I want to know...

[Al]

...more about welting. I've seen hats with underwelt and overwelt, some have welting others to not.

Other than stylistic considerations, is their a more fundamental reason for welting? Which do you prefer? Welt or no welt, underwelt or overwelt.

Why? you may ask; welt, just curious!

-Al

 

[Brad Bowers]

A welt is there to add strength to the brim edge of soft hats. Stiffer brims do not need them. As you mentioned, there is also the stylistic component to them, adding visual interest to an otherwise plain brim.

Preference is entirely up to you, though many manufacturers today only do underwelts. Today's welted edges look pretty clunky, due to the thickness of the felt. Vintage hats with welted edges always had thin welts, and looked sleeker.

My preference? Gee, can anybody guess?lol

I prefer a Cavanagh Edge, which is an overwelt that is created during the felting process and has no visible stitching on the finished hat. It's a very streamlined look.

Brad

 

[surely]

I like an overwelt because it looks cool and it tends to hold better the shape I mold it to.

 

[Al]

A welt is there to add strength to the brim edge of soft hats. Stiffer brims do not need them. As you mentioned, there is also the stylistic component to them, adding visual interest to an otherwise plain brim.

Preference is entirely up to you, though many manufacturers today only do underwelts. Today's welted edges look pretty clunky, due to the thickness of the felt. Vintage hats with welted edges always had thin welts, and looked sleeker.

My preference? Gee, can anybody guess?lol

I prefer a Cavanagh Edge, which is an overwelt that is created during the felting process and has no visible stitching on the finished hat. It's a very streamlined look.

Brad

Thanks Brad,

Being new to all this, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

-Al