So I contacted a local hat dealer on their opinion on my first "real" hat. These were some of their suggestions. What do you think?
Hat Thoughts?
- Thread starter ph33nyx
- Start date
Buy all four and keep the one you like best. Hats must be tried on in person.
If the hat dealer is local, go try them on. Stay with the fur felt if you can as it lasts longer. The wool will shrink and lose its shape over time if it gets wet. The fur felt feels and looks nicer too.
Once you have a feel of a size/style you like, check out ebay for some vintage hats. They tend to much better quality than what you can buy for the same price new. Even if the hat needs some freshening, you can send it out to a place like Optimo in Chicago and it will look like new when they are done with it.
Once you have a feel of a size/style you like, check out ebay for some vintage hats. They tend to much better quality than what you can buy for the same price new. Even if the hat needs some freshening, you can send it out to a place like Optimo in Chicago and it will look like new when they are done with it.
- Thread starter
- #4
If the hat dealer is local, go try them on. Stay with the fur felt if you can as it lasts longer. The wool will shrink and lose its shape over time if it gets wet. The fur felt feels and looks nicer too.
Once you have a feel of a size/style you like, check out ebay for some vintage hats. They tend to much better quality than what you can buy for the same price new. Even if the hat needs some freshening, you can send it out to a place like Optimo in Chicago and it will look like new when they are done with it.
Thanks for the advice! I do like the look of the Northbrook. Another that I found that I liked was the Stetson Downs. The dealer is local, but about 25 miles from where I live.
That looks like Miller Hats. They have a lot of choices in the store. Your best bet is to take a trusted lady friend along.
- Thread starter
- #7
What gave it away? I was trying not to bias opinions on a store name.
There is nothing obscure here on B&B. With 30,000 members, SOMEONE is bound to know everything about what you're posting. Don't worry about it - use it as a chance to check on their reputation, as well.
Happy hat hunting!
They are the only hat store that I know of in Houston and the format looked familiar.
I've ordered hats from them and they are a great vendor. Make sure you get a hat box if you buy a nice hat there. It will save you from a lot of headaches.
- Thread starter
- #10
Ok....That makes sense. It seems like here there is an abundance of western hats stores, and the department stores just carry junk. They were the only one I could find that carried quality hats.
I don't like the price on any of those.
- Thread starter
- #12
Any suggestions?
If you want a quality dress hat, the price is going to be relatively high. If you want to look like you're in the Community Theater production of "Death of a Salesman," then don't go to Miller Hats.
An inexpensive wool hat is a good choice for a first hat. Wear it for a while, and if it suits you, buy the same style/color in fur; if it doesn't, you have not lost a lot of $$$. And yes, try them on in person!
I generally prefer a slightly shorter brim, but if you can go in and try some on you can get a feel for what looks good on you.
- Thread starter
- #16
And where would I find one locally to try on and test the fit & look? I've checked the department stores (Macy's, Dillards, JCPenney, & Neiman's) and didn't see anything I liked.
Pimp daddy,you need some color in your selections.
Aren't there hat shops in your area? There are three or four in NYC that have an extensive selection, plus the better men's/department stores always have a few.
If there aren't, all the more reason to start with a an inexpensive one - you may not like the way it looks on you after you receive it. I generally wear a "C" crown in banker's grey - shaped like the 1154 in your photos, or one like the 1600. Dark grey or black are the most versatile colors...
The 1605 Stlye will give you that "Mad Men" 'dashing and debonaire' look 
(that's why I've always worn Fedoras [black & gray for Winter and Fall], and a Straw for Spring & Summer). 
Christopher
(that's why I've always worn Fedoras [black & gray for Winter and Fall], and a Straw for Spring & Summer). Christopher
- Thread starter
- #20
Well...The swmbo and I got into Miller Hats over the weekend and I was able to try some things on and she was able to pass her judgment. She wasn't too hip on me spending $100+ on my first hat, so I ended up with a grey Scala New Yorker. They didn't have one there, but after we got home she found it online. So, now I just have to wait patiently.
