[deadlyhandsome]

What size is this one? It's great.

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It’s a 6 7/8. Rare to find these hats in size he larger sizes.


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[stetsonofagun]

It’s a 6 7/8. Rare to find these hats in size he larger sizes.


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It is. I have several 7 1/8 to 7 1/2 to sell.

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[Rmccamey]

Interesting history and observations Steve. I think people who look best in Bowlers and Homburgs, yourself included, take charge of their look and "wear the hat", so to speak. There is a certain amount of quiet assertiveness and command that goes with the hat and the best wearers seem to be very comfortable with themselves regardless of the situation.

My recent purchase of a Belgian Bowler lead me to think of the Belgian artist René Magritte and his ubiquitous use of the image of the Bowler in his works.

I read this interesting article, which I thought might be of interest to some of you. Funny to think, just a few decades ago, you were "invisible" in a Bowler, but if you wear one now, you stand out. How times and fashion change.

Copy then paste the link below in your browser. It should work.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-magritte-fascinated-bowler-hats


Happy reading [emoji4]

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[deadlyhandsome]

It is. I have several 7 1/8 to 7 1/2 to sell.

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Nice! But do you have any in larger sizes? Any 7 3/4 or at least 7 5/8 long ovals?

 

[Steve1857]

Interesting history and observations Steve. I think people who look best in Bowlers and Homburgs, yourself included, take charge of their look and "wear the hat", so to speak. There is a certain amount of quiet assertiveness and command that goes with the hat and the best wearers seem to be very comfortable with themselves regardless of the situation.

Thanks, Randy. You are so right. It's a question of riding that bronco and making it your own.

If you like and want the hat, wear it, own it, and make it yours. [emoji145]

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[stetsonofagun]

Nice! But do you have any in larger sizes? Any 7 3/4 or at least 7 5/8 long ovals?

The largest I have, currently, is a Knox 7 1/2.

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[steur]

My recent purchase of a Belgian Bowler lead me to think of the Belgian artist René Magritte and his ubiquitous use of the image of the Bowler in his works.

I read this interesting article, which I thought might be of interest to some of you. Funny to think, just a few decades ago, you were "invisible" in a Bowler, but if you wear one now, you stand out. How times and fashion change.

Copy then paste the link below in your browser. It should work.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-magritte-fascinated-bowler-hats


Happy reading [emoji4]

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There's a whole book on the subject of bowler hats in art by Fred Miller Robinson: the man in the bowler hat. Not the best read and more focused on art than on hats but still...
Love the work of Magritte.

 

[Steve1857]

There's a whole book on the subject of bowler hats in art by Fred Miller Robinson: the man in the bowler hat. Not the best read and more focused on art than on hats but still...
Love the work of Magritte.

Me too, Stefan.

Thanks for the reference. I'll check that book out.

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[Cornshucker77]

My recent purchase of a Belgian Bowler lead me to think of the Belgian artist René Magritte and his ubiquitous use of the image of the Bowler in his works.

I read this interesting article, which I thought might be of interest to some of you. Funny to think, just a few decades ago, you were "invisible" in a Bowler, but if you wear one now, you stand out. How times and fashion change.

Copy then paste the link below in your browser. It should work.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-magritte-fascinated-bowler-hats


Happy reading [emoji4]

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Looking good Steve. Always dapper.

 

[Steve1857]

Looking good Steve. Always dapper.

Thank you, my friend [emoji4]

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[Steve1857]

Another Bowler to the collection and another Manchester hat, too.

I believe this one to be inter-war years: closer to WWI than WWII in my opinion, so late teens or early to mid twenties.

I don't believe Hartley & Boedeker survived after WWII, so I'm very pleased with this find.

It's quite a high crown at just over 13,3cm (a bit over 5 inches), which makes it the tallest Bowler I own.

It's in need of a bit of a clean. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

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