Hey fellow Big Guys (aka bucketheads)...

big kahuna · Mar 9, 2007

I haven't seen posts about those of us who are "cranially endowed," that is, gifted with big heads. I wear a 8 1/8 (my measurement is 25.25), and finding a hat is tough. My wife gave me a Brent Black Panama.... and I have two campaign hats for scouting (both straw and felt) that were made by Stratton, and a "real fur" lol Indy Jones Dorfman Pacific that fit right off the shelf..

I have heard the excuse that many manufacturers and custom hat makers do not make big hats because thay do not have blocks big enough and/or that hat bodies come in sizes that when blocked for a big head leaves little material for a brim...

So...let's hear from those of you with big heads and hats to match...and please, let's hear from those of you who make hats on whether you can take care of us who are in search of our next brim.

Chanfan · Mar 9, 2007

Well, you make me feel good about 7&5/8, that's for sure!

MattJH · Mar 9, 2007

I actually did make a thread about this a bit ago. My head measures 24", so I literally fall right between a 7 5/8 and a 7 3/4. Sometimes a 61cm hat will fit me perfectly and sometimes I need a 62cm hat, depending on the brand, the weather, the position of the constellations, etc. The largest vintage hat I've seen so far is a 7 3/4, unless you count cowboy hats in which case I have seen them in your size. Sizes between 6 3/4 - 7 3/8 are fairly common, with 7 1/8 and 7 1/4 seemingly the most common. Some say that 7 1/2 is rare, but I see quite a bit of them compared to 7 5/8 and, especially, 7 3/4.

Larger heads require a fair amount of patience and crafty search queries. At your size, I'd go new/custom while keeping your eye out.

Joedahat · Mar 9, 2007

Cranial endowed?

Stetson and Biltmore make felt hats up to a size 8. Dobbs makes straw hats up to a size 8. The problem as you stated, is getting enough bodies made in the bigger shape. Because we switch our supply with the seasons, we are currently showing Dobbs milan straw hats into a size 8.
You can check our website for more info. www.henrythehatterdetroit.com.
If they are not on the site at this time, they will be soon, or you can pm me for more information.

besdor · Mar 9, 2007

It's true Big Kahuna. Most companies cant make over a size 8 becasue thay dont have the blocks for them . I think even Art Fawcett cant make over an 8. At one time the companies had tons of blockin sizes from 5 7/8 to 8 1/4, but those days are over.

Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

Sefton · Mar 9, 2007

Welcome fellow big head! I'm a 7 3/4 and get my hats custom made. I recently found a Stetson online that was listed as being 7 3/4 and a 1950's vintage. I let it go as I couldn't be certain from the photos that it really was vintage and I won't buy another modern Stetson. Also it had a nice big moth hole right in the middle of the crown in the back! Try some of the vendors here that do custom made,they'll fix you up with something good. Cheers! Sefton

feltfan · Mar 9, 2007

Recent 7 3/4 Borsalino on OFAS

Any of you big boys end up with this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/BROWN-FEDORA-HAT-1950-Vintage-MADE-IN-ITALY-Borsaline_W0QQitemZ280089058102QQcategoryZ14065QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It looks like a very fine hat. Oddly, the seller claims a Cavanagh Edge
(which most people have never heard of), though it appears to be bound.

MattJH · Mar 9, 2007

I was watching that Borsalino but couldn't afford it.

feltfan · Mar 9, 2007

For what it's worth, that was a fair price for what was no doubt
an outstanding hat. Just a touch bigger than I care to deal with.

But if you don't have the scratch, you don't have the scratch.
There are still deals out there. Good luck.

BigSho · Mar 9, 2007

I just got a hair cut and my 8 1/8 cap from Ireland is giving me a headache. There is not much you can do short of being lucky and finding something or having something made. Hats are my buisness and I have not found a dress hat yet that really fits me.

Jeremy
Hats Plus Ltd.

Joedahat · Mar 11, 2007

Jeremy, Try Biltmore. I've heard they may still do up to a size 8 1/4.
It's worth a phone call.

BigSho · Mar 11, 2007

Yeah they the last time I checked the only thing that they had that high was a milan telescope in red or purple or something. As I am usre you know getting them to make something right now is close to impossible so we will see. I have been thinking about getting an 8 resized or something. Thanks though.

Jeremy
Hats Plus Ltd.

Stoney · Mar 11, 2007

You might try to contact some of the custom hatters, I'm sure that someone can make a very nice hat for you at a reasonable price. My .02 cents get in touch with jimmy pierce at www.jimmypiercedesigns.com. Since you know, Everything is bigger in Texas.

Mr. 'H' · Mar 11, 2007

feltfan said:
Any of you big boys end up with this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/BROWN-FEDORA-HAT-1950-Vintage-MADE-IN-ITALY-Borsaline_W0QQitemZ280089058102QQcategoryZ14065QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It looks like a very fine hat. Oddly, the seller claims a Cavanagh Edge
(which most people have never heard of), though it appears to be bound.

That's a nice hat - and the label clearly says 7 3/4. Would hace been perfect for me....

BigSho · Mar 12, 2007

I know I could go a custom route I talked to art about it once. However 300 for a hat is not in the budget for me at the moment. I think I am going to take a borsalino and try to have it resized the right way. You guys will see me in a dress hat soon I hope.

Jeremy
Hats Plus Ltd.

MattJH · Mar 12, 2007

By the way, an auction for a Stetson Charger (often called Stetson Sovereign) with the original box just ended this evening. Size 7 7/8. It ended around $30.00, and that includes shipping! Great deals can be had, you just have to keep a hawk's eye out.

Mr. 'H' · Mar 12, 2007

Would you really wear this hat?

Mr. 'H' · Mar 12, 2007

...Because I know I'd prefer the Borsalino....

MattJH · Mar 12, 2007

Mr. H - Yes! I own one in 7 5/8, I wear it often, I look good in it, and I've received compliments on it.

Mr. 'H' · Mar 12, 2007

Sorry!

I just know that I once bought on ebay a Borsalino with a narrow brim and it didn't suit me at all. I can't imagine waering a hat with that rope treatment for the ribbon - I take it it is more 60s. Just not my style.

I didn't mean any offence when I asked if you would wear one like it!

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