Boater faction!

[Alon]

I wonder how the popularity of this hat compares with that of fedoras and caps. Show us your boaters!

I read that vintage hats tend to shrink over time, so that what was once a 7 1/2 may today be too small for a 7 1/2 head. Should I worry about vintage boaters, too, or does the straw not shrink?

(And yes, I'm already planning my summer wardrobe)

[NonEntity]

What, exactly, is a "boater?"

[AlanC]

Hmmm. Something like 'Boater Brigade' sounds better to me. Or maybe, 'Float Your Boater'.

[J.B.]

What, exactly, is a "boater?"

clicky

.....Or maybe, 'Float Your Boater'.

Atsa nice. Atsa real nice.

[Sassman]

I've got two 7 1/2" Italian straw, boaters from the 90's and though they aren't as light colored as they used to be, they still fit just fine. No shrinkage.

[funneman]

That's a great avatar photo.

[Alan Eardley]

I wear a boater regularly in summer with flannels and a blazer.

I get lots of derogatory comments, which I always ignore.

I've had it for years and I can't imagine it shrinking.

Alan

[Patrick Murtha]

Some moderator could perform a lovely service by merging the three or more boater threads, as was done with spectator shoes.

As the temperature approaches 70 here in Northeast Wisconsin, a guy's fancy turns to his summer threads...

Nautica blue/white SB 2B single-vent seersucker jacket (borrowed from suit)
Tan gabardine cuffed trousers
Light blue striped shirt with white spread collar, white French cuffs, royal blue monogram on left cuff
Pierre Balmain solid royal blue tie
Vintage abstract tie clip in royal blue



Royal blue patterned silk pocket square
Cole-Haan royal blue/white striped braces
Oval royal blue cufflinks
Fosssil watch with gold/silver band (right wrist)
Polished stainless steel link bracelet (left wrist)
Burberry cologne
Navy patterned OTC socks
J&M Brennan white nubuc wingtips



Vintage BB straw boater with red/black band



Vintage Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses

My outfit has so many royal blue accents today, I should be styled "HRH"!

[undertaker]

The more I read about boaters the more I think I will get mine out and wear it. I paid quite a bit for it to get a vintage in a 7 1/2 and have never worn it in public. I keep thinking that it is the perfect summer hat for our Model T tours but I just haven't had the brass to wear it yet. Ya'll keep posting and maybe I will be persuaded.

Thanks,
J.S.

[Lulu-in-Ny]

Wear your boaters, gentlemen!!
Seriously, I love these hats. A man in a boater is a man unafraid of comment, and that's a lovely thing- a very attractive quality...
Plus, they remind me of Harold Lloyd.