Cowboy Hat Conversion

[WildCelt]

Awhile ago, I found a beat-up cowboy hat to turn into a beater fedora. I finally got around to messing with it, but forgot to take a before picture (sorry). So, I put the strip I trimmed off the brim back and took the pictures then.

Here's the hat with the brim trimmed.

Now, with the brim fixed and the crown shaped with a teardrop bash. I steamed it over the tea kettle.

Brushed and with a new band made and sewn on. It's a grosgrain ribbon with a basketweave pattern in it.

. . . and me wearing it.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

WildCelt, wasn't that fun? Good job! Several of us have tried our hand at that. Where did you find the ribbon? Is it cotton/rayon or 100% polyester? :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

Very good work WildCelt!!!
Having converted a couple of old western hats myself, I know the satisfaction you feel when you put it on.
This is a hat that would look great with a thin ribbon, with the side vent holes it has a rugged kind of look.
Once again great job and it looks great on you.

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Duck]

Looks Great!!

Good job!!:eusa_clap It is fun to convert the old cowboy hats. I agree with RBH, with the vents, this hat screams for a thin ribbon. Think Akubra!!

 

[Colby Jack]

Wonderful!

Great job WildCelt!:eusa_clap
Just think of all those Fedoras waiting to be born from a beat up, old cowboy hat!
CJ

 

[WildCelt]

WildCelt, wasn't that fun? Good job! Several of us have tried our hand at that. Where did you find the ribbon? Is it cotton/rayon or 100% polyester?

It's polyester I got at Michaels craft store several years ago.

 

[deanglen]

Go for it! Experimentation is so much fun. Nice results!:eusa_clap

dean

 

[Wolfmanjack]

Nice job, WildCelt.

One of the pleasures you will find with a cowboy conversion is that you can play with it to your heart's content: swap ribbons, re-bash it, change the shape of the brim. You have very little to lose, so you can enjoy experimenting.

In contrast, I have a vintage '40s Stetson Whippet that I will never touch (except for an occasional gentle brushing). It still has the bash its former owner put in it many, many years ago. I consider it a precious antique to be preserved for the next generation of fedora lovers.

So, have fun with your new creation. I agree with RBH and Duck that, because of the vents, you might consider going for a more rugged, outdoor adventure look. Try a narrower ribbon, and a simpler bow. You might even try (dare I say it?) a leather hat band with a buckle. The thrift stores are replete with '50s-style thin, narrow belts that are easily adapted to hat bands.

If you will allow me one more suggestion: If you want an 'adventure' look, try lowering the pinch in the front and pulling the C-crown bash into a longer center-dent shape.

Enjoy!

 

[Akubra Man]

You have inspired me

I never thought of attempting this until I found this forum. Your hat has a real Aus Akubra style to it now and I have couple of Cowboy hats I am going to try to re-style. Cheers

 

[Stoney]

Great Job

I really like the texture of the ribbon that you've chosen. I'll be the dissenter here and say keep the ribbon. It looks very sharp to my eye.
I've done a couple of conversions as well and it is quite an enjoyable adventure.

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap