Hat Question

[Txmason]

I found this felt fedora hat. What do you all know about the material it is made out of etc. and if it's a good buy or if there is a better suggestion:


Home » Fedora Hats » Fedora Hats Priced $60 - $100 » Bailey Curtis Hat
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Bailey Curtis Hat


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Code: 7005
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Bailey Curtis is a Litefelt(R) hat in the Casual Felt Hat Collection. The brim is 2 1/2" worn turned-down all the way-around. The crown has a low-profile and with a pinch. Bailey uses leading technology to produce Litefelt(R); a water repellent felt made of 100% wool. Soft and packable, with memory, Litefelt(R) hats spring back to their original shape. The Curtis is trimmed with a grosgrain hat band and a small Bailey pin. Made in USA.

Price: $62.00
Sale Price: $57.50

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[MisterGrey]

It's lightweight wool. It may be a very fine looking hat, but if it gets wet, it's shot. I've had a few before. They're very nice hats in terms of appearance and, to a lesser degree, some utility, but don't expect them to last the way that a beaver/rabbit fur hat would. Also, the price is a total ripoff. I've never paid more than $25 for a wool.

 

[Txmason]

Mr. Grey thank you! What can you recommend instead? I am
looking for my first fedora. I sure could use the help. Where in Texas are you from?

 

[RBH]

Brother... come to FedoraFest IV I am on the square when I say we will fix you up!

 

[Txmason]

That sounds wonderful! But I can't afford to fly to TN. I wish I could! Any other suggestions?


QUOTE=RBH;1401176]Brother... come to FedoraFest IV I am on the square when I say we will fix you up![/QUOTE]

 

[jbucklin]

Mr. Grey thank you! What can you recommend instead? I am
looking for my first fedora. I sure could use the help. Where in Texas are you from?

Txmason where in Texas are you from?

 

[MisterGrey]

Mr. Grey thank you! What can you recommend instead? I am
looking for my first fedora. I sure could use the help. Where in Texas are you from?

I'd say a wool is fine for a first fedora, if you're on a budget and don't intend to wear it in the rain or the driving snow. They're inexpensive and fairly easy to come by in places that experience cold weather; several different stores carry them regularly during winter seasons. If you want to save up and purchase a real "workhorse" hat, you're going to want something made out of fur (beaver or rabbit); they're long-lasting and can take a hefty soaking without being ruined. They can also be re-shaped at will through steaming, another advantage over wool hats (which will just warp on you the way they would if exposed to heavy rain/snow).

There are multiple choices, with the prices rising dependent upon several factors (brand being one of them). Several Fedora lounge members swear by Akubra, a relatively inexpensive brand that lingers around ~$100 dependent upon the exchange rate for US to Australian dollars. I have no personal experience with the brand, so I cannot say anything for it myself, though the number of individuals who have had positive experiences with the Akubra speaks to a certain brand-name-reliability. Some loungers will tell you that a given article of clothing is only as good as the number of digits on the price tag, a point of view which myself and other loungers are not entirely supportive.

If you have an average sized head, another option is to seek out vintage hats on eBay; you can oftentimes find smaller/medium-range sizes for less than a new hat would run you. There are also "budget" fur fedoras, which have varying advantages/disadvantages. I have some hands-on experience with Scala's fur felt hats; the one I had had a rather flimsly band that was about as thick as a tissue and a severe taper to it that didn't let me slide my entire head into the hat. However, I have heard many positive things about Stefano hats, though I don't believe all of their models come with liners-- a potential problem if you sweat a lot, as the lack of a liner makes the hat more conducive to being discolored.

There are several threads here to check out regarding various hat brands, as well as links to different online retailers offering a variety of brands at a variety of prices. I would encourage you to check them out and come to an informed decision.

 

[Txmason]

What do you know about optimo hats? What are their prices and are they a good choice?

 

[Txmason]

Jbucklin

I am from Montgomery. About an hour from Houston. I know Miller Hats is close but I talked to them today and although they were helpful. I'm just not sure where to get the best help. I had a hat cleaned shaped extra that was given to me. While its nice it's too small for my face. I asked the guy who did it how much a fedora style straw hat would be and he said about $175.00. For me I thought that was a bit much. Plus I checked out mypanamahats.com and the lady wasn't much help. So I'm not sure. Wish I had a hat buddy. someone to guide me through the hat process.

Jerry

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Since you live in Texas, you may want to check out the Stetson outlet. I'm not sure where it is, and I know it's a big state, but that's one suggestion. Stetson does quite a bit more than western hats, after all. That would be for a felt hat. Not the best fedoras, but not a bad place to start. http://www.millerhats.com/ has some nice starters, too.

If you want a good starter felt that will really take the elements, I suggest an Akubra. The Federation IV and the Campdraft are great, found here; http://hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?group=Fedora+Hats. Don't let the overseas shipping scare you. Even with shipping, the price is hard to beat for you'll get.

For a starter straw, check out Millers choices and also http://www.panamas.biz/ (this would be 'Panama Bob' who is a member here). You don't really have to spend much more that $50 to get a decent straw. At least, I don't think so. And aim under $125 for felt to start. That would be my recommendation.

You mentioned Optimo - Good stuff, but very pricey. Fully custom, and a good choice if you really know what you like and can pay the price.

 

[jbucklin]

Wish I had a hat buddy. someone to guide me through the hat process.

Jerry, you've got lots of hat buddies now.

If you're ever in the Dallas area, check out the Hatco outlet in Garland. PM me and maybe I could meet you there since I live about 3 miles from the outlet.

Jason

 

[Txmason]

Jason,

Thank you so much for the offer! I might just do that next time I head up to Dallas. I will be sure and let you know ahead of time. I do need a hat buddy! Never shop for a lid alone!