Where are the Black ones?

[fedoralover]

I've noticed that there just does not seem to be that many Black fedora's with the wider brims and 5 inch crowns for sale on ebay or in the vintage stores. In fact the owner of a Vintage Store told me that the rarest fedora's she sees are the black wide brim ones. Has anyone else noticed this or am I just not looking in the right places. I'm not saying they never come up, but just rarely. I see the black stingy brims a lot and black cowboy hats but seldom do I see fedora's with 2 1/2 inch and up brims. I'm guessing they don't come up because there were not that popular and not that many sold. Is this correct? What do you retro experts think?

fedoralover

[Bogie1943]

I have noticed this as well my friend. It is hard to find nice vintage fedoras in black for some reason. You have to think about this though. Black being the darkest of all colors gets visibly dirty the quickest and I bet a lot of people are opt to just pitch the old hats away when they see they are dirty. I only have one vintage black, small brimed number. The felt quality is excellant as is the over all hat. I think I paid $15 or so in an antique store, this was year back mind you, since then I have not seen another black item in any sizes. My best advice is to keep looking all over, far and wide, they are out there, somewhere.:cool2:

[Kentucky Blues]

I actually like the black stingy brimmed. Though I would like a wide brimmed one, and figure I'd probably have to get a fed if I wanted to do that. And Josh, I see black lids on ebay all the time, just none with a wide brim . . . What the heck are you talking about?! :P

[Bogie1943]

Exactly that, I see black fedoras, just not with wide brims so I pay them attention cause I already have the black thin brim model fedora, don't need another. I was talking in the black with a wide brim since of the whole thing.

[Andykev]

I have a Derby (al la Wright Bro's) in black as well as two Homburgs. I have no Fedora in black, but it was a choice this years's colors from Optimo.

Black is rather a night only or funeral color.
Yes, it goes with any dark (blue or gray) suit, but don't wear one with your summer white linnen suit.

Gray goes with most anything, and that is why it is my favorite color hat.

I will someday buy a black fedora.


I do have two BLACK top hats, one from Christy's of London, and a Rogers Peet collapsable. It is very cool.

[Art Fawcett]

Black is rather a night only or funeral color.


I disagree Kev, black is for everyday. Thats why there are so few of them. During the depression and years following a gentleman had to make do with the most combinations using a single hat. Black fit that bill. As you know, I wear a black Borsalino from the 40s almost daily and even with jeans & work shirts I get people stopping me on the street to compliment the hat.

[Andykev]

I didn't mean that they were ONLY for that! You bad guys wear black, and us good guys will stick to white! HAHAHAH

Seriously, the black does look good with almost everything...and they HIDE dirt better than any other color hat. Unless you had some silver or white ash blowing!

Unlike a black hat, light colors (fawn, dove, mouse...etc) will show dirt and finger prints where the black will not!

My hat is off to you Art!

[Pen Collector]

My first purchase from OPTIMO was a Tuxedo Black Manhattan Fedora. I went with black as my first felt hat because I did not know when I was going to be able to afford another fine hat. It seemed to me that Black would go with just about everything. I have a lot of black, gray, navy blue in my wardrobe.

When I was placing the order by phone Graham said Black was a good choice for my first fedora. He said everyone should have a least one black hat in their collection.

Since then I have purchased a Monticristi Belaire and have placed another order for a Graphite Gray Manhattan. The hat won't be ready until the end of January since Graham is in Australia on vacation. I agree with Andy, gray does go with just about everything also.

I am expecting a Michaelson Borsalino back from OPTIMO today. I sent it to OPTIMO to have it cleaned and reblocked to a MITCHUM style. I also had the edge bound. If I like the way the MITCHUM block looks on me I will change my order of the Graphite Gray to that block. After that I will order another Monticristi in the same style that Minnesota Jones just got. I have a Scala Straw hat that looks very similar to his that looks good on me but I would like to have OPTIMO make one for me in a finer straw.

When does it all stop?????

[Matt Deckard]

You see some pics from the 20's and 30's of guys wearing black fedoras with tuxedos. Black Homburgs were becoming popular in the early 30 according to Esquire.

I have 2 vintage black bowlers and 1 black top hat from the 30's.

No black fedora or homburg.

[rick5150]

I have a black Akubra - I can't remember the name of the hat - I think it was "The Boss." Initially, it didn't look much like a fedora, but after I got it back from Fedora, it looks terrific. It has a 3" brim and a 6" unbashed crown. I wanted Steve to take the taper out of the crown, and that he did :D

I have not even shaped this hat because it was supposed to be shaped for the Crocodile Dundee look, but I found the correct hat in the same style ("Down Under"). The felt is a bit thicker than I like, but one of these days I will get around to bashing and shaping it....:(

What is a good color for a ribbon on a black hat? I don't want white, yellow or pink, so don't even go there. I was thinking that a blue satin ribbon would be unique, but Fedora made one from a snakeskin belt (I believe) that was awesome. Not as dressy if there is such a thing as "dressy snake." I do not want leather since the hat weighs enough as it is...

[Nathan Flowers]

I like dark grey or black ribbons on black hats

[Bogie1943]

Ive been keeping this hush hush to myself, well I finally came out on top in this auction, so here it is take a look.

40's Black Stetson Fedora (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2878763695&category=14065&rd=1)

[Andykev]

That is a nice looking hat...and appears to only need a cleaning. The price was right too. Let us know how it is when you get it...unless it already arrived!

[Rundquist]

It?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s kind of ironic (in my case) that a black hat is really unappealing to me, considering that I really like the color black. It seems less versatile to me in a hat (I know that many would disagree). I kind of agree with Andy in that I think of it more for real formal occasions and funerals. Cheers

[kent]

I've always been quite fond of Black. It is extremely versatile, and for the most part, people comment on it more than any other color. With my limited number of fedoras, it definitely gets the most milage. As for formality, it doesn't have too much of an issue with me, as I'm normally dressed up to begin with.

[Bogie1943]

I can see from you photo Kent that you have a feather in your lid. Do you always wear feathers in your fedoras? The reason I am asking is because I have always taken them out of hats that I find, I am not a big fan of the feather in my hats, but that's just me. It looks good with your maybe I shall give it a try.:cool2:

[kent]

I kinda like how the feathers draw attention to the bow. I lost that feather the other night mysteriously at a Christmas party. I don't really have a preference, with or without.. as they both seem to look good. I wanted to replace them with cardinal feathers, or bluejay feathers at one point. I guess they stay in the fedoras mostly because I'll lose them if they come out.

[Pen Collector]

So Rundquist,

I noticed your standard quote from the St. James Infirmary and I was thinking....should that be a BLACK Stetson hat?

Just wondering.

[memphislawyer]

Got a caribou, or mid-color grey Stetson. Size is great, brim is great. Then I got a Bailey Yates in black, wool, with black ribbon. After wearing it off and on over 10 days, I am thinking it is more an affectation. I have a few black coats, a black and a navy overcoat and a grey car coat.

So, will I get more wear out of say a Bailey Madison in darker grey, or the black wool Baileys? I am not one to have a collection of hats, and the fewer, the easier on me. I have a taupe/fawn Akubra hat that I did not wear much, as I find that I am not wearing brown or earth tones as much (other than khaki chinos) as I do blue, or red, or black or grey. In fact, tried on a pair of brown pants with a red cashmere sweater and darned if the grey did not fair better.

So, all things considered, I have the mid-color grey. If it were you, what color for a second hat? I might keep the Akubra, after all, it is paid for, but the Madison in a charcoal grey is like $75 more than the cost of the Black yates and they would accept it back and use it as a credit to the higher-priced grey Madison. I think the wool would not look good in grey, black almost hides the difference, but also, I think I could wear the felts in March whereas wool over 60 would be too hot I am thinking.

Comments and thoughts?

[randooch]

Are you thinking aloud? :)

[memphislawyer]

Yes. A bit too much?

[Captain Lex]

My first fedora was black, but generally speaking it's a mistake I'll never make again. Black hats aren't very versatile at all - you basically need a strong part of your outfit to be black every time you wear it or it will just look too out of place. If earth tones aren't your bag, then mid-gray is exactly the way to go. Black band in the winter, white in the summer!

[memphislawyer]

Led. I have the mid Grey in the Stetson. Darker Grey over black then? in summer I think I'll do strictly Panama
As due to the humidity.

[A.C. Lyles]

I wear my one black fedora with semi-formal and gray suiting. For example:Medium gray flannel suit with black suede brogues and black fedora, topped with a charcoal gray overcoat.:cool:

[seabass]

Black VS Lite-Felt
http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3A%3A%3Enu%3D8986%3E396%3E25%3A% 3EWSNRCG%3D34%3C2%3B7%3A39534%3Bnu0mrj:cool:

[Blackthorn]

Black VS Lite-Felt
http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3A%3A%3Enu%3D8986%3E396%3E25%3A% 3EWSNRCG%3D34%3C2%3B7%3A39534%3Bnu0mrj:cool:Gorgeo us! I saw a black hat made by Art, owned by Ordinary Guy, and I think it's the prettiest hat I've ever seen.

[Blackthorn]

I love my black Akubra Stylemaster:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff16/darvis73/Fedoras/DSCN0111.jpg

[seabass]

Blackthorn,
I can see why you love that hat...
Its real nice ! A winner

[Rick Blaine]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/Greghats/champtexanblack1.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/Greghats/champblack2.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/Greghats/champtexanbox.jpg

...taking a leap of faith that in a thin ribbon western fedora I will no longer be mistaken for a Rabbi. :kev:

I'm not good at circumcisions and I learned there are NO "do-overs"! :eusa_doh:

I may still add a hitched horsehair band & a western pin.

I've been looking at black hats in BBC's "Copper" & A&E's "Hell on Wheels" & thought to give one another try. [huh]
Whatta ya' think?

[mayserwegener]

I have many black hats. I think they go with just about anything. Here is a nice one. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4155344949_509b43af24_b.jpg

[bowlerman]

I like it, Rick. A horsehair would look great on it too, IMO.

Che, not surprisingly, that is a doozie of a black beauty! striking.

I like yours too, Blackthorn. Come to think of it, I really like black.

Oooh, Steve, that's one of your best.

[Blackthorn]

Blackthorn,
I can see why you love that hat...
Its real nice ! A winnerThank you, Seabass!

[Blackthorn]

I like it, Rick. A horsehair would look great on it too, IMO.

Che, not surprisingly, that is a doozie of a black beauty! striking.

I like yours too, Blackthorn. Come to think of it, I really like black.

Oooh, Steve, that's one of your best.Thank you, Bowlerman.

[Blackthorn]

I have many black hats. I think they go with just about anything. Here is a nice one. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4155344949_509b43af24_b.jpgThat IS a nice one. Is it vintage?

[mayserwegener]

Thanks! Yes it's a 1930s J. Hückel´s Söhne Sigma Foulard. It's actually a light weight Velour. Jeff, Thanks too!

[Bitzelbook]

...taking a leap of faith that in a thin ribbon western fedora I will no longer be mistaken for a Rabbi. :kev:



Man, you guys really can give a guy a complex! :D I admit: I've a tendency for big black hats, but that's the yeshiva bocher in me. I started coming here when it occurred to me that I don't have to wear *only* big black hats, and I've been grateful for the education. I've thought about posting this "confession" in the pimp thread--people assuming about hats--and in the wide-brim thread--my everyday hat has a big big brim.

Thanks for helping me with this hat transition, all!

[mayserwegener]

Most of the Orthodox black soft felt hats have around 4 inch brims. Also I rarely wear my black hats with suits (don't even own a black suit).

[Bitzelbook]

Right--this is a 3 3/4" black hat. :) The Royal Stetson I picked up--a light brown fedora with a 2" brim--was a huge change for me!

[seabass]

Rick ! thats a nice black champ TAR....OR style
any one ever see a black Stratoliner?
Mayser,,,Now he has some of the best & oldest black hats....those black seal finish, Man pure luxory

[alanfgag]

Man, you guys really can give a guy a complex! :D I admit: I've a tendency for big black hats, but that's the yeshiva bocher in me.

You can also go wide, wide west. As with model Ts, it helps if you like black. Like Steve, I am a big fan. Here is one of my favorites:

http://www.avertedimagination.com/hats/horsehairnutria/1.jpg

http://www.avertedimagination.com/hats/horsehairnutria/4.jpg

[memphislawyer]

Ok, so is grey the universal go-with-everything color? If you dont wear black hats all that much often, then when do you wear a black hat? Would you pick a black hat as your second hat? Or would you go with say a cooler/darker grey for #2, and then black, or would you go with a medium brown?

I wore a pair of corduroys today, british tan, with a checked shirt and a chocolate brown sweater. My Akubra Stylemaster in fawn/brown would have been too monochormatic. Black is severe and my Stetson Saxon in Caribou looked great. Tried a red and blue sweater. I am thinking maybe a darker grey would be more universal for me, but then again, I tend to overthink things

[alanfgag]

My .02,

Choose a gray for number 1, a brown for number 2, black for numbers 3-10... after that, go with your intuition. Remember to have fun with it. Nobody is paying as much attention as you. ;)

[Bitzelbook]

You can also go wide, wide west. As with model Ts, it helps if you like black.

Thanks, Alan. I might have to try westerns. That might be another really big step, though!

[Benzadmiral]

To me a black hat is a very strong statement. The color also doesn't suit me, I'm told, as well as browns and greens. But I do have one nice Manhattan-brand fedora w/ a 2 3/8" brim, one I call my "Roy Earle" hat, after Bogart's character in High Sierra. I'd like to wear it more often -- but it shows dust and hairs easily.

ETA: This is THE one. I'm not sure it's really black, but somehow any other color on James Cagney's Cody Jarrett just doesn't seem right:
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff501/Benzadmiral/vlcsnap-2012-09-03-14h54m39s179.png

[Benzadmiral]

I can't resist posting a couple more:

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff501/Benzadmiral/vlcsnap-2012-09-03-15h07m28s196.png
and
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff501/Benzadmiral/vlcsnap-2012-09-03-14h57m04s125.png

[fedoralover]

Wow, I can't believe I started this thread almost 9 years ago! In the mean time I've bought 3 black fedora's. A vintage Borsalino, a Stetson Open Road and a custom one from Adventurebilt. I do wear them but not as much as my other ones. But I definitely would not want to be without them.

fedoralover

[memphislawyer]

Mr fedoralover, that is my issue. I am not going to have more than 2, 3 hats. My dilemna is keep the black to go with the Caribou/midgrey stetson, or return it and use the money (it was $65) to put down on the Bailey Madison in darker grey, in fur felt ($135). the black hat is wool felt and is shorter in back going to a 2 1/8th inch brim in front. I am thinking I might wear the darker grey more and keep the Stetson for suits only?

[fedoralover]

I found it's hard to limit myself to only having a few options to choose from. It's easier to have a few of every basic color then no matter what you wear you will have a hat that matches. Trying to keep your hat stable to only 2 or 3 may end up being a bit limiting. I'd suggest getting what first of all matches the majority of your clothes. Then over a period of time pick up a few in other colors to match some of the other items in your wardrobe. You don't have to get them all at once. If you keep your eyes out for bargains you can over time, get enough hats to suit every need.

fedoralover

[danofarlington]

I am not going to have more than 2, 3 hats.

Let me pose one question--how many peanuts do you usually have at a time?

[memphislawyer]

I know me. Heck I was up to three and look at me dithering. I tend to use what I have a lot. I am 50-50 on ditching black, and then again, keeping it because in fact, it is not another grey. The side that says ditch it says what others have said - limiting, harsh, attracts dirt, they dont wear it as much as they grey

[memphislawyer]

Let me pose one question--how many peanuts do you usually have at a time?

Dan, good point.

[gtdean48]

I had 2 black hats, hardly wore one, seldom wore the other.
Down to 1 now & wear it for specific events. Would not really miss it if I didn't have it.
If I was limiting my available hats, I would not waste a unit with a black one. JMHO

[Rick Blaine]

Man, you guys really can give a guy a complex! :D I admit: I've a tendency for big black hats, but that's the yeshiva bocher in me. I started coming here when it occurred to me that I don't have to wear *only* big black hats, and I've been grateful for the education. I've thought about posting this "confession" in the pimp thread--people assuming about hats--and in the wide-brim thread--my everyday hat has a big big brim.

Thanks for helping me with this hat transition, all!
Many faiths are included under the umbrella of the big black hats! ;)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/Greghats/MITCHNightHunter.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/Greghats/wise-blood-brad-dourif.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/Greghats/hebrew_hammer_01.jpg

[150719541]

I love my black Akubra Stylemaster:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff16/darvis73/Fedoras/DSCN0111.jpg
This black looks fine on you ¡¡¡ I like it

[splintercellsz]

I know I have posted these pics in other threads, but since this is a Black Hat thread, I figure the Stetson can rear it's head here too.

1920's/30's Stetson No.1 Quality that was refurbished by it's previous owner to become a Fedora type hat.

http://i16.servimg.com/u/f16/16/47/33/42/02211.jpg

[Rick Blaine]

I love my black Akubra Stylemaster:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff16/darvis73/Fedoras/DSCN0111.jpg


This black looks fine on you ¡¡¡ I like it

Agreed. With the 'salt 'n pepper' hair & beard, it looks great

[Evan Everhart]

I've got one black hat at current, a Prince's hat I think they call, basically a homburg without the gross-grain ribbon taped and pencil rolled brim edge, though I enjoy the hat enough and even have it on in my user pic, but still....I wish it had a taller crown like my old homburg that my father absconded with had.....Ugh, as to what hats; I've got two dark brown ones, one more greenish brown and beaver, one more chestnut, but beaver fur blend I think, a panama, that I usually keep in a box, one tan straw hat with a red and blue striped hat band, a cap, and etc. But, I've dying to find a good pearl or medium gray homburg again, and also a buff coloured one like I used to have (my father absconded with that one too), it was the real killer, I used to wear it for riding, it went perfect with all of my tweeds and was VERY OLD, maybe teens or something around there, 100% beaver fur....Oh the Humanity! But yeah, Oh, I've got one other black hat! It's a black hat like zoro wore in the old television show, but without any gold trim. Hahahaa!

[RBH]

Black Biltmore Open Road.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1443/001jiu.jpg

[Lloyd]

Here are my 3 black hats
Optimo Longhair
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t46/lloydwwinter/Hats/Optimo%20Longhair/BlackOptimoLonghairsideviewoutside1.jpg

Another Optimo
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t46/lloydwwinter/Hats/Optimo/Optimoblackdiamondmarch2011sideviewbrimdownandcrea sed14.jpg

VS
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t46/lloydwwinter/Hats/VS%20Basic%20Black/VSBasicblack5-24-2010profile5.jpg

[KNezz]

I know I have posted these pics in other threads, but since this is a Black Hat thread, I figure the Stetson can rear it's head here too.

1920's/30's Stetson No.1 Quality that was refurbished by it's previous owner to become a Fedora type hat.

http://i16.servimg.com/u/f16/16/47/33/42/02211.jpg

^
This reminds me of this. Very cool.

"Secret Window" - Johnny Dep

http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/27700000/Secret-Window-johnny-depp-27709725-969-399.jpg

[150719541]

Black Biltmore Open Road.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1443/001jiu.jpg
Hi RBH ¡¡¡ Greetings from SLP, México ¡¡¡ Nice hat, the ribbon makes more big the crown so looks very, very fine, furthermore, I like blacks ¡¡¡

[Blackthorn]

This black looks fine on you ¡¡¡ I like itThank you 1507....!

[Blackthorn]

Agreed. With the 'salt 'n pepper' hair & beard, it looks greatThank you, Rick, I like the effect, too. :)

[Blackthorn]

I was recently at The House of Blues in South Carolina and saw a great photo op for the black fedora theme. Now if only Jake and Elwood had shown up:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff16/darvis73/DSCN8575_zps6cfa5140-1_zpsa36620d3.jpg

[seabass]

Cool Pic Blackthorn
Love the Blues :cool:
Ill be listening to the Blues tonite in Oakland http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/jazzclub/artist/show/3092k
in a
VS Black Cherry !
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54368%3Enu%3D8986%3E396%3E25%3A%3EWS NRCG%3D35%3B%3A68844%3A34%3Bnu0mrj:cool:

[Blackthorn]

Cool Pic Blackthorn
Love the Blues :cool:
Ill be listening to the Blues tonite in Oakland http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/jazzclub/artist/show/3092k
in a
VS Black Cherry !
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54368%3Enu%3D8986%3E396%3E25%3A%3EWS NRCG%3D35%3B%3A68844%3A34%3Bnu0mrj:cool:
Cool, Seabass! I love Yoshi's. I was up there for Robin Ford a couple of years ago. I also love Yoshi's, but here in San Jose it's closer to go to JJ's.

[PHIL1959]

I've always thought that when looking to buy a hat,I'd buy a black one.
After all they always look good on other people.
After buying several black ones,from narrow thru to wide brim.I have come to the conclusion that I just dont look good wearing a black hat.
Nor sable brown,although I own a beige fedora that looks good.I seem to gravitate towards greys in felt and white fedoras!!
a very expensive learning curve!!

[Joao Encarnado]

Black Gold Resistol
http://www.encarnado.com/ssc/20130106.jpg

[splintercellsz]

^
This reminds me of this. Very cool.

"Secret Window" - Johnny Dep

http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/27700000/Secret-Window-johnny-depp-27709725-969-399.jpg

Haha! It does, doesn't it! (I also get the, "you look like Johnny Depp" a lot... I just don't see it. Hmmm.)

[navaja]

David Morgan sells the Akubra Adventurer in Black as well as brown. This is a mighty fine hat. I wear the black one almost every day and it is excellent for the wet weather in the Pacific NW. I have had no shrinkage problems or any problems for that matter. I recommend looking into it.

[RBH]

Hi RBH ¡¡¡ Greetings from SLP, México ¡¡¡ Nice hat, the ribbon makes more big the crown so looks very, very fine, furthermore, I like blacks ¡¡¡

Thanks Coach!

[Joao Encarnado]

Another Black Hat
http://www.encarnado.com/ssc/20130107.jpg
3x beaver Resistol