Borsalino quality???

[moustache]

I went into a well known haberdasher this morning to try on and admire the new Borsalinos. They had five or six models.I went in wearing my newly aquired Misto.

Seems the quality just isn't close to the vintage hats.Yes,i'm a newbie here as Borsalinos go. When did the quality start to change??Are they ALL made in Italy or are some contracted out ??
I would think that for the high price tags i saw today ($195-265),the quality would be better.The models i saw had no inside liners or leather headbands.They were the Como and the Florence models.

Inquiring mind wants to know.

JD

 

[Matt Deckard]

Hi... i've been really really busy lately or I'd be responding to more posts.

I love your pics.

Borsalino vintage as you have found leagues above what is currently being produced. I have had a couple of their modern hats and they end up hanging out in the box while I wear the vintage.

You can do a search on the Lounge and read alot more on what has been said about Borsalino's modern quality.

I'll post more in a bit.

 

[moustache]

Hi... i've been really really busy lately or I'd be responding to more posts.

I love your pics.

Borsalino vintage as you have found leagues above what is currently being produced. I have had a couple of their modern hats and they end up hanging out in the box while I wear the vintage.

You can do a search on the Lounge and read alot more on what has been said about orsalino's modern quality.

Thanks Matt.I have been reading a few here and there.So many posts to catch up on!!

JD

 

[Solid Citizen]

Borsalino Vintage

IMO stick to vintage Borsalino's via Ebay.

SC

 

[jamespowers]

I went into a well known haberdasher this morning to try on and admire the new Borsalinos. They had five or six models.I went in wearing my newly aquired Misto.
Seems the quality just isn't close to the vintage hats.Yes,i'm a newbie here as Borsalinos go. When did the quality start to change??Are they ALL made in Italy or are some contracted out ??
I would think that for the high price tags i saw today ($195-265),the quality would be better.The models i saw had no inside liners or leather headbands.They were the Como and the Florence models.

Inquiring mind wants to know.

JD

Ah, there is nothing like experience to teach one the difference. Pretty lousy stuff on the shelf eh?
The Borsalino family no longer owns Borsalino. They sold it in the 1980s so there would be about my cut off point for Borsalino quality hats. The Allesandria factory was also closed and their production was moved to Asti if memory serves me correctly. They are more interested in franchising the Borsalino name for everything from umbrellas to ties nowadays. That doesn't exactly inspire confidence. They supposedly have a deal with Toyo Hats in Tokyo that allows them to produce hats under franchise. Yeah that should be a great hat. :eusa_doh:
For that kind of money you saw, go custom. You get much more quality for the buck.

Regards,

J

 

[moustache]

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/images/smilies/eusa_clap.gif Thanks!!!

Ah, there is nothing like experience to teach one the difference. Pretty lousy stuff on the shelf eh?
The Borsalino family no longer owns Borsalino. They sold it in the 1980s so there would be about my cut off point for Borsalino quality hats. The Allesandria factory was also closed and their production was moved to Asti if memory serves me correctly. They are more interested in franchising the Borsalino name for everything from umbrellas to ties nowadays. That doesn't exactly inspire confidence. They supposedly have a deal with Toyo Hats in Tokyo that allows them to produce hats under franchise. Yeah that should be a great hat. :eusa_doh:
For that kind of money you saw, go custom. You get much more quality for the buck.

Regards,

J

I have been going through older posts (whew!!There were 20 pages of Borsalino posts!!I have a long night ahead of me
Thanks for the info J. Seems in today's instant gratification society and Walmart mentality,it is getting tougher to find well made products.Not to say that items from the far-east and other areas cannot be well made.But,more often then not,they are not.
So i will continue to look for vintage Borsalino. I know it is a gamble as e-prey can be.But only bid on what you can stand to lose.A shame ,isn't it?
I have A Borsa Misto,Homburg(Nero) and a Savona/Mombasa from ???The original price is still inside the leather liner and it says $65.Maybe 50's.
Came from a Baltimore dealer.Stingy brim and 6-7/8" and brown.

Ooooooo this is so much fun!And addicting!!

JD

 

[jamespowers]

Ooooooo this is so much fun!And addicting!!

JD

Yep, tell me about it.

Regards,

J

 

[jeboat]

Borsalino quality

It has been my experience that the new Borsies are over priced and of mediocre quality. I checked them out in Italy last year and they are at least as expensive as here.

If you really want a top quality fedora have one of the custom hat makers that post here on the Lounge make you one to order. For under $300.00 you can get a custom hand made 100% beaver hat that fits you perfectly, in style and in size.

Of course, the other option is to scour Ebay for a vintage Borsie or even a Stetson from the 30's or 40's. Remember that if you do get a vintage fedora you will probably have to get it cleaned and blocked which adds about $50.00-60.00 to the price.

jeboat

 

[moustache]

Thanks

It has been my experience that the new Borsies are over priced and of mediocre quality. I checked them out in Italy last year and they are at least as expensive as here.

If you really want a top quality fedora have one of the custom hat makers that post here on the Lounge make you one to order. For under $300.00 you can get a custom hand made 100% beaver hat that fits you perfectly, in style and in size.

Of course, the other option is to scour Ebay for a vintage Borsie or even a Stetson from the 30's or 40's. Remember that if you do get a vintage fedora you will probably have to get it cleaned and blocked which adds about $50.00-60.00 to the price.

jeboat

Thanks for the information.Always wondered about whether the Italian models were the same.Others have echoed the exact feelings.I was amazed at hoe "cheap" they feel.Not to say that someone would not appreciate a newer Borsa.just that after buying my first couple vintage Borsas,nothing comes close.The custom made hat is a good idea but just way too expensive for me now.
Maybe when i win that lottery!!
In the man time,ebay and Goodwill are always a fine place to try.

JD Moostache