Vintage Purchase Criteria

[newhatguy]

Was just wondering ...when you have purchased in the past or consider purchasing in the future a vintage hat....do you buy on the quality/name or the style?

In other words would you buy a great hat that is somewhat outside of your style preference? Or do you pass on it and just look for your style?

Thought this would be a good topic for debate.

newhatguy

 

[Johnnysan]

For me...

1) Size (Does it fit?)
2) Condition (Is it clean? Moth riddled? Can it be refurbuished?)
3) Price (Is it a bargain?)
4) Style / Color (Do I already have three at home just like it?)
5) Brand name / Quality (If it meets all of the criteria above and looks good on - call it "sold.")

 

[SHARPETOYS]

Quote,

In other words would you buy a great hat that is somewhat outside of your style preference? Or do you pass on it and just look for your style?



If the hat doesn't meet my style preference I won't buy it since I won't wear it. I buy a hat to look better in. I look for quality, style and hat size.

 

[budward]

Style. And of course fit. I wouldn't buy a vintage stingy brim if it were a gazillion X, super-duper mondo imperiales, limited edition Stetson owned by Frank Sinatra. Even if it fit.

Budrich

 

[photobyalan]

I'd have to agree with Budward. If it isn't going to look good on me, I don't want it no matter what (for me, too, that means a stingy brim is waaaay out of bounds). After style, then size, after that condition, then trim (ribbon, lining, sweatband), color and, finally, price.

Of course, price can trump the rest if it's too high, but not if it's low. I won't buy a hat simply because it's cheap.

 

[Mr. Rover]

I look the most at the style and quality. I look mostly for brim width. I have a long face, but my ears stick out. This means that I have to wear a 2 1/4" minimum brim, or it'll accentuate my ears. Crown height isn't as much a problem, because I tend to wear my hats at an angle. Ribbon width is also something to consider and it is proportional to your hat and face. I personally don't like my ribbons below 1-1 1/4", my favorite being 1 1/2"-2".
Price is relative. If it's a great quality hat in a rare color or small production, I'd be more willing to spend more money on it.

 

[Renderking Fisk]

If it's not what I'm looking for, I'll take a pass.

 

[jamespowers]

Some of us even collect certain models that we do not have. If it is in my size and I have been searching for a particular model---like the Dobbs Palomino or Mosaic---then I would definitely jump on it.
I also collect the ads that go with the hats. This tends to work in the other direction as well. Sometimes I will find an ad that makes me want the hat advertised. Boy advertising in the old days was pretty good. It can make you want a sixty year old hat.

1947 Dobbs Gamebird

1935 Dobbs Gamebird Mixtures

1944 Knox Foxhound

You get the idea.

Regards to all,

J