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Borsalino v. Stetson - Page 2

post #16 of 21
1/19/11 at 9:44pm
The Brooks Brothers Stetson model isn't particularly nice. They use 100% rabbit fur, which makes for a looser weave on the hat. Easier to stain, easier to scratch, and easier to break down. If you really want a good hat, get beaver. You should go to a hat shop where they'll block a custom hat for you. It's expensive (200 & up), but absolutely worth it, since the hat is shaped for your head specifically. If you're just looking for something to last a few years, the Brooks Brother-type models are fine, but I have 20-year old hats that still look brand new after I clean them. It's the same as buying good shoes - you pay for heirloom-type quality.
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post #17 of 21
1/21/11 at 12:15am
Thread Starter 
I'm keeping the hat but I maintain Borsalino's are better; I definitely like them better! Thing is this Stetson cost half what a Borsalino usually costs... So it's good for the price.
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post #18 of 21
2/17/11 at 4:56pm
Thread Starter 
Att: all poasters on this thread. I'd love your opinion here. You all seem to know a heck of a lot about hats, so I need your input. I started a new thread because, despite the topics being close, it is a change of topic... Thanks!
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post #19 of 21
5/11/11 at 5:35pm
Nice hats!
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post #20 of 21
9/20/11 at 6:17am

I have a better solution than folded up newspaper under the sweatband.  Buy a roll of 1/4" or 1/2" foam insulation.  Cut a couple of short strips, and place them under the sweatband.  You may have to rearrange or shorten the strips until the fits like you want it.  You do not have to peel off the paper that covers the adhesive, unless you feel like making it permanent.  If you do decide to make it more permanent, place the adhesive to the leather, not the lining.  I've done this for the last several years with great success.    

If however, the sweatband becomes too tight, I have found a solution there too.  I found a nice wooden antique hat stretcher on eBay that is far better, in my opinion, than most I have found.  It has two brass strips that give both the American hat size, or inches as you expand it.  Miller Hat carries them too.  They give instructions how to properly use it, although I found another way that is also more permanent.  I hope this helps someone.

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post #21 of 21
9/20/11 at 6:28am

I'm with Fred H. about the Fedora Lounge and about vintage hats. I have several vintage Borsalino's and a vintage Stetson Stratoliner. From the Fedora Lounge classified section I've acquired a preowned Art Fawcett for less than $150 and several Optimo's in Chicago for about $250-$300 used. Art's style has a higher crown though. My preference is for Optimo fedora's.

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