Scooterz
Practically Family
- Messages
- 846
- Location
- The Great Plains
I would say my Stetson modern bantam is the softest hat I have. It is probably a premium but not sure as it was not really labeled at the factory outlet. Some of the lower end modern Stetson dress hats are pretty stiff. I have handled very similar hats at the factory outlet that feel very different in terms of stiffness. Some of the modern Stetsons have been reported to bleed some of the color they use if they get drenched. The Akubras and some of the beaver customs can hold up better to a rain shower. My new Gannon is soft but with some body. I like it a lot. I am fighting the urge to get right back on the list for another one. I have an Alley Kat custom hat in rabbit by Tim its a really nice hat. It feels really nice to the hand but the winchester felts they have to work with are different and a little thicker than the old vintage felts that are no longer available. There is a thread here for his hats. I would also buy another one from Tim. The deal with the custom hats is you can order the style, dimensions, color and ribbon to your liking. Things you cannot find in modern hats. Vintage Knox hats I have are the softest most moldable felt I have experienced personally. But when buying vintage you have to take your chances or pay a high price. I expect to leave the Gannon and the Alley Kat to my kid. (Once he got a good haircut most of my hats actually fit him now.) If you just want a really soft hat and are happy with the factory hats (the ribbons are just tacked on with plastic deals not sewn) then go pick one out in person and get the softest one in the store. I love my walnut modern stratoliner and a modern whippet with a leather band instead of a ribbon. If you want a hat made to your specs order a custom from Gannon or one of the other guys on here and don't look back. You will be getting a nice hat that is also a work of art. I would have saved some money if I had just ordered custom hats in the first place. I do like some of the modern stetsons but I picked them out in person and did not buy the ones that were stiff. PS if you keep hanging out here you are going to wind up with several more hats anyway.
