Borsalino vs. Borsalino Doria

[Lafont]

Regarding straight Borsalino caps vs. those in the Borsalino Doria or Borsalino Doria Gruppo line I note the former tend to be more expensive (neither is exactly cheap) but it is a bit confused in that some of the sellers of Dorias seem to intentionally not mention the line in their descriptions.
Just spoke with a salesman and the marvelous JJ Hat Center on Fifth Avenue in NY, where I purchased my last Borsalino (cap) in 2001 and inquired about this. They apparently have both types of Borsalinos. He is a long-term salesman there; he said he sees no difference in quality or workmanship - probably a matter of different materials and/or made in different places. Hmmmm....
I also asked him about my uncertainty as to wool vs. cashmere in wearability or warmth for a men's cold weather cap and he stated he also sees no appreciable difference.
When I got my wonderful cap there in '01 I don't believe I had seen any "Doria" caps anywhere.
Can anyone share any more information on these topics? Are all Borsalinos supposed to be made in Italy again? The first Borsalino I bought (a black fedora), I was sort of sorry to find out, was made in the U.S. during a short period when Borsalino had an arrangement with a U.S. hat manufacturer.

 

[denimdestroyedmylife]

I found a thread elsewhere about the Doria line and they seemed to have detangled the issue well. I have a linen Doria cap for the spring/summer seasons. No complaints whatsoever with regards to quality. The fit is great, I find I am in between sizes in Christys. Off topic but for fall/winter, Wiggens has monopolized my crown.

 

[Lafont]

These are the top three hat companies I've been considering for my latest cap purchase, but after trying on scores at many a place, as usual, I just settled on the Brooks Brothers all-cashmere ivy. Originally costs far more but I waited for the 50% off sale beginning today. Hope it lasts at least as long as the Borsalino I'm replacing (almost 8 years, to the day). To my inquiries regarding cashmere vs. wool the salesman said the cashmere should be warmer but is "more delicate." When I pressed for further information, such as how it is in the snow, he just suggested how I should dry it off - but the same as with wool. As for cleaning, he had no special info. to contribute. I do, after all, go with these hats to our excellent hat shop which specializes in cleaning hats.

 

[dkzzzz]

Originally Posted by denimdestroyedmylife

I found a thread elsewhere about the Doria line and they seemed to have detangled the issue well.
I have a linen Doria cap for the spring/summer seasons. No complaints whatsoever with regards to quality. The fit is great, I find I am in between sizes in Christys.

Off topic but for fall/winter, Wiggens has monopolized my crown.

Wiggens indeed has the best style, if you don't want to look like a British retiree.

 

[denimdestroyedmylife]

^ my wiggens newsboy cap has hidden earflaps! i was debating the merits of a F/W weight Borsalino vs. the wiggens and the earflaps tipped the scales

 

[dkzzzz]

I personally don't like ear flaps as a style, but when Hudson's winds blow I relent.
The visor curved shape and proportion to the rest of the cap makes it the most stylish cap I have seen. Sort of retro looking and youngish as I already mentioned.
I bought two. Fall version in black ribbed cotton and Winter version in grey Harris Tweed.
I love them.

 

[denimdestroyedmylife]

mine is harris tweed

frankly, i only use the earflaps on the coldest days, and only when i have the hood of my parka up, or if no one is around

very high can-collector vibe with the earflaps down

(they do fold up and into the cap so they are invisible when not in use)

 

[chas]

I was in Italy over the holiday and I was bummed to find that the Borsalino factory store in Alessandria was closed. However, I did go to the Borsalino retail store in Alessandria and they had an amazing selection. I picked up a newsboy for myself and a more traditional hat as a gift.

 

[Lafont]

The Wigens hats I've tried on also had the flaps. I don't care for the look but if I wore the hat under my duffel coat hood they wouldn't be seen. It's funny but I tried on a Wigens in our Nordstrom's and it was actually more comfortable with the flaps tucked in than with them down. All I could figure out is that there was some sort of uncomfortable rough material, like some elastic, set within the hat and the flaps, when up, covered it up. I remember Wigens with the flaps because I associate the flaps with the cold winters of Sweden, but actually Cleveland, Ohio is colder than parts of that county.

 

[Lafont]

Now I got a Wigens - at one of my very good men's stores and at 30% off (though I think they gave the retail price as higher than some other stores would....).
One thing that sold me was the warmth - great for my waiting for buses and walking in this kind of weather. Definitely a heavier hat than my wool/cashmere Luigi Brini, with the flaps and all. Yes, the flaps surely make it warmer even when within. I like the sewed visor (or whatever it's called) - very neat. I was noticing the design balance on the LB isn't that perfect, though many expensive, high quality caps are also asymetrical. Not considered imporant, apparently, as it might with a shirt, sweater, etc. Not quite as good with my Burberry scarf but it's okay, and would be good both both duffel coats - great. Now I hope I can return the LB, and I don't really want a due bill with this almost entirely hat store. The place where I got the Wigens also has a "final sale" policy, but the guy said I could buy something else, and they've got lots of great ties, etc.

 

[Lafont]

This new cap seems to be meticulously woven. It's Harris Tweed and was woven in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, the label says. I notice tiny, extremely delicate threads coming out of the fabric (no, not like what became of my Borsalino cap after many years of steady cold-season wear) - all part of the show, no doubt. I tried one some Irish caps a few weeks ago and they seemed similar - heavy wool and seemed very warm. Perhaps flaps, too. Less money, though.

 

[Lafont]

I now purchased another Borsalino wool cap at an antique shop, and this one has the "Doria" label. Made in Italy. Looks in excellent condition and well made - the newboy type with the button. Very nice tweed. Someone above said he spoke with someone who straightened out where the "Doria" fits in but I don't see what he found out! Meanwhile, I guess I'll go with what that JJ Hat Center guy said to me way back - Doria is not an inferior line. If anyone would like to add to this thread, which I started way back in 2007, please be my guest. Thanks.