M Hatman
I'll Lock Up
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I think we are all saying the same things and yet still coming across as being on the defensive. Most everyone who has posted to this thread sees a place for wool fedoras. Most all of us are independent enough and comfortable in our own skins that we don't seek the approval of others in choosing hats (or anything else). I think we all reject the snobbery that can sometimes come through when talking about "average" hats.
I like my wool fedoras and I'll continue to wear them. However, in my experiences wool does not make for a good dress hat. Conversely, worsted wool makes outstanding suits. I wouldn't look at a polyester dinner jacket for the same reason that I wouldn't look at a wool dress hat. The materials are fine, but he applications don't play to their strong points. That said, I would never look down at, or feel superior to, another because they were wearing some garb that I personally would not. Ultimately, there are no rights and wrongs in styles and personal preferences are just that, personal.
For me: Wool fedoras (non-western brimmed hats of any description) are reserved for outdoorsy pursuits, outside work, and when Tweed might also be worn... a county type of hat. Fur felt can fill the bill anywhere on the spectrum depending on style, shape, and features.
One of my intents in starting this thread was to counter all of the posts I've read where new guys become "educated" and move on to better/more expensive fur felt hats and purge their wool hats in the process. I'm saying to keep your wools and wear them as you see fit.
To me, it's like saying I used to drive pickups until I found that sports cars handle better. The statement is true, but pickups are still the better choice when you need to make a hardware store run and bring home a couple sheets of plywood. And even if you don't need to haul a load, sometimes it's nice to just drive the truck.
PLUS 1.................I am wearing a wide brim soft wool felt Baily today because of the impending snow of doom. It is super soft with an un-reeded sweat and I can scrunch it and beat the snow off with no damage to the hat. It is my "go to", "there is a heavy snow coming" hat. I to own everything from a cloth cap (only two of those) to half a dozen wool hats to some wool/rabbit blends (vintage) to many new and vintage rabbit/hare, Coney, rabbit/beaver blends and all beaver hats......they each have a place. Still looking for a couple of Nutria..
M
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