Derbies, Homburgs and Fedoras

[Pompidou]

Since I've opted to go the route of an Art Fawcett hat, I've been thinking pretty hard about my options. I know that the only difference between a porkpie and a fedora is just the way the crown is shaped, so anyone who can make one can make either, it seems. I was curious how bowlers and homburgs fit in. It looks like bowlers and homburgs have special brims. I guess bowlers are hard as well. I don't have either a bowler or a homburg yet, and, while the desire to expand my categories of hat ownership doesn't trump my desire for a one of a kind, handmade hat, it's something I'd be silly not to consider. Any input? Would a fedora maker shake his head at a request for a homburg? A derby? My guess is yes, as I'd never expect the same block that makes a ten gallon hat to make a top hat, but I don't know.

 

[rlk]

Since I've opted to go the route of an Art Fawcett hat, I've been thinking pretty hard about my options. I know that the only difference between a porkpie and a fedora is just the way the crown is shaped, so anyone who can make one can make either, it seems. I was curious how bowlers and homburgs fit in. It looks like bowlers and homburgs have special brims. I guess bowlers are hard as well. I don't have either a bowler or a homburg yet, and, while the desire to expand my categories of hat ownership doesn't trump my desire for a one of a kind, handmade hat, it's something I'd be silly not to consider. Any input? Would a fedora maker shake his head at a request for a homburg? A derby? My guess is yes, as I'd never expect the same block that makes a ten gallon hat to make a top hat, but I don't know.

The stiff dress hats(Derby/Bowler, Top Hat, etc.) are a particular specialty with some different skills and a more precise shaping to the head. Some hatters may or may not have the required skills, knowledge and/or equipment.

 

[Pompidou]

Cool, I think I'll shoot for a homburg. I don't have one yet anyway.