Hat Quality

[Kangfish]

Hi all. I'm new here and new to "real" hats. I'm wondering what the general opinion of Scala hats is. Different subject but I have one hat that the brim wont stay snapped down on in the front. It wants to keep snapping back up. I've tried keeping it down with a little weight but it pops back up after a little while. Haven't tried wetting it yet. Thanks - John

 

[gtdean48]

Is it a Scala wool or fur felt? Scala is a produced by Dorfman-Pacific I think which I hear comes out of China(?)

 

[Kangfish]

It is fur felt. Thanks

 

[J.T.Marcus]

I had a DP 100% wool hat, years ago. Aside from shrinking over time, it was a durable hat which lasted several years (and a couple of washings).
I have seen and touched a fur felt Scala (at Peters Bros. in Fort Worth, I believe). You could do worse in a hat.

As for being made in China, Indycop has owned several Jaxon furs (Made in China), and though he hasn't said much about them lately, he used to have good remarks about their value.

 

[Kangfish]

Thanks for the input. Since I only paid $25 for it new and got a good fit I guess I didn't do too bad. I just have an adversion to cheap stuff. It's grey, so now I need a black one and maybe brown or taupe. What about the lack of snap in the brim? Thanks again. - John

 

[gtdean48]

If it is fur felt, then you can use some steam to soften the felt, then shape the brim & let in cool it the shape you want it. You can probably do it with room temp water as well. I use distilled water in a spray bottle.

 

[Kangfish]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try cold water first. And yes it is made in China. Says so on the back of the size tag but other than the liner being spot glued in it seems to be of pretty fair quality. Even has a wind trolly. I guess time will tell 'cause I don't baby hats. I use them for hats as I think it is intended. - John

 

[Dewhurst]

Scala hats run a fair gamut, as far as quality is concerned. From the incredibly affordable to some decent fur felt fedoras. Hats are not always manufactured for Scala in the same places. Sometimes China, sometimes Italy, occasionally elsewhere.