Men's Hats: A Discussion Thread, Questions, Opinions, Suggestions...

[the honor roll]

Nick's hats are interesting but I think I will stick with Graham at Optimo.

I would agree with you on that point. While there's definitely an audience for Nick Fouquet hats, and a growing interest in that aesthetic, they wouldn't go well with my own style; that said, the process was really interesting to watch for myself, and there's tons of talent and creativity going on in that shop that I wanted to share.

Thanks for the head's up on Optimo!

 

[Orgetorix]

So, his business model is:

- Make beautiful hat
- Destroy beautiful hat
- Sell destroyed hat for more than beautiful hat

Got it.

 

[dopey]

^ If you are referring to the setting on fire, that is part of the process of making a good hat. It is a way to smooth the felt after sanding. It is not destroying the hat.

 

[Orgetorix]



^ If you are referring to the setting on fire, that is part of the process of making a good hat. It is a way to smooth the felt after sanding. It is not destroying the hat.

Singeing is a standard part of making a good hat.

This:

Rubin continues with the current order. After draping the hat with clouds of steam, its felt brim is flat, and the crown fresh. He adds a few sprays of liquid, then proceeds to burn away perfection. The hat is engulfed in a rich flame, leaving parts blackened.

is not. Nor is crushing and wrinkling the crown, or fraying the edges.

 

[dopey]

oh. I didn't know he was doing that.

 

[Joe K]



What is this style of hat called? I'm looking for something to wear in colder months (specifically rain and snow) with a smaller brim. I have a straw trilby I wear in summer to the beach and vacation, and large brim hats don't look good on me IMO.

Looks like a wool cadet / newsboy mix.

 

[Tried and True]

^

It's got a 'Greek fisherman' vibe to it.

 

[Thin White Duke]

Latest acquisition from City Hats on Houston in New York - stingy snap brim in my favourite colour blue ...

 

[ClarenceGivon]

The different style and design on men's hat are so hot today's fashion. I remember what my grandpa said the fashion is all same only a lilttle changes but vintage design is unique.

 

[mcarthur]

optimo oxblood fedora

 

[stephentakesatrip]

Borsalino Sisal care and cleaning?


I bought a Borsalino Sisal hat at 'The Hatter' (almost 100 years old?) in Toronto.

It was, um, towards the price of a pair of shoes.

And, I've worn it on a hot day. A very hot day. How can I say this gently? The band and adjacent area now have a "sweat stain".

I've been reading online, asked the local dry cleaner, and - there is no repair or cleaning possibility? I guess I'll chalk this up to experience if that's the case.

I hope one of the hat veterans here can advise. Thanks!

 

[deadAngle]

If the HAT MATERIAL is visibly stained, you can give the hat a bath in naptha if you remove the sweatband, liner, and ribbon first. Sweatband and liner stains don't really matter. You can also try wetting the entire HAT MATERIAL with distilled water to see if it makes the stains less prominent.

 

[Tried and True]



If the felt is visibly stained. .

Sisal is a type of straw.

 

[Tried and True]



The band and adjacent area now have a "sweat stain".

To be clear, are you referring to the ribbon on the outside of the hat?

 

[stephentakesatrip]

To be clear, are you referring to the ribbon on the outside of the hat?

Yes, the ribbon around the outside of the hat, and also the adjacent area on the brim.

Sisal, I gather, is an agave plant derived fiber: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisal

Poking around the hat, the body is sisal, with an exterior fabric ribbon and bow. The interior has another band, much more substantial, darker, heavier, more substantial fabric. And there is an internal interior bow. Behind this band is a smaller lighter more flexible band - and behind that - a couple of structural placements and a (just discovered) paper note about the hat model.

Thank you, I appreciate the response.