What to wear with a fedora....

[Abraham]

I am a very serious daily fitness walker -- early mornings and evenings I just bought a house 1.9 miles from my office in highly temperate California. I'm going to incorporate the round trip by walking to work as part of my daily program. I'm 49.

Monday-Thursday I need to wear a conservative business suit to work. Fridays and select Thursdays I wear a navy blazer and slacks. This will be urban walking in Downtown Los Angeles.

In all sincerity what types of hats can I wear in this day and age with a business suit or blazer? I really don't want to look like a dandy, a hick or some sort of non-profit activist. Sun protection is important -- I wear Tilley hats for my fitness walks.

I was thinking of perhaps an Akubra Campdraft in silverbelly for cooler days and maybe a Panama straw hat for warmer days? Possibly a black Tilley for casual Fridays and a "serious" fedora or homburg hat for "serious" days where I'll be going out to lunch with clients? Which colors look best for a fedora or homburg worn with grey and blue business suits?

Thanks for any information/thoughts.

 

[Perry Underwood]

Everything Australian is now having a sale on Akubra hats. Now would be a good time to get one if that's what you would like. Sale is only for a couple of days.

https://everythingaustralian.com.au/

Can't go wrong with a Campdraft.

 

[The Jackal]

Everything Australian is now having a sale on Akubra hats. Now would be a good time to get one if that's what you would like. Sale is only for a couple of days.

https://everythingaustralian.com.au/

Can't go wrong with a Campdraft.

I am having such a hard time not buying a few different hats in this sale. When it comes down to it, they are redundant in my collection and I don't really need them, but those prices...

 

[suitedcboy]

Since hats are not mainstream norm these days you will appear to the uninformed and dense to be wacky or oddball. To many others you will be that guy with panache and chutzpah to look great and opt for an accessory they wish they had the courage to wear. I think the silver belly and panama hats would be great choices as starters (you do know felt and straw are addictive). I wear fedoras with suits in Texas and I have not had any bad comments. I wear a hat every day and they are just as normal and natural to wear as socks (oh well, at least for sock-wearers) and I think it must show. I get mildly snarky comments from people who recognize me but don't really know me (restaurants, hardware store, cleaners) when I'm not hatted on the few times that happens. I'm biased but I think you would class up downtown LA with your headwear.

 

[Abraham]

Everything Australian is now having a sale on Akubra hats. Now would be a good time to get one if that's what you would like. Sale is only for a couple of days.

https://everythingaustralian.com.au/

Can't go wrong with a Campdraft.

Wow, thank you for this!

 

[belfastboy]

A fedora pounced to a lighter summer weight (perhaps unlined and vented) would fit in nicely between those temperate days of the Campdraft and the hotter days of the Panama. Any of the custom makers here on the lounge can make one up for you. I have various shades of grey (not 50 though) that I wear with my blue and grey outfits. I see black and even navy as being too formal for most if not all of my 'looks'.

 

[Abraham]

Everything Australian is now having a sale on Akubra hats. Now would be a good time to get one if that's what you would like. Sale is only for a couple of days.

https://everythingaustralian.com.au/

Can't go wrong with a Campdraft.

I just dropped the hammer on a silver belly Campdraft. $113.44 delivered. which seems reasonable. Should be here by October -- nice timing. Thanks again.

 

[scottyrocks]

Basically, wear what you like.

There are always gonna be people who don't understand, and of those, some who don't have brains enough to keep their mouths shut. The rest will either not notice, or look at you in at least mild admiration, and of those, a small number may actually give you a genuine compliment.

Over time, you will become more comfortable and settled on what you think looks good on you. And as you get more comfortable, the less costumey the hat you are wearing will look to others, on that subconscious level.

I know I am completely out of the mainstream regarding my headgear, but it phases me not one bit, as I love my hats, and I almost never hear anything negative about it.

 

[Abraham]

Since hats are not mainstream norm these days you will appear to the uninformed and dense to be wacky or oddball. To many others you will be that guy with panache and chutzpah to look great and opt for an accessory they wish they had the courage to wear. I think the silver belly and panama hats would be great choices as starters (you do know felt and straw are addictive). I wear fedoras with suits in Texas and I have not had any bad comments. I wear a hat every day and they are just as normal and natural to wear as socks (oh well, at least for sock-wearers) and I think it must show. I get mildly snarky comments from people who recognize me but don't really know me (restaurants, hardware store, cleaners) when I'm not hatted on the few times that happens. I'm biased but I think you would class up downtown LA with your headwear.

Thanks for your comments. First and foremost I am going to be wearing hats (as I do already when fitness walking) for sun protection and/or warmth. That 3.8 mile loop will expose me to ~250 hours of sunshine/year.

Anything pretty much goes here in LA. I just dropped the hammer on a silver belly Campdraft. I'm going to look for a Panama next. Until they arrive, a Tilley will have to do.

Any suggestions on a fedora/hamburg color? I mostly wear navy, charcoal and grey suits. I have olive skin and dark brown hair. Thanks again.

 

[scottyrocks]

Any suggestions on a fedora/hamburg color? I mostly wear navy, charcoal and grey suits. I have olive skin and dark brown hair. Thanks again.

Every color has many variations. First decide what colors you like, or think you like. Then go from there.

I am very into earth tones. I used to be concerned with wearing gray with brown, for instance, but now I think nothing of pairing one of my gray hats with a brown leather jacket. A gray hat goes with literally everything, again, depending on hues. But if you wear predominantly navy, and grays, then a gray hat is a no-brainer.

Personally, I don't care for black hats on me. Too severe, and too hot, as well, in any kind of mild weather.

Of course, as always, YMMV.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Thanks for your comments. First and foremost I am going to be wearing hats (as I do already when fitness walking) for sun protection and/or warmth. That 3.8 mile loop will expose me to ~250 hours of sunshine/year.

Anything pretty much goes here in LA. I just dropped the hammer on a silver belly Campdraft. I'm going to look for a Panama next. Until they arrive, a Tilley will have to do.

Any suggestions on a fedora/hamburg color? I mostly wear navy, charcoal and grey suits. I have olive skin and dark brown hair. Thanks again.

A mid to light gray homburg/fedora is a classic combination. It pairs well with most outfits. Add a brown hat and you’ll have all your bases covered.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Thanks for your comments. First and foremost I am going to be wearing hats (as I do already when fitness walking) for sun protection and/or warmth. That 3.8 mile loop will expose me to ~250 hours of sunshine/year.

Anything pretty much goes here in LA. I just dropped the hammer on a silver belly Campdraft. I'm going to look for a Panama next. Until they arrive, a Tilley will have to do.

Any suggestions on a fedora/hamburg color? I mostly wear navy, charcoal and grey suits. I have olive skin and dark brown hair. Thanks again.

You should spend some time going through the "What Hat Are You Wearing Today" thread and look for inspiration. Personally, I think medium grey is probably the most versatile color, though for daily wear I probably grab a brown or tan hat since I tend to prefer earth tones for clothing.

Here are some fedora examples dressed up and down:



Here are two similar, but different homburgs:


And here's a derby for good measure, though technically it is supposed to be an informal hat, so maybe not the best to pair with a suit:


Here's a taupe stingie brim that seems to take on grey or brownish tones depending on the light:


So, fedora or homburg? Felt or straw? Grey or brown or black? The answer to all of the above is "yes."

 

[belfastboy]

I just dropped the hammer on a silver belly Campdraft. $113.44 delivered. which seems reasonable. Should be here by October -- nice timing. Thanks again.

I have that same hat. It is a great looking hat then add in the great price and you have one of life's great bargains

 

[Centaurus3200]

I'm new to hats. I've thrifted everything else, but finding a decent hat has proved elusive.

I wanted one that I felt would work with casual attire... Like jeans, leather jacket, boots, etc.

I gave up and just went to Mars mercantile in Berkeley, CA.They seem to always have German and Austrian Trilbys around. I felt a ribbon band would be too dressy (imho) and didn't want anything that screamed Octoberfest.

Nothing amazing, but settled on two Maysers and one furry looking MWB Diamant. The pinch on the black one popped out from stacking

Still looking for one dress fedora for either a gray Brooks Brothers 1818 Fitzgerald or a gray 1960s Eagle Clothes shark skin mohair suit.

 

[jlee562]

I'm new to hats. I've thrifted everything else, but finding a decent hat has proved elusive.

I wanted one that I felt would work with casual attire... Like jeans, leather jacket, boots, etc.

I gave up and just went to Mars mercantile in Berkeley, CA.They seem to always have German and Austrian Trilbys around. I felt a ribbon band would be too dressy (imho) and didn't want anything that screamed Octoberfest.

Nothing amazing, but settled on two Maysers and one furry looking MWB Diamant. The pinch on the black one popped out from stacking

Still looking for one dress fedora for either a gray Brooks Brothers 1818 Fitzgerald or a gray 1960s Eagle Clothes shark skin mohair suit.
View attachment 273639 View attachment 273640 View attachment 273641

I haven't stopped by in a while, but Berkeley Hat Co, just down the block, does carry some decent fur felt hats amongst their other offerings.

 

[Aged'or]

I‘ve been a long time lurker on this forum reading some of the threads mostly out of pure interest. Personally, I‘ve been wearing hats, only Fedoras to be precise (with the exception of a top hat at my wedding), for many many years, often to work paired with suits. Having stuck to the uncomplicated colors or charcoal and brown, pairing was easy. This year in the boredom of COVID lockdown I got tempted and splurged on a marked down Borsalino “The Bogart” Cut 2 (https://www.borsalino.com/en/women/the-bogart-by-borsalino-cut-2 ; don’t ask me why it shows up in the women’s section on the Borsalino site) in the color titled “Jorasse”, which is a light sand tone. I really love this hat and the color, but here comes my challenge: I’ve been struggling to pair it with the right attire or rather I’m unsure what to wear it with. A first thought was maybe a safari jacket...I really enjoy golden age (especially 1930ies) inspired looks, which I try to emulate with modern clothing without making it look too costumy. Vintage clothing, alas, has not been a choice for me as I am 6’2”.

Do you have any recommendations as to what you think would work well with this style and color of hat? I’m thankful for any advice!

 

[daizawaguy]

I'd say its just a case of getting out of your habit of the simpler tones, and try and encourage yourself to maybe match it with a lighter sweater or even another accessory (handkerchief?) - given you have been wearing fedoras, I guess the issue you are having is that you have got used to your standard colors but having difficulty integrating a new tone - try a few combinations - usually same tones or colors somewhere in the outfit, build up the courage, and step out! Welcome to the Forum!

 

[jkingrph]

I never wear t shirts or any longer wear jeans. Most casual is a Polo shirt, always something with a collar, pants will either be casual dress like Dockers, or more casual cargo or tactical type pants. Before I was retired it was dress slacks and shirt, necktie and sport coat, or dress vest for warmer days in the cool months, For summer I ditched the sport coat unless I needed a coat for a special occasion.

 

[Redfokker]

Whenever I leave the Covid Bunker, I dress up now. I'm personally trying to bring back the civility of a fine men's hat. With the throngs of people wearing their sweat pants and pajama bottoms, you will stand out in the crowd. I would suggest you also look into the Facebook groups for some inspiration. I would wear this light tan with anything. Blues and browns mostly. Probably not with a grey based ensemble. The key issue is...wear it! Never worry about this stuff, just wear what feels good. Light tan is a perfect color for spring as well. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Aged'or]

Gentlemen, thanks for your replies and advice! I did actually wear the hat occasionally in spring after I bought it. I mainly combined it with a pair of tan colored slacks and a shirt (okay, admittedly a bit of a dégagé look), but was looking for some other ideas. The nice hat box from Borsalino shoes Humphrey wearing it with what I suspect is a tan colored corduroy jacket. Now, I‘m not trying to copy his looks, I just like the style of the 1930ies to 40ies hats and this happened to be one of the few last remaining RTW versions you can buy nowadays. So here I am looking for ideas.

I did scout the internet for pictures, but most pictures of people wearing this specific hat are doing so in a modern relaxed way combined with jeans and t-shirts, which is absolutely not me (I prefer a nice pair of slacks any day over denim). I do have a navy three piece with very light pin stripes that it could look marvelous with, but that may be just over the top evoking too much racketeer look of the thirties. Looking at old advertisements, people seemed to wear light colored fedoras to a lot of different kind of suits... probably need to keep digging the net for more ideas. Do keep the suggestions coming thought, I value every advice!