What do our hats really say about us, and more importantly, are they right?

DNO · Dec 4, 2011

When I was young all men wore hats, primarily fedoras. I always loved the look. But kids didn't wear fedoras. By the time I was old enough to don a fedora the sixties were in full swing...a fedora really wouldn't have looked too good with the long hair and jeans I was wearing by then. Times had changed.

A few years ago I picked up a beat-up vintage Stetson Whippet for next to nothing and, like a flash, my youthful love of the fedora returned. I wear fedoras now for a number of reasons. The fur felt and decent brim make them useful in the sun and rain...but that's just a rationale. I think a bit of my sixties attitude has returned...I suspect I wear fedoras on a regular basis now because no-one else does. They make me stand out from the crowd and, as far as I'm concerned, give me a touch of class that others don't have.

And my wife can spot me easily in a crowded store, apparently. Big guy, 6'1", fedora...hard to miss.

A bit rambling, but there it is.

amador · Dec 4, 2011

This is like "True Confessions".
I started wearing head gear in the military and got accustomed to having some sort of protection. I hae worn lots of different types of head gear depending on the circumstances. Straw hats for sun, fishing hats and caps depending on the weather, hiking hats, gimmee caps of various types, berets, cowboy hats when driving cattle, straw hats for picking cotton on and on. I never did consider a Fedora. During a stint in Seattle I found that the hats I was wearing were not good enough and additionally did not accent my daily attire as a physician. I concluded that a Fedora would be appropriate. In addition, my father had worn a Fedora in his day, had a Grey and Brown. So some research and I found the Akubra Federation IV in black. Seemed to fit my wardrobe, profession and protection from the elements in the Pacific Northwest. Little did I know where the Hat would take me. Retro, Indy, Identifying with the memory of my father, connecting with my own vanity, seven hats and counting.

So what does the hat say about me? Like the man said, What I think, What others see and What I really am may be mutually exclusive. I suppose if I am somehow able to merge that triad to a singularity then I will achive Hat Enlightment.

HamletJSD · Dec 5, 2011

I don't wear a hat to say anything specifically, but I know it draws attention and does say something whether I want it to or not.

Since I am fashion-challenged, I think mine generally says "Hey, there's a guy who keeps a hat on a hook by the door and throws it on no matter what else he's wearing." Some days I coordinate better than others.

Fortunately, my wife puts up with it.

Historyteach24 · Dec 5, 2011

I had no goals for my hat obsession as in what I wanted people to think about me. The wearing of fedoras was honestly the natural progression in my obsession with history. I have always respected the classic gentleman look and that ALWAYS included a hat. I felt that as an adult male I needed to be better dressed and more proper and the wearing of proper dress hats was like the icing on the cake. Since I started wearing hats I have had TONS of people tell me they respect the look and really enjoy the way it looks. So hopefully a few new hat freaks have been born looking at my noggin.

m0nk · Dec 5, 2011

Historyteach24 said:
I had no goals for my hat obsession as in what I wanted people to think about me. The wearing of fedoras was honestly the natural progression in my obsession with history. I have always respected the classic gentleman look and that ALWAYS included a hat. I felt that as an adult male I needed to be better dressed and more proper and the wearing of proper dress hats was like the icing on the cake. Since I started wearing hats I have had TONS of people tell me they respect the look and really enjoy the way it looks. So hopefully a few new hat freaks have been born looking at my noggin.

Ditto! I couldn't have said it better...

Hoyt Clagwell · Dec 5, 2011

HamletJSD said:
Since I am fashion-challenged, I think mine generally says "Hey, there's a guy who keeps a hat on a hook by the door and throws it on no matter what else he's wearing." Some days I coordinate better than others.
Ditto.

Fortunately, my wife puts up with it.

Ditto again.

amador · Dec 9, 2011

The Hat can speak a subtle tongue
Express an inner self held back by some.
The Hue, the Crease, the Tilt and Rake,
Are what the Hat, the Man will make.

hatophile · Dec 9, 2011

Well said amador.

By the way, I use my hat as a substitute for hair.

scottyrocks · Dec 9, 2011

hatophile said:
Well said amador.

By the way, I use my hat as a substitute for hair.

+1.

amador · Dec 9, 2011

My God Man, are you saying that if you had hair you would not wear a Hat? Fedora Lounge Heresy! Bartender!

1961MJS · Dec 9, 2011

amador said:
My God Man, are you saying that if you had hair you would not wear a Hat? Fedora Lounge Heresy! Bartender!

Wait, I'll get some pitchforks and a few torches.

Later

Undertow · Dec 9, 2011

I suppose my choice in hats is both utilitarian and personal.

I choose soft felt hats with longer brims (2.25-3") for protection from elements. Fur felt is warm, durable, and stylish. Stylish? Yep; I've always really liked the way fedoras looked from day one.

I don't really broadcast a message for people to see. I imagine anyone looking might be thinking that I appreciate style, maybe a flair for "old fashioned", maybe they think I'm eccentric. Heck I don't know, but I'm not too worried about it.

hatophile · Dec 9, 2011

amador said:
My God Man, are you saying that if you had hair you would not wear a Hat? Fedora Lounge Heresy! Bartender!

Well.....I do have SOME hair. The hat keeps my bald spot warm and dry, plus it looks good, plus I don't have to worry so much about hat hair. It's a good excuse to give my wife to keep buying hats anyway.

amador · Dec 9, 2011

Well... OK, we'll have to call 1961MJS back. You are a real man, sir, my hat is off to you. I too look for wife approved excuses to indulge my tastes. A practice only the best of us are willing to undertake.

Wojo · Jan 1, 2012

For me, my wearing of a hat says "I'm a man not a boy; no baseball caps for me."

Swing Motorman · Jan 3, 2012

Quite a fun thread idea. But wouldn't the message vary by the hat you wear? I guess I'll have a little fun and do a variety of hats.

"I'm old-fashioned and mature, but hey, my hat's tilted back, I'm approachable."

"I'm in control on this transit vehicle."

And just for kicks...

"This party just went old-school." (And hopefully, it suggests I'm a bit higher-class than those who drink themselves silly at college social functions.)

Whether or not I'm right about any of this... haha, well, maybe!

-Steven

1961MJS · Jan 3, 2012

Hi

My first fully brimmed hat was purchased about 2003 because I had gone to a baseball game, wearing a baseball cap, and the back of my ears peeled off. O-F-F OFF. I was searching for safari jackets and found this website. I know own three cowboy hats, a Rough rider hat, three felt fedoras (Beaver Brand, Stetson, and TonyB's), as well as a Fedora Panama hat and two Sunbody Fedoras.

I don't intend on making a fashion statement, but I like to look well dressed. I now own enough felt fedoras to match the hats with the coats. I'm probably moving (involuntarily) to the NW, and my latest purchase is in accidental tribute to that move. I was planning on visiting for work, now IF I have I job it's probably in Seattle. I now own a Charcoal gray fedora with a dark blue ribbon and a matching charcoal gray bound brim. Flashy bow, but subdued coloring.

Later Y'all

PHIL1959 · Jan 11, 2012

Hatophile-By the way, I use my hat as a substitute for hair.

great quote!
can i borrow it?

hatophile · Jan 11, 2012

PHIL1959 said:
Hatophile-By the way, I use my hat as a substitute for hair.

great quote!
can i borrow it?

Sure, it's not copyrighted!

Orangegrad · Jan 11, 2012

A couple years ago I began wearing hats (started wtih baseball caps) to keep my balding head either warm or cool depending on season. Today I'd wear a fedora or nice cap even if I had a full head of hair (which I don't).

My family, friends and coworkers see my hat-wearing as a quirk of my personality, but by no means the largest of the quirks.

What do our hats really say about us, and more importantly, are they right?

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