PabloElFlamenco
Practically Family
- Messages
- 581
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- near Brussels, Belgium
Just chanced upon this wonderful thread...
Most important is
The felt - should be soft, almost velvety, at the touch, supple; one should be able to bash it using just fingers or a single karate chop with the back of the hand; and keep that bash. No steam, less shellac.
The sweatband - should be supple leather, reeded, and mounted in such a way as to not promote contact between the sweat and the felt.
All stitching should be ...perfect, especially if visible.
It should have a nice liner (but that is a minor consideration).
All the rest is a question of style, personal preference.
I have one hat that meets, well -originally met- these qualifications: "1940" Real Nutria John B. Stetson ... large cowboy hat. The felt is incredible: bash at will! The leather sweatband is pretty much toast...
Cheers,
Paul
Most important is
The felt - should be soft, almost velvety, at the touch, supple; one should be able to bash it using just fingers or a single karate chop with the back of the hand; and keep that bash. No steam, less shellac.
The sweatband - should be supple leather, reeded, and mounted in such a way as to not promote contact between the sweat and the felt.
All stitching should be ...perfect, especially if visible.
It should have a nice liner (but that is a minor consideration).
All the rest is a question of style, personal preference.
I have one hat that meets, well -originally met- these qualifications: "1940" Real Nutria John B. Stetson ... large cowboy hat. The felt is incredible: bash at will! The leather sweatband is pretty much toast...
Cheers,
Paul