The Bowler or Derby Hat

Slim Portly · Oct 5, 2008

Crane's said:
I wear mine out all the time. It just fits with my lifestyle.

Indeed, I wear my derbies regularly, and I dare say that, in my humble opinion, I resemble neither a comedic actor not a butcher. I'm happy to let others make the final judgment.

Crane's · Oct 5, 2008

Slim, you look great. You're the business tycoon and I'm the carpenter. Stark contrasts yet the hat works for both of us just like it did at the turn of the century. So what's really changed when it comes down to it? I say nothing. The derby is the great American hat and will be for some time.

Slim Portly · Oct 5, 2008

Verily. I am always complimented on mine. And I'm pleased to say that I ordered another derby just yesterday. The derby is not a costume piece or an anachronism. It is a great hat to be worn with pride, and perhaps a bit of attitude.

just_me · Oct 5, 2008

Thanks for the welcome Jay. I started reading this board to find out more about some fedoras and newsboy caps my father gave me many years ago. Found the board so interesting I've stuck around.

Just to keep this Derby related, I was in a tack store today and saw a derby on the rack. The outside looked like a derby, but the inside was harder. Closer to a helmet.

carter · Oct 5, 2008

just_me said:
Thanks for the welcome Jay. I started reading this board to find out more about some fedoras and newsboy caps my father gave me many years ago. Found the board so interesting I've stuck around.

Just to keep this Derby related, I was in a tack store today and saw a derby on the rack. The outside looked like a derby, but the inside was harder. Closer to a helmet.

just_me, When we consider that the original purpose of the bowler was "... in order to protect the head from low tree branches for gamekeepers while they rode on horseback", the derby you saw in that tack shop may be closer in purpose to the original iterations than many that followed. The derby changed as the needs of the wearers changed. The form may have remained essentially the same but the function changed when the hat became more fashionable than utilitarian in use. A modern derby would not likely be referred to as an "iron hat" unless it was one like you saw in that tack shop.

Levallois · Oct 5, 2008

Slim,

I love to wear my derby but I can't hold a candle to you when it comes to pure style.

John

GWD · Oct 7, 2008

Just arrived today

The Stetson Standard Quality "Exclusive John Wanamaker " Bowler

Based on the liner I'm guessing this hat was made in the 1930's, but it looks like it just came off the showroom floor.

Slim Portly · Oct 7, 2008

GWD said:
The Stetson Standard Quality "Exclusive John Wanamaker " Bowler

Based on the liner I'm guessing this hat was made in the 1930's, but it looks like it just came off the showroom floor.

Bravo, sir. That hat is exquisite.

carter · Oct 7, 2008

WOW!

GWD, That John Wannamaker by Stetson is beautiful! Looks like it just came out of the box. Any chance of seeing it in action?

Slim Portly, You have absolutely nailed the look. Are you certain that you are not an escapee from the Deadwood shooting lot?

indycop · Oct 7, 2008

Slim Portly said:
Indeed, I wear my derbies regularly, and I dare say that, in my humble opinion, I resemble neither a comedic actor not a butcher. I'm happy to let others make the final judgment.

I agree you need a derringer and a sixgun with this look!

carter · Oct 7, 2008

A few images from Deadwood

Not exactly svelte but he's wearing a derby

A long way from Bladerunner

A daily derby afficinado

This guy's a ringer! He's not in the series.

It's the fella on the left.

indycop · Oct 7, 2008

This is the way I like them worn.

carter · Oct 7, 2008

How the West was ...

Two derbys and a nice selection of hats! You just gave me a great idea for Halloween and a photo op!

indycop · Oct 7, 2008

carter said:
Two derbys and a nice selection of hats! You just gave me a great idea for Halloween and a photo op!

Why does this worry me?lol

carter · Oct 7, 2008

indycop said:
Why does this worry me?lol

I dunno. [huh]

Edward · Oct 7, 2008

Lefty said:
bowler=derby=coke=billycoke=billycock

Thanks!

Stetsonian · Oct 7, 2008

Nice GWD!

GWD said:
The Stetson Standard Quality "Exclusive John Wanamaker " Bowler

Based on the liner I'm guessing this hat was made in the 1930's, but it looks like it just came off the showroom floor.

That bowler looks beautiful and is super clean!.......

indycop · Oct 8, 2008

I bet Carter is the first one to look at this thinking it's Kiera!lol

Big Man · Oct 8, 2008

indycop said:
I bet Carter is the first one to look at this thinking it's Kiera!lol

Wrong.

indycop · Oct 8, 2008

Big Man said:
Wrong.

lol lol Well you have it!

The Bowler or Derby Hat

One Too Many

Familiar Face

One Too Many

Practically Family

I'll Lock Up

Practically Family

One Too Many

One Too Many

I'll Lock Up

I'll Lock Up

I'll Lock Up

I'll Lock Up

I'll Lock Up

I'll Lock Up

I'll Lock Up

New in Town

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My Mail is Forwarded Here

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