Another fedora care question

[Mysterion]

I recently acquired a nice (I think) fur felt hat, a Biltmore with the President finish--it's kind of an homage to my father, who died leaving a fantastic accumulation of fine hats, all too small for me. (I kept his Cavanagh Homburg, for sentimental reasons.)

My question is simple: Can this hat safely be worn in the rain? I know the Deep Hat Geeks at Fedora Lounge practically recommend bathing in a fur felt hat, but I was advised otherwise by the salesperson (a milliner, who's been doing this for decades.) I called Biltmore Hats, and they confirmed that the hat is one of their better qualities of fur felt, but they cautioned against wearing it in actual weather, expressing concern that rain could "spoil the finish" on the hat.

I'm perfectly happy if the hat gains some "character" from light-medium rain (or heavier soaking,) but I'm not interested in ruining it completely.

Input, gents? OK to wear in light rain? Heavier downpours? Keep it dry and precious? (Which seems rather to defeat the purpose of a hat...)

 

[Sparafucile]

Wow! I've never heard of that recommendation! I'm in my 60s, so I've been wearing fur-felt hats for years, and never get them wet. I'll be curious to read what others think.

 

[luvmysuper]

I have a few high end fur felt hats and wear them in all weather.
Having said that - I also use an umbrella for any weather that would get me (my clothes) wet.
If it is "misty" I don't worry about it and don't use an umbrella, and if it is "raining" I use one.
In short, If it is wet enough to get my clothes uncomfortably damp, I wouldn't wear my hat in it without protection.

 

[flylot]

I usually have a "brollie" when it rains. However, my "go to" hat is a silver belly Open Road that I've got drenched many times when out in"the field". I simply let it dry naturally and brush is clean. It has "character" but also looks no worse for wear. It is probAbly forty years old by now...

I figure if it's beaver or nutria.....well, they do live in water......rabbit blends I think wouldn't hold up as well. I've been told the newer blended pelts have a problem with the dyes running when wet.

 

[Zarniwoop]

Wear it in the rain but not really heavy rain. Make sure that when the hat is wet let it dry naturally and do not use heat on it.
I actually have a specific hat just for wet weather.
Also when a hat is wet you can use that as an opportunity to shape it the way you like.

 

[Topgumby]

I'm thinking that men from first four decades of the last century would find the idea of an electronic message center where men of the future obsess over lotions, potions and vintage shaving notions, and the ability of animal fur hats to survive in the rain to be somewhat...amusing.

 

[luvmysuper]

I'm thinking that men from first four decades of the last century would find the idea of an electronic message center where men of the future obsess over lotions, potions and vintage shaving notions, and the ability of animal fur hats to survive in the rain to be somewhat...amusing.

I'd agree that Cagney would get a laugh out of it.
But I'll lay you odds there was a hatter on that film set crew with blocks handy!!

I don't mind them getting wet, but I don't need the headache that's associated with a soaking wet hat. I don't have a hat block or anything to prevent it from drying in an odd shape from its own weight while sitting and drying, regardless of how careful you are.

Is that still from "The Public Enemy "? (The same film where he shoves the grapefruit into his girlfriends face?)

 

[Topgumby]

" ... I didn't ask you for any lip. I asked you if you had a drink."

Yeah, that's the one.

I've had my Akubra and Resistol both get stupid wet, and they recovered just fine. The one issue I've had was with the brim on the Akubra taking a wave, and that was quickly resolved with some steam from a tea kettle.

If I was a coat and tie guy on a regular basis, I might want to keep a fedora in like new condition to go with a suit, but my hats are more blue collar than high fashion, and I think the character they get from a little exposure to the fairly regular Seattle rain suits me.

The wearer is getting a little chewed up and weatherbeaten, so the hat should match.

Maybe I'll be looking like Fred Dobbs before too long...

 

[Mysterion]

....men from first four decades of the last century would find the idea of an electronic message center where men of the future obsess over... the ability of animal fur hats to survive in the rain to be somewhat...amusing.

I'm inclined to agree, but I know nothing about the manufacture of hats new or old, what kinds of dyes or sizings might be used, etc. In general, I try to balance utility and preservation with my few, nice things; but I like to understand them, and solicit a variety of viewpoints, before I form my own. (For instance, I ride my handmade steel bikes in the rain and snow, because that's what they're made for. But I take care of the mechanics, and keep them clean and dry when they're idle.)

...I'd agree that Cagney would get a laugh out of it...Is that still from "The Public Enemy "?

Think so. Didn't it end with a shoot-out in the rain?

...I actually have a specific hat just for wet weather...

Enabler.

Thanks for all the input, gents.