I've fallen in love...with Biltmore

DudeInBlack · Apr 22, 2011

After breaking ground with my cheap wool Jaxon, I'm ready to take the plunge and get myself a "real man's" fur hat - in the form of a black Biltmore Ark.

Before I make the investment, I wanted to get some feedback from my fellow Loungers and their thoughts/experiences with Biltmore. I'm making this my all-purpose beater and want to make sure I'm getting the best quality (weather proofing and all that). I always invest for the longrun.

Thanks in advance!

PS: (Or....should I go all out and get the Rosellini? This is my graduation present to myself so money really isn't an issue.

)

The Good · Apr 22, 2011

I personally like the style of the Biltmore Ark more than the Rosellini. Black is a great color though! I've never had a Biltmore hat before, but many of them are stylish.

Mr E Train · Apr 22, 2011

Biltmore makes a good hat, and the Ark is a good choice for a first fur felt hat. Are you sure you want black, though? I know you're the Dude In Black, but you might be better served with steel because grey's a more versatile color. I'm prejudiced, though, because grey's my favorite hat color.

DudeInBlack · Apr 22, 2011

Mr E Train said:
Biltmore makes a good hat, and the Ark is a good choice for a first fur felt hat. Are you sure you want black, though? I know you're the Dude In Black, but you might be better served with steel because grey's a more versatile color. I'm prejudiced, though, because grey's my favorite hat color.

Appreciate the sentiment, Mr. E, but when it comes to color there is no compromising my forum name. Black is really the only color that works for me. Guess I'm just funny like that.

I almost went with a Stetson Downs, but after some research here I became a bit concerned with their powder treatments and less-than-stellar water-proofing. Biltmore was the perfect alternative.
Any one else?

The Good · Apr 22, 2011

I would say this: if you know black's your style, then cool! Have a black hat to go with the rest of the ensemble, I'm sure it'll look alright. Hopefully, you'll enjoy wearing your new hat too.

Blackthorn · Apr 22, 2011

Biltmore makes excellent hats. I was very impressed with the Rosellini I bought last year.

Chinaski · Apr 22, 2011

Hey Dude In Black, welcome to the Lounge! Since we can't talk you out of the black hat, consider losing the feather when you get it.

Or not, after all it's your hat.

skyvue · Apr 22, 2011

Anyone know which Biltmore model has the best combination of limited taper and high crown?

DudeInBlack · Apr 22, 2011

Chinaski said:
Hey Dude In Black, welcome to the Lounge! Since we can't talk you out of the black hat, consider losing the feather when you get it.

Or not, after all it's your hat.

Never particularly cared for feathers.

Didn't know black was so passe around here.

bernai · Apr 22, 2011

My .02 I have a black Stetson Chatham and wear it a lot..very classy and sharp looking.

Blackthorn · Apr 22, 2011

DudeInBlack said:
Never particularly cared for feathers.

Didn't know black was so passe around here.

Nothing is passe if you like it. Enjoy your hats any way you see fit, Dude. Hats are as individual as the person who wears them. Just look at the huge variety of crowns and brims and shapes in old movies.

The Wiser Hatter · Apr 22, 2011

DudeInBlack said:
Never particularly cared for feathers.

Didn't know black was so passe around here.

It depends on what colors people where I have found that grey hats work best for me and the colors of clothes that I like to where so I like grey shades of hats. You like black so black it is. I would get a dark hat brush to keep the black hat clean as it will show more dirt.

azhiker · Apr 22, 2011

My first real fedora was a Biltmore Ark also..black...Since then, I have bought a Geogio Cellini (that is Henry the Hatters house brand hat..made by Biltmore) and I purchased a Rosellini (oh yeah, thanks again Blackthorn). The other two Biltmores are Dark Oak. I love all three! I have worn them all in rain and snow. No running on those colors. BTW , I also own 4 Stetsons, and a Tomac and with the exception of the vintage Safari, none of them come close for smooth, silky feel. The Ark also reshapes very easily if you sit on it, or it gets crushed. good luck, and as far as Im concerned good choice!

Blackthorn · Apr 22, 2011

azhiker said:
My first real fedora was a Biltmore Ark also..black...Since then, I have bought a Geogio Cellini (that is Henry the Hatters house brand hat..made by Biltmore) and I purchased a Rosellini (oh yeah, thanks again Blackthorn).

You're welcome, AZhiker. If I hadn't switched to VS hats, that would still be my favorite hat.

scottyrocks · Apr 22, 2011

What's the difference between 'black' and 'black oak?'

fmw · Apr 22, 2011

Blackthorn, I have to say the hat in your avatar is outstanding. The Biltmore Ark looks outstanding. I'm considering one for myself in Steel.

carldelo · Apr 22, 2011

scottyrocks said:
What's the difference between 'black' and 'black oak?'

Black Oak is a very dark brown.

scottyrocks · Apr 22, 2011

Thanks, carldelo, now that I'm in better light I can see the difference. The Ark is a nice looking hat.

bowlerman · Apr 22, 2011

fmw said:
Blackthorn, I have to say the hat in your avatar is outstanding.

Agreed. Is that also a Biltmore?
I must admit Biltmore has been an object of my fascination as of late, since I found an old Imperial Homburg in a kind of greyish color with olive undertones. The felt seems really nice, and the color is something that I can't find in their current lineup. Too bad this particular hat is terribly moth-eaten, and still a bit snug, even after rigorous stretching.

DudeInBlack · Apr 22, 2011

azhiker said:
My first real fedora was a Biltmore Ark also..black...Since then, I have bought a Geogio Cellini (that is Henry the Hatters house brand hat..made by Biltmore) and I purchased a Rosellini (oh yeah, thanks again Blackthorn). The other two Biltmores are Dark Oak. I love all three! I have worn them all in rain and snow. No running on those colors. BTW , I also own 4 Stetsons, and a Tomac and with the exception of the vintage Safari, none of them come close for smooth, silky feel. The Ark also reshapes very easily if you sit on it, or it gets crushed. good luck, and as far as Im concerned good choice!

Just what I needed to hear! Thank you AZHiker.

I've fallen in love...with Biltmore

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