Side By Side/ Hat Comparisons

[mikespens]

This comparison can only be described as drool worthy.

 

[Garrett]

I concur :eusa_clap

 

[Brad Bowers]

As much as I love the blue Dobbs, the shade of green on that Mallory has me turning all shades of green with envy! That's just about the perfect green hat. Wow.

Brad

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks... glad you enjoyed the side by side. The heather felt is good at masking minor stains such as drool.

 

[ManofKent]

Thanks... glad you enjoyed the side by side. The heather felt is good at masking minor stains such as drool.

Good to know as I'm drooling too

 

[randooch]

I concur :eusa_clap

+1

Superb stuff, Alan.

 

[Mystic]

Like the Sound of Music song, "Something Good" says....

Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good.....

Alan, you must have done something REALLY good to acquire those hats, in that condition, in your size.....

Fantastic!! The blue Dobbs is my favorite....but, it would be tough to pick one if I had them in hand.

 

[g.durand]

These can't match Alan's rare showing today, but it's worth a comparison of two hats that are similar in many ways.

L: Stetson Stratoliner R: Borsalino, Alessandria style. There is nothing stamped on the sweat to indicate the model, but all indications are that's what it is. The Borso is lighter and the felt is just a bit thinner. The Strat has a reeded sweatband and the Borso is unreeded. They are very similar with regard to pliability and hand. Crown heights are very close, about 5 1/2-5 3/4 inches, brim widths are the same at 2 3/4 inches.

Top: Borsalino Bottom: Stratoliner

 

[splintercellsz]

Alan, absolutely gorgeous. That green is on point!

G, great post! Both hats are stunning

 

[Mystic]

Really nice pair of thin ribbons, GD

 

[ManofKent]

:arated:

Really nice pair of thin ribbons, GD

 

[alanfgag]

Very nice post, G.D... it would be a great comparison to expand to other manufacturers too.

 

[alanfgag]

The Model T

The derby (bowler) hat might be compared to the Ford Model T. It was a style of universal acceptance, worn by every man as a civilian uniform during the era of the Model T (1908 to 1927). Any color you need, as long as it's black (not exactly, but close). If you've ever found a derby that fits you well, you know that it is a hat of uncommon comfort. No soft floppy parts to catch the wind, in fact a derby cuts through a stiff breeze without needing a wind cord to keep it from taking flight. A beautifully balanced design and a pleasure to wear.

I've owned quite a few - sold some, given others to my wife's costume shop. The five that remain in my collection are favorites and though only one is a perfect fit, I can wear them all. A quick glance shows them to be identical, but of course, in closer examination one can enjoy the subtle nuances of changing fashion. I've ordered this display by the amount of curl in the brim - from least to most. Dating is guesswork only, but I believe this order is roughly chronological as well. The first hat is the latest - 1930s somewhere and the last is the oldest - perhaps made near the introduction of the model T. The others are most likely from the 1920s. The Lord & Taylor private label has a 2 1/8" brim, the Brown & Batchelder 1 5/8". The others all sport a 1 7/8" brim. Crown heights on all are similar - close to 5". The early B&B has no ribbon bow and uses a different method of brim binding than the others. The C&K has a suspended sweatband design that is an inventive attempt to simplify a good fit in a hat that cannot be tweaked on a stretcher. But all in all, they follow a classic form that was a workhorse and worked beautifully.

 

[alanfgag]

 

[ManofKent]

That's a great comparison Alan. It shows how a bowler is a bowler, but they're not all the same nicely

 

[splintercellsz]

Wonderful write up, Alan!!

 

[1mach1]

Alan, that is a phenomenal post. Those bowlers are in excellent shape!

 

[countryclubjoe]

WOW Alan, super!

I want a bowler in my collection and real soon.

Thank you and best regards.

CCJ

 

[TheDane]

Magnificent comparison - and not least hats! Great work, Alan. I so wish I had the testosterone factories to wear a bowler [huh]

 

[alanfgag]

I so wish I had the testosterone factories to wear a bowler [huh]

I've always wanted one too but all I got for Christmas was a black hat.