What hat goes with an A-2?

[Deleted member 16736]

Hi guys and gals. I'm buying a Goodwear A-2 reproduction and need a hat to go with it. I'm not attending any military shows, I actually want a civilian hat to wear with it everyday (this will become my everyday attire). I looked at a newsboy but it looked a little too flamboyant for the jacket. What did the average A-2 wearing civilian put on his head? Any suggestions are appreciated. Here's a link to the jacket:

http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/gwwerber39_images1.html

Thank you.

 

[scottyrocks]

If you want to, or dont mind looking like Indiana Jones, an Akubra Fed IV, in either brown or fawn would be a good match. Otherwise, I would tell you to look for something that you feel looks good on you. Something in an earth tone would be my preference.

 

[fmw]

If I were going to put one my own hats with it, I'd choose my Stetson Whippet in tawny color.

 

[DougC]

Do yiou want to go dressy-ish or casual? Casual, I think you could use a tan colored hat--vintage Open Road or Stratoliner, maybe? Dressier--brown or darker gray Whippet. Nice jacket!

 

[MCrider]

If you go with the wider brim hat in brown or maybe even a lighter tan color, you run the serious risk of the Indiana Jones stereotype. Personally when I wear an A2, I wear something in a light or mid grey color, usually with a 2 inch brim. Never heard a comment or snicker that way. But of course it depends on if you can pull off the shorter brim. Either way though, I'd stick to greys.

 

[gtdean48]

There is a picture on here of 3 of us in A-2s wearing a Stetson Stratoliner, a Flagship & an Open Road, all with artwork for each on the back done by HarpPlayerGene. Wish I could find the link....

 

[johnnycanuck]

I second the stetson Whippet. If you dont want a modern production hat you can always get the same thing only better from custom hat maker.
Johnny

 

[buler]

There is a picture on here of 3 of us in A-2s wearing a Stetson Stratoliner, a Flagship & an Open Road, all with artwork for each on the back done by HarpPlayerGene. Wish I could find the link....

That pic is here in the Monteagle thread... LeatherandFelt

B

 

[gtdean48]

That pic is here in the Monteagle thread... LeatherandFelt

B

Thanks Bill!

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Thanks, guys, for those very helpful replies. I think the Stratoliner in grey is my favorite so far. Thanks, MCrider. The Stratoliner will go with suits too.

 

[DanielJones]

This is my Whippet with my black Wested from a few years back. Not an A-2 but as close as it gets for representational purposes. Just to give you an idea for a casual look.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[DanielJones]

And for an A-2 reference with a hat, here is my Pop when he was about 15 or 16.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[hatophile]

This is my Whippet with my black Wested from a few years back. Not an A-2 but as close as it gets for representational purposes. Just to give you an idea for a casual look.

Cheers!

Dan

I like that look, Dan, the Whippet is a superb color, fits well with the jacket and waistcoat.
And your dad looks sharp too.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

I wear my Mallory 15 with the A2 jacket all the time.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Thanks, Daniel. That picture is worth 1000 hats.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. I wimped out and bought a gray wool cap instead. It's a Kangol with earflaps from their heritage collection. This particular model was first introduced in 1954, so it's period-correct (15 years after the jacket was made but the jacket would have been worn for decades.) Here's a picture:

http://www.villagehatshop.com/kango...Kangol Earflap 504 Ivy Cap&CAWELAID=681905007

 

[MCrider]

Well, at least it's grey

 

[Deleted member 16736]

What's wrong with caps?

Well, at least it's grey

My grandfather was born in 1908 and wore them his whole life. I don't ever recall him wearing a hat. Hats are nice too, but for me a cap is more practical. Besides, if I wear a cap, the jacket will get noticed. If I wear a hat, the hat will get noticed first.

 

[MCrider]

There's nothing wrong with caps... except I don't look good in them! LOL

 

[Deleted member 16736]

What's the gray hat in your profile picture? I like it.