Looking for a hat...

[AndrewGWU]

I am a 23 year old guy who is looking for my first fedora . The only hat I have currently is an old CC Filson Tin Cloth Packer Hat which I wear when I am trout fishing, outdoors, etc. I have, however, developed a desire to get a nicer hat that I can wear in more public places that isn't so rugged looking. I typically wear khakis and a button up shirt in fall/winter and sometimes jeans/khaki shorts in the summer when not working with a polo shirt. I am hunting something that will look nice with these, is a quality hat, but that will not break the bank being that I am in graduate school and have a limited income until I finish in a few months. It will probably get most of its wear on weekends.

I was thinking about a straw fedora for right now since it is starting to warm up some and the next few months will be getting pretty warm here. If I like it I will probably purchase a fur one going into fall. I just wanted to throw a post out here to look for any suggestions as far as hats, brands, where to buy, etc....

Thanks for the assistance... hopefully I am not at the starting point of a new AD.

 

[Spivey]

I suggest that you have a look at Miller Hats.

I've purchased several hats from them and visited their B&M, they have great hats and wonderful service.

 

[AndrewGWU]

Thanks for the link!

Any other recommendations? Any particular hats (straw)?

 

[Spivey]

Thanks for the link!

Any other recommendations? Any particular hats (straw)?

Well, it seems as though I know someone that has a Stetson Panama for sale...

Personally, I've stopped wearing my fedoras and just stick with flat caps and baseball caps.

Miller has plenty of Stetson, Borsalino and other makers. Their "store" brand hats look nice, too!

 

[AndrewGWU]

Well, it seems as though I know someone that has a Stetson Panama for sale...

Personally, I've stopped wearing my fedoras and just stick with flat caps and baseball caps.

Miller has plenty of Stetson, Borsalino and other makers. Their "store" brand hats look nice, too!

I noticed that... and I think its my size too! It is an amazing looking hat. However, my wife would kill me if I spent that much on my first one and then decided I didn't like wearing them that much. I was hoping to find something "entry level" in the $50 range.

 

[Spivey]

I noticed that... and I think its my size too! It is an amazing looking hat. However, my wife would kill me if I spent that much on my first one and then decided I didn't like wearing them that much. I was hoping to find something "entry level" in the $50 range.

Look around for a "travel" hat. They tend to be wool felt and crush-able. Should be around $30-50.

 

[alaskamcghee]

Straw? I am not sure about straw but a good place for Panama hats is http://www.panamahatsdirect.com/ if you are looking for something on a budget the Cuenca hats are good. I have ordered form them and found it a nice experience.

With that being said I am not a big fan of the Panama/Straw hat. I much prefer a good felt hat any day. If you want the best bag for buck go for an Akubra. Its an Australian brand that is made to last and withstand the elements. http://www.hatsdirect.com/ and http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/ are both really good places to order from. If you order from Everything Australian just call up to make sure they have the item you want in stock. It will cost you about $130 US right now but if you watch the currency you may be able to get it for cheaper. Earlier this year it was about $100 US shipped.

My two cents worth.

Johnny

 

[AndrewGWU]

Straw? I am not sure about straw but a good place for Panama hats is http://www.panamahatsdirect.com/ if you are looking for something on a budget the Cuenca hats are good. I have ordered form them and found it a nice experience.

With that being said I am not a big fan of the Panama/Straw hat. I much prefer a good felt hat any day. If you want the best bag for buck go for an Akubra. Its an Australian brand that is made to last and withstand the elements. http://www.hatsdirect.com/ and http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/ are both really good places to order from. If you order from Everything Australian just call up to make sure they have the item you want in stock. It will cost you about $130 US right now but if you watch the currency you may be able to get it for cheaper. Earlier this year it was about $100 US shipped.

My two cents worth.

Johnny

Thanks for the information... I don't really know what would be best, I just figured a straw/Panama would be best for the summer time, or at least cooler. That's why I started this thread, so I can find these things out.

 

[alaskamcghee]

Ok some general information. Panama hats are made in Ecuador by hand. there is generally two types of panama hats Cuenca and Monticristi

Cuenca are looser weave hats that are quicker to make (why its less expensive) lots of space in the weave to let air flow threw the hat. If you are wearing a hat for its sun blocking ability this is not the best option.

Monticristi are a lot tighter weave hats and can take up to a few months to make one hat (making it more expensive) with the weave being tighter it may not let air flow all so it may be hotter on you head. It also blocks more light.

If you are in a dry climate it may dry out your hat so you may need to add moisture form time to time. (in the bathroom while you shower). If you get it wet in a rain storm it may ruin your hat.

With that being said another option is http://www.sunbody.com/ I have been eyeing http://www.sunbody.com/index.cfm/product/68_6/fedora---3quot-brim.cfm but have not pulled the trigger yet. As I say I prefer felt hats. Apparently it is quite durable.

Now I know some people who complain about the heat with felt hats, myself I live in a dry climate that can get temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius in the summer time. I sweat more but I probably would be seating anyway, just with shade.

My two cents worth.

Johnny

 

[D.Irving79]

get a boater. fedoras are really played out.

 

[Spivey]

get a boater. fedoras are really played out.

 

[bald1]

Wouldn't hurt to browse the hat section of http://www.thefedoralounge.com/index.php

Here's an Akubra Riverina

 

[AndrewGWU]

Thanks guys... I just mentioned a fedora because it was the only style I was familiar with. I will go visit the above forum and hopefully learn more. I have a very narrow face so hats that are wide look funny, so I am hunting something not too wide or tall.

 

[luvmysuper]

Thanks guys... I just mentioned a fedora because it was the only style I was familiar with. I will go visit the above forum and hopefully learn more. I have a very narrow face so hats that are wide look funny, so I am hunting something not too wide or tall.

Check the Carson by Bailey.
A very nice Fedora, not a skimpy brim, but not as full brimmed as a Stetson Downs.

And Fedoras NEVER go out of style!!!

http://www.hats-plus.com/

 

[D.Irving79]

And Fedoras NEVER go out of style!!!

bully to you sir.

 

[Spivey]

Thanks guys... I just mentioned a fedora because it was the only style I was familiar with. I will go visit the above forum and hopefully learn more. I have a very narrow face so hats that are wide look funny, so I am hunting something not too wide or tall.

Well, shoot, you might as well have a look at MY favorite hats.

 

[Pioneer]

I've spent hundreds of dollars here:

www.villagehatshop.com

 

[vern]

Check out a Tilley hat.

http://www.tilley.com/home.asp?countryCode=US

 

[Arock]

I wear hats quite frequently and love straw fedoras, panama hats for the summer and fur felt fedoras for the winter. I am 24 so we are about the same age. If I can make one recommendation it is to make sure you try on any panama hat before buying as they can sometimes look a bit too aged for someone in their twenties. Another tip I can give you is to look on GQ's website as they have a feature on hats and matching types of hats to face shapes. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Good luck in your search

 

[bald1]

I've spent hundreds of dollars here:

www.villagehatshop.com

+1 They're great folks to deal with. I won't bore you with the story but they sent me a free hat at one point.