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To Feather or Not to Feather?

dogrocketp

One of the Regulars
Messages
159
Location
Washington, DC
I have 4 Dobbs "Gay Prince" hats, all with feathers. When I looked at the original print Ad, it showed the hat in gamebird colors with a feather. I loved the magazine ad. I wouldn't be caught dead with a feather in my navy Homburg, black dress hat, open road or various Panamas.
 

T Rick

Practically Family
Messages
943
Location
Metro Detroit
Some with, some without here. I've yet to remove any from either vintage or new hats. Those that came with them, I think look fine, and have no desire to alter them. These include my Stetson Nostalgia, a 1970's (or so) Open Road and a Bond Fifteen Stingy.

I also feel no need to add one to any I have that came without. My Camp Draft I don't think would look right with one (then again, my Silver Belly Open Road looks fine with one, so....), my Panamas are fine without, as is my Gray Open Road, Stetson Standard Quality and Mallory Ten. I have two brown vintages (Stetson waiting for me at home, a Dobbs to be shipped next week), both without. Doubt I'll be adding any.
 
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poetman

A-List Customer
Messages
357
Location
Vintage State of Mind
Forgive me if this has been posted already; I couldn't find anything in the search tool.

My local hat shop carries feathers in most of the hats they sell. I've grown to like this look, but I hardly see it in films or in public. Do you all wear feathers in your hats? Anyone know anything more about this trend?

Thanks!
 

T Rick

Practically Family
Messages
943
Location
Metro Detroit

Um... last post from the first thread you linked... (emphasis added by me)
I have one felt fedora (an old Resistol Porno Beaver) that I wear with a found feather. I sometimes favor that hat when doing something rustic outdoorsy.

And I will sometimes stick a small dried flower or found feather on one particular old Montecrisiti as the mood strikes me.

Otherwise, I don't usually wear a feather in my hat.

Really? :eek:

ETA: BTW, there are more feather or no feather threads. I know, because I just responded to one within the last month or two as I recall, and it's not listed here.

FWIW, I generally leave them in if they come to me with them, have not added any to those that did not.
 
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mercuryfelt76

One of the Regulars
Messages
209
Location
London, England
I always removed the feathers but I have had a few ladies say that the feather in the hat look is quite charming. Can't see it myself, plus if the feather is sticking out of a nicely made bow, to me it spoils the look.
 

jlee562

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,096
Location
San Francisco, CA
72124_693589728578_11701808_38687570_8141463_n.jpg


Here's my aforementioned Resistol Gotham I, ca. 1960's.
 

Kirk H.

One Too Many
Messages
1,196
Location
Charlotte NC
Generally no. I take the feathers off all of my felt hats. I do have a feather on one of my straw hats. It is a peacock blue feather and really makes the hat look sharp.

Kirk H.
 

Oldsarge

One Too Many
Messages
1,440
Location
On the banks of the Wilamette
Those feathers, Alan, I would wear . . . in the field . . . with a good English double gun . . . and a fine dog. Otherwise, if you are going to wear feathers in your hat band then perhaps the same question applies as to the zebra skin band. Did you shoot it? Fine then. Again, if you are wearing a hair brush on you hat . . . did you shoot the deer? If so, fine. If not, then I'm inclined to call both the feather and the hair brush/bunch affectations suitable for a trip to Northern Europe but of questionable taste this side of the pond.
 

kaiser

A-List Customer
Messages
401
Location
Germany, NRW, HSK
For me it depends on the Hat, and how it is being worn, as in dress or casual. I have two casual Hats with feathers in them. My dress Hat, as well as my Panama do not have feathers.
 

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