Recent content by dlgilbert

Any opinions on which hat is a better buy/fit/wear/quality? Couldn't find any comparisons (or much info) on the forum about either of these hats. Any opinions would be welcome! Thanks! Dan

I will only buy hats that fit me with the sole intent of wearing them... so I guess I'm not technically a "collector." I'm just a guy who wears hats. ;-)

I have a Franz Bittner wool fedora that I got from Noggintops that has served me phenomenally well in cold weather, snow, and through a day of drenching rain hiking through the mountains in northwestern Pennsylvania. It's not a high-end hat, but it looks pretty good and it's very comfortable...

Honduran, I'm also of the opinion that, while Montecristi hats are unarguably the finest quality straw hats, they're not suitable for every situation, so there's a place for other types as well. I wouldn't wear a Montecristi hat on a rafting trip nor to an amusement park where I'll be...

I'm quite interested in this hat as well, but haven't heard anything about it. I'm also considering the Borsalino Traveller, but again, I haven't heard anything, good OR bad, about either of these hats. I'm also travelling in the colder months and having a hat that can easily take being smashed...

I'm no expert, but to me, the downturned brim seems more casual and "outdoorsy" than a regular snap brim. I own a few hats with downturned brims (including the Banjo Patterson), including some straw and raffia hats. The downturn makes for great sun protection and all my yard work hats and hiking...

Excellent. I may have to send off an order for that one, then. I've gotten about 8 or 9 hats from Noggintops and Doug's customer service is top notch. I've been delighted with every single purchase, and knowing that he'll stand behind everything 100% makes things even better. Thanks for...

That's a nice-looking hat, Hotel Charlie! I wish my first Montecristi purchase would have gone that well! Congrats!

jeboat, Did you order a size larger in the Clasico as Doug suggests on his site, and if so, was it a good fit? I've been tempted to order that hat for months now. I've never had a bad experience with Noggintops, but it's always nice to hear from someone who owns a hat before making a...

Congratulations! I, too, had a wonderful experience with Panama Hats Direct. Welcome to the Montecristi club! :-)

Thanks for the help, everyone!

Can anyone point me to some information regarding techniques for sewing in a leather sweatband on both felt and straw (if there's a difference)? I haven't been able to find any instructional material and, although by looking at existing sweatbands, it looks like it's not rocket science, I just...

Android, The Nemo hat is awesome. Does it come in fur felt? ;-)

HatsDirect.com has both of those styles. They're not in the US, though. They're in Australia, but their prices are good compared with most US distributors, even with the more expensive shipping. If you don't mind doing business outside the US, they're a good option. :-)

The best hat storage boxes I've seen, bar none, have been the ones I've gotten when I've ordered hats from Noggintops. They're sort of a hat cradling box with a hole for the crown so you can store them upside down and securely. I don't know where they get them or if they're custom made, though...