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Stetson Sizing?

Atticus Finch

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,717
Location
Coastal North Carolina, USA
Hi Folks,

I realize that this is a tough question to answer, but I'll ask it anyhow and I won't hold anyone accountable for their answer.

Do Stetson sizes normally run large?

Here's why I ask. I normally wear a size 7 3/4, but when I bought a new Open Road in that size, it was too large. Quite a bit too large, in fact. I had to return it for a size 7 5/8 which, itself, is at the edge of being too large. Then I found a Stetson Panama in size 7 3/4 on OFAS. I debated buying it fearing that it, also, would be too large---but I hit the button anyway. Its here now and it fits quite nicely. Go figure.

So now I don't know what to do about future e-bay finds. Do I wear a size 7 3/4 Stetson or a size 7 5/8? Is my Panama more in line with normal Stetson sizing, or is my Open Road more typical?

Atticus
 

carter

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,921
Location
Corsicana, TX
Atticus Finch said:
Hi Folks,

I realize that this is a tough question to answer, but I'll ask it anyhow and I won't hold anyone accountable for their answer.

Do Stetson sizes normally run large?

Here's why I ask. I normally wear a size 7 3/4, but when I bought a new Open Road in that size, it was too large. Quite a bit too large, in fact. I had to return it for a size 7 5/8 which, itself, is at the edge of being too large. Then I found a Stetson Panama in size 7 3/4 on OFAS. I debated buying it fearing that it, also, would be too large---but I hit the button anyway. Its here now and it fits quite nicely. Go figure.

So now I don't know what to do about future e-bay finds. Do I wear a size 7 3/4 Stetson or a size 7 5/8? Is my Panama more in line with normal Stetson sizing, or is my Open Road more typical?

Atticus

I probably have a dozen or so Stetsons both vintage and modern. I consistently wear a 7 5/8. The 7 1/2 is too small and the 7 3/4 too large. I may occasionally use a stretcher on a 7 1/2 to get the fit or use padding/sizing strips beneath the sweatband if the fit is a tad loose but 7 5/8 is consistent for the most part.
I'd look at Fur Felt and Panama fit separately.
 

J.T.Marcus

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,354
Location
Mineola, Texas
Atticus Finch said:
Do Stetson sizes normally run large? I normally wear a size 7 3/4, but when I bought a new Open Road in that size, it was too large. Quite a bit too large, in fact. I had to return it for a size 7 5/8 which, itself, is at the edge of being too large. Atticus

We had a recent thread on this topic, and several responses indicated variations (over and under) in every brand. The marked size is a starting point. Since you were able to return the Open Road for another size, it sounds like you bought a new one. Bear in mind that any responses to your question will probably be based on "used" (vintage) Open Roads. My experience is that, with these, sizing tends to be accurate.

It has been reported that Akubra sizes have been running a bit large, to allow for anticipated shrinking, with age. Stetson may be doing the same, with some models.
 

tandmark

One of the Regulars
Messages
150
Location
Seattle
Hi,

It's enough to make you wish that eBay sellers (and online hat shops too, for that matter) would list the actual inner circumference of the hat. That way, if a marked size 60 hat is actually a size 62, or whatever, we hat buyers could know a lot more accurately whether it'd fit us.

That sort of thing might also help answer any questions about how much you can expect various kinds of hats to shrink over time.

Until that day comes, guess we'll just have to ask the sellers via email and hope for the best. :)

Cheers,
Mark
 

Donato

One of the Regulars
Messages
179
Location
Branford, Connecticut
Atticus Finch said:
Hi Folks,

I realize that this is a tough question to answer, but I'll ask it anyhow and I won't hold anyone accountable for their answer.

Do Stetson sizes normally run large?

Here's why I ask. I normally wear a size 7 3/4, but when I bought a new Open Road in that size, it was too large. Quite a bit too large, in fact. I had to return it for a size 7 5/8 which, itself, is at the edge of being too large. Then I found a Stetson Panama in size 7 3/4 on OFAS. I debated buying it fearing that it, also, would be too large---but I hit the button anyway. Its here now and it fits quite nicely. Go figure.

So now I don't know what to do about future e-bay finds. Do I wear a size 7 3/4 Stetson or a size 7 5/8? Is my Panama more in line with normal Stetson sizing, or is my Open Road more typical?

Atticus
If anything, I find Stetsons a tad small. I just received a Stetson Sutley - great hat - but it fits a bit snug. I take a 7 1/4 size and that is what I ordered but I find the hat a little tight. I suspect when I get a haircut, it should be just about right. If not, I can always stretch it a bit. This is the second Stetson I have owned and the hatter had to stretch it a bit so it would fit true to size. I bought the Sutley online so I'll have to stretch it myself.
 

Atticus Finch

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,717
Location
Coastal North Carolina, USA
Hi Folks,

Thanks for the replies, all. Since I started this thread, I have purchased two more felt Stetsons. One is a size 7 5/8 Gun Club, which fits very nicely---especially when my hair is short. The other is a 7 3/4 Open Roadish Stetson that was issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It has yet to arrive, so I don't know how it will fit.

From the looks of things, I'm beginning to believe that I'm a size 7.69 in felt Stetsons.

Atticus
 

Aztex

New in Town
Messages
13
Hi,

First post here! I bought my first brand new Stetson Open Road! I chose an 1863 Distressed model as it was the only one in sage. I've had maybe 6 over the past 30 years.

This new one fits weird... The sides or more angled in towards the crown instead of vertical so even though the hat fit it feels un secure. I ordered my typical 6 7/8 and it's a bit big requiring 1/2 a folded paper towel to snug up. I have size 7's that fit perfect.

I know the leather sweat band can shrink a little bit over time but do you think it will square up where I don't feel a stiff breeze will claim my new hat?

Does Stetson change the actual mold for the Open Road periodically so this may be the new way it fits? So getting another would gave the same issue? Or do I have an odd ball?

Stetson was no help and actually argumentative on the phone. Provided no assistance other than an RMA slip. Said hats can vary up to a size which I called BS on! Maybe a little +/- but not a size.

Thanks!

Aztex
 

thundurchasur

Familiar Face
Messages
95
Location
South Texas
Hi,

First post here! I bought my first brand new Stetson Open Road! I chose an 1863 Distressed model as it was the only one in sage. I've had maybe 6 over the past 30 years.

This new one fits weird... The sides or more angled in towards the crown instead of vertical so even though the hat fit it feels un secure. I ordered my typical 6 7/8 and it's a bit big requiring 1/2 a folded paper towel to snug up. I have size 7's that fit perfect.

I know the leather sweat band can shrink a little bit over time but do you think it will square up where I don't feel a stiff breeze will claim my new hat?

Does Stetson change the actual mold for the Open Road periodically so this may be the new way it fits? So getting another would gave the same issue? Or do I have an odd ball?

Stetson was no help and actually argumentative on the phone. Provided no assistance other than an RMA slip. Said hats can vary up to a size which I called BS on! Maybe a little +/- but not a size.

Thanks!

Aztex

I'm glad to see this because I was considering a new one.
 
Messages
10,342
Location
vancouver, canada
Hi,

First post here! I bought my first brand new Stetson Open Road! I chose an 1863 Distressed model as it was the only one in sage. I've had maybe 6 over the past 30 years.

This new one fits weird... The sides or more angled in towards the crown instead of vertical so even though the hat fit it feels un secure. I ordered my typical 6 7/8 and it's a bit big requiring 1/2 a folded paper towel to snug up. I have size 7's that fit perfect.

I know the leather sweat band can shrink a little bit over time but do you think it will square up where I don't feel a stiff breeze will claim my new hat?

Does Stetson change the actual mold for the Open Road periodically so this may be the new way it fits? So getting another would gave the same issue? Or do I have an odd ball?

Stetson was no help and actually argumentative on the phone. Provided no assistance other than an RMA slip. Said hats can vary up to a size which I called BS on! Maybe a little +/- but not a size.

Thanks!

Aztex
Damn, that is disappointing. Hard to speak to your hat and the fit but my experience is a hat either fits and feels comfortable or it doesn't. And to me if a hat does not feel comfortable I won't wear it....it is one of my non negotiables. Might be best to cut your loss and return it. I have owned 5 modern Stetson's...all 7 3/8 and they have all been consistent in their sizing. But I guess not out of the question to have one escape quality control in a mass produced hat.
 
Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
Hi,

First post here! I bought my first brand new Stetson Open Road! I chose an 1863 Distressed model as it was the only one in sage. I've had maybe 6 over the past 30 years.

This new one fits weird... The sides or more angled in towards the crown instead of vertical so even though the hat fit it feels un secure. I ordered my typical 6 7/8 and it's a bit big requiring 1/2 a folded paper towel to snug up. I have size 7's that fit perfect.

I know the leather sweat band can shrink a little bit over time but do you think it will square up where I don't feel a stiff breeze will claim my new hat?

Does Stetson change the actual mold for the Open Road periodically so this may be the new way it fits? So getting another would gave the same issue? Or do I have an odd ball?

Stetson was no help and actually argumentative on the phone. Provided no assistance other than an RMA slip. Said hats can vary up to a size which I called BS on! Maybe a little +/- but not a size.

Thanks!

Aztex


My modern Stetson dress hats are some of the largest 7 5/8 hats I own. I often fit better in 7 3/4 hats, but not in those modern open crown Stetson dress hats. Maybe the same with your OR?

I also have to ask: if you’re a size 6 7/8 or 7 have you looked at the vintage market?

I can attest that out of a pile of new hats of the same model and the same size there is definitely a difference in fit. Some of the Akubra retailers will even go through their inventory and find you a large or small fitting hat. I think it’s unusual for it to vary a whole size, but it doesn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility at Hat-Co. :(


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Messages
19,096
Location
Funkytown, USA
My modern Stetson dress hats are some of the largest 7 5/8 hats I own. I often fit better in 7 3/4 hats, but not in those modern open crown Stetson dress hats. Maybe the same with your OR?

I also have to ask: if you’re a size 6 7/8 or 7 have you looked at the vintage market?

I can attest that out of a pile of new hats of the same model and the same size there is definitely a difference in fit. Some of the Akubra retailers will even go through their inventory and find you a large or small fitting hat. I think it’s unusual for it to vary a whole size, but it doesn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility at Hat-Co. :(


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
I've had the same experience with modern Stetsons. Some are spot on, but others are large. I swam in my first Stetsonian, but after wearing for a while, it got better.
 

Aztex

New in Town
Messages
13
My modern Stetson dress hats are some of the largest 7 5/8 hats I own. I often fit better in 7 3/4 hats, but not in those modern open crown Stetson dress hats. Maybe the same with your OR?

I also have to ask: if you’re a size 6 7/8 or 7 have you looked at the vintage market?

I can attest that out of a pile of new hats of the same model and the same size there is definitely a difference in fit. Some of the Akubra retailers will even go through their inventory and find you a large or small fitting hat. I think it’s unusual for it to vary a whole size, but it doesn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility at Hat-Co. :(


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Hi,

Yes but I had not seen any vintage of the sage which is what I was after this time. I've had others in different colors and they had a better fit.

I had been searching for an Akubra Campdraft but don't see them for sale. Any suggestions?
 

Aztex

New in Town
Messages
13
Ya know maybe it's because it's new.... I've only had "vintage" or used OR's in the past..

The crown feels so stiff that when I push it down tight it kind of rides on the top of my head and slowly springs back up...

It's a COOL hat! Beautiful color and an OR....I wonder if it'll change for the better....
 
Messages
18,915
Location
Central California

thundurchasur

Familiar Face
Messages
95
Location
South Texas
Messages
17,535
Ya know maybe it's because it's new.... I've only had "vintage" or used OR's in the past..
Getting back to your OP you've hit upon part of the problem that has developed with newer OR's as the crowns have gotten lower & lower. Some OR crowns now are as low as 5-3/8" open crown making them as low as 4" at the front dip which necessitates raising the dents higher so they don't touch your head. With just a bit of taper the hat is touching the sides & sitting on top of your head. The large deep elephant ear dents are impossible with anything under a 6" open crown. I don't think a conformateur measures it but I've had a custom hatmaker measure from ear to ear, up & over the top. Note the various crown heights & dents in some of my hats.

Vintage Stetsons with 5-3/4 to 6" open crowns
IMG_5319.jpg


IMG_6069.jpg


Vintage 3X
IMG_5471.jpg

IMG_2366.jpg


Older 4X
IMG_7170.JPG


I'm afraid with new OR's about all you can do is test fit examples at retail. One of the reasons for the popularity of the CD that rarely gets mentioned is for an OR clone they are still close to a 6" open crown.
 
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