Help Me Pick a Borsalino!

[falis]

Check out the Signes Beaver available at Village Hat Shop. Could be a nice Borsalino alternative. I have one in black and love it.


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[Mulceber]

Hmmm, I'd love to hear from some Borso fans -- I know they exist here -- but these are interesting comments. Akubra's come across as too casual for my tastes. (My father has a large collection and none of them really tempt me.)

The idea of designing a custom makes me giddy. I'm not far from Optimo but they're too extravagant for my wallet. But the idea of another custom maker is really interesting. Tumwater's website looks really nice. Any recommendations for others to look at? (Yes, I've already spent time drooling over at Art Fawcett's...)

Agreed - I love Optimo, and my hats from them are some of my most prized possessions, but they're extremely expensive, especially when you're just getting started in hat collecting. I think Tumwater would be an excellent choice - great hats at a great price. Art's work is of course...a work of art, and you couldn't go wrong buying from him. It might be a little outside the price range you're looking at, but if ~$400 is something you can swing, he's one of the best in the business. You might also check out Black Sheep Hat Works and Penman. -M

 

[WWIIBuff]

I just bought my first Fedora a couple weeks ago, and it happens to be a Como (used, but I think it is more modern than vintage). I am a complete newbie to hats, and actually found this thread as I begin my search to learn more about Borsalino's. So far I like it, but living in California I also won't have to deal with some of the weather challenges mentioned here.

 

[job]

I have a new Alessandria and it is my most comfortable hat. It has a thinner felt than most modern hats.

It will never be as nice as a hat made back in the day. I don't think some methods used in the past are even legal now.

I wear a 7 5/8 and I find it hard to get just any vintage hat I want. I would rather have a hat like Alans but sometimes you get what you can get.

 

[VetPsychWars]

I'm another who doesn't think modern Borsalino is all that awful. I have two Alessandria from Bencraft. One is newer than the other (though bought about the same time), both were easy to crease, and had enough stiffener to HOLD the crease.

A lot of people don't realize how stiff an older hat was because most of them have had the stiffener turned to mush from multiple cleanings and decades of handling. I have a couple of vintage Stetson Stratoliners, for example, that were nearly new old stock and quite stiff.

Another new hat that is a decent value is the modern Stetson Stratoliner, which also gets vilified here. Does it have a taper? Sure, most hats after WWII had at least a slight taper, and part of that is just because of how it was blocked.

Lest anyone think that I don't know what I'm talking about, I have had quite a few vintage Borsalino hats and retain a gorgeous dove-grey in the rotation for daily wear. Yes, it's nicer than a new Borsalino... but that doesn't mean the new ones are junk.

Tom

 

[Felt]

I'm very glad to hear a bit from the "pro" Borsalino and Stetson crowd here. I have two Stetson Downs (sage and charcoal) and I happen to like them quite a bit. They're stiff to my hands but the charcoal is easily wearable with a suit (or jeans). I'm still on the fence about what to do. I'm thinking of a custom from Tumwater or the Como. If I go the Tumwater route, it'll be to get a custom that looks more or less looks a pseudo-Borso (including wind cord) but better made. No one replied to my earlier question of whether the religious Borsos are made to higher standards. Given they're the only Borsos I'm really familiar with, I have no idea, but they're certainly not floppy and can withstand a fair amount of rigorous handling.

 

[jlee562]

I'm very glad to hear a bit from the "pro" Borsalino and Stetson crowd here. I have two Stetson Downs (sage and charcoal) and I happen to like them quite a bit. They're stiff to my hands but the charcoal is easily wearable with a suit (or jeans). I'm still on the fence about what to do. I'm thinking of a custom from Tumwater or the Como. If I go the Tumwater route, it'll be to get a custom that looks more or less looks a pseudo-Borso (including wind cord) but better made. No one replied to my earlier question of whether the religious Borsos are made to higher standards. Given they're the only Borsos I'm really familiar with, I have no idea, but they're certainly not floppy and can withstand a fair amount of rigorous handling.

floppiness and stiffness have very little correlation to the quality of the felt.

As far as the religious hats, I've heard that they are made to more rigorous standards generally (but not Borsalino specifically). The few I saw from a few feet away on my recent trip to NYC appeared to be of more rigorous standards than most modern production hats.

Look, if you really want a modern Borso or Stetson, go for it, and wear your hat in good health. I had a modern Stetson which was a nice enough dress hat, but I had no compunction about letting it go in favor of vintage lids. Just be aware that a modern Borso may taper, and a modern Stetson may bleed dye (and taper).

 

[Anarcho-Chossid]

floppiness and stiffness have very little correlation to the quality of the felt.

As far as the religious hats, I've heard that they are made to more rigorous standards generally (but not Borsalino specifically). The few I saw from a few feet away on my recent trip to NYC appeared to be of more rigorous standards than most modern production hats.

Look, if you really want a modern Borso or Stetson, go for it, and wear your hat in good health. I had a modern Stetson which was a nice enough dress hat, but I had no compunction about letting it go in favor of vintage lids. Just be aware that a modern Borso may taper, and a modern Stetson may bleed dye (and taper).

I live in a Jewish community and have many friends in various chassidic communities in NYC, Chicago, etc. A Lubavitch chossid goes on average through 1-3 Borsolino hats a year (those who can't afford that, will buy cheaper Puerto Finos). Maybe longer if you wear a Borsolino on Shabbos only.

I am size 61 (which corresponds to 7 5/8, I suppose): I tried on yesterday my friend's hat of the same size that he bough at Primo Hatters in Crown Heights a year ago. It didn't fit me (he has to wear it on the back of his head) and was quite misshapen.

So, I am not sure what this says about the quality of hats, but it doesn't seem that they will last you for 90 years, if you wear then 12-16 hrs a day like some chassidim do.

 

[Zeuloa]

So I'm kind in the same predicament, and instead of creating a new thread I thought I'd just add to this one, even though it's a bit old but with useful information.

I'm considering a new Borsalino Como or Bellagio as well. Just to throw a wildcard in the mix - also considering an Akubra Adventurer from David Morgan.

Any information from any of you that have any, or all of this 3 hats would be greatly appreciated. Preference of style, felt, comfort, quality (specially on the Borsalino as there's the modern vs. old debate), etc.

Additionally, I am not interested in vintage at this point as I lack the expertise, and probably the funds for a NOS as well as I'm a bit superstitious about wearing another man's hat (crazy, I know... Maybe it'll change in the future).

Thank you!

 

[jeffgarf]

So I'm kind in the same predicament, and instead of creating a new thread I thought I'd just add to this one, even though it's a bit old but with useful information.

I'm considering a new Borsalino Como or Bellagio as well. Just to throw a wildcard in the mix - also considering an Akubra Adventurer from David Morgan.

Any information from any of you that have any, or all of this 3 hats would be greatly appreciated. Preference of style, felt, comfort, quality (specially on the Borsalino as there's the modern vs. old debate), etc.

Additionally, I am not interested in vintage at this point as I lack the expertise, and probably the funds for a NOS as well as I'm a bit superstitious about wearing another man's hat (crazy, I know... Maybe it'll change in the future).

Thank you!

So, the Borsalino vs. Akubra debate? They are two different hats with different felts. I own both. The Akubra is a hardy felt that will put up with a lot. The Borsalino is a softer, lighter felt (they were better quality prior to 2017). Actually, the poster from the 2014 post above would have been better served with an Akubra as a better everyday hat. They are made to put up with a lot more wear in harsher conditions.

We Jews, like the post above mentioned wear Borsalino hats (or knock-offs made to look and feel like them) really for more historical or nostalgic reasons (not hats in general, that IS religious). I'd say for everyday wear, go for the Akubra. The Borsalino for special occasions or wearing less often. Which style is up to you.

As an aside, @besdor (no longer active here) still has some NOS Borsalino hats at Bencraft Hatters in Brooklyn.

 

[Zeuloa]

So, the Borsalino vs. Akubra debate? They are two different hats with different felts. I own both. The Akubra is a hardy felt that will put up with a lot. The Borsalino is a softer, lighter felt (they were better quality prior to 2017). Actually, the poster from the 2014 post above would have been better served with an Akubra as a better everyday hat. They are made to put up with a lot more wear in harsher conditions.

We Jews, like the post above mentioned wear Borsalino hats (or knock-offs made to look and feel like them) really for more historical or nostalgic reasons (not hats in general, that IS religious). I'd say for everyday wear, go for the Akubra. The Borsalino for special occasions or wearing less often. Which style is up to you.

As an aside, @besdor (no longer active here) still has some NOS Borsalino hats at Bencraft Hatters in Brooklyn.

Thank you for the reply. Yes, I’ve contacted Steven and he’s looking into what he has in my size.

Are you by any chance familiar with the Como and Bellagio, and if so do you know if these models were made post-2017?

Additionally if you have these models, any preferences towards any of them? Thanks!!

 

[jeffgarf]

Thank you for the reply. Yes, I’ve contacted Steven and he’s looking into what he has in my size.

Are you by any chance familiar with the Como and Bellagio, and if so do you know if these models were made post-2017?

Additionally if you have these models, any preferences towards any of them? Thanks!!

I have a Como, not a Bellagio. It is said that the Como is the quintessential Borsalino fedora and I'd agree with that sentiment. I'm pretty certain it was also made post-2017, but those are not the ones interesting to me. Most all of the Borsalino hats I own (and at this point it exceeds 20) are pre-2017, even the NOS one I just bought from Bencraft in July

 

[Zeuloa]

I have a Como, not a Bellagio. It is said that the Como is the quintessential Borsalino fedora and I'd agree with that sentiment. I'm pretty certain it was also made post-2017, but those are not the ones interesting to me. Most all of the Borsalino hats I own (and at this point it exceeds 20) are pre-2017, even the NOS one I just bought from Bencraft in July

20! I’m amazed at the size of collections and quality of hats of the good folks here in this forum!

Hopefully I’ll hear from Bencraft soon as they’re checking models available in my size.

As you purchased a Como recently, was it true to size, or do they run small or large?

 

[jeffgarf]

20! I’m amazed at the size of collections and quality of hats of the good folks here in this forum!

Hopefully I’ll hear from Bencraft soon as they’re checking models available in my size.

As you purchased a Como recently, was it true to size, or do they run small or large?

Most Borsalino hats in modern production seem to run or very slightly shrink to a bit smaller, in my experience. I have many between two sizes new and vintage. Newer ones seem to have a bit of shrink. Being in Bencraft allowed me to try on the two possible sizes, but it was not a current production model, as I said. I did get my actual size, not the larger one, if that helps.

 

[Zeuloa]

Most Borsalino hats in modern production seem to run or very slightly shrink to a bit smaller, in my experience. I have many between two sizes new and vintage. Newer ones seem to have a bit of shrink. Being in Bencraft allowed me to try on the two possible sizes, but it was not a current production model, as I said. I did get my actual size, not the larger one, if that helps.

That sure helps, and I'm looking at 57 as when I measure my head I'm at 56.5. Are you between sizes when you measure your head, or exactly at 57?

Are you the same size in Akubra by any chance?

Apologies for all the questions, and thank you for your kind patience jeffgarf!

 

[jeffgarf]

That sure helps, and I'm looking at 57 as when I measure my head I'm at 56.5. Are you between sizes when you measure your head, or exactly at 57?

Are you the same size in Akubra by any chance?

Apologies for all the questions, and thank you for your kind patience jeffgarf!

I'm actually around 57.2. For Akubra hats, I have gone with the conventional wisdom depending on the style I am buying. For example, my new Stylemaster was bought at a 58 because most seen to report shrinkage to confirm to your head. I have other vintage ones, however, in a 57 (took a chance) that fit just as well. At a 56.5, I'd think you'd be fine in a 57, no matter which way you went. Hats can always be resized one size smaller with ease. Anything else is a ****shoot unless you are a real pro.

 

[Zeuloa]

I'm actually around 57.2. For Akubra hats, I have gone with the conventional wisdom depending on the style I am buying. For example, my new Stylemaster was bought at a 58 because most seen to report shrinkage to confirm to your head. I have other vintage ones, however, in a 57 (took a chance) that fit just as well. At a 56.5, I'd think you'd be fine in a 57, no matter which way you went. Hats can always be resized one size smaller with ease. Anything else is a ****shoot unless you are a real pro.

Thank you for the advice, that really helps!

Not sure if you have any, but in your opinion is it worth it upgrading to a Beaver Borsalino?