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

[lefty]

Someone just sent me an Akubra Cattleman and it's stiff as hell. Has anyone had any luck softening one up?

lefty

 

[Salad]

@daizawaguy
Is this bone, silverbelly or something else?

 

[suitedcboy]

Michael Gannon is knocking them out of the park!

 

[suitedcboy]

Someone just sent me an Akubra Cattleman and it's stiff as hell. Has anyone had any luck softening one up?

lefty

Wear and handling will ease the shellac in the felt. Steaming activates the shellac and brings the stiffness back. Wetting also tends to leave the hat firmer once dried. Denatured alcohol can rinse away the shellac but I have done that only on rare occasions and on 100% beaver felt so I am unsure if it is safe universally to try that way.

 

[lefty]

@daizawaguy
Is this bone, silverbelly or something else?

No, I don't think so.

Wear and handling will ease the shellac in the felt. Steaming activates the shellac and brings the stiffness back. Wetting also tends to leave the hat firmer once dried. Denatured alcohol can rinse away the shellac but I have done that only on rare occasions and on 100% beaver felt so I am unsure if it is safe universally to try that way.

That's what I thought. I can work the brim, but first I need to open the inside a little and get a more comfortable fit.

Thanks,
lefty

 

[Calanon]

I'd kind of like to get a flat cap, especially for days where it's a bit too warm to wear a knit cap but I want something on my head. Trying to decide between brown corduroy, navy corduroy (out of stock but can wait), black and grey herringbone, black and grey herringbone with flecks, or wool felt in either grey or navy. Does anyone have any opinions on what I should go for first?

 

[Terrence O'Connor]

The late Bernardo Bertalucci

 

[Randelpink]

I’m officially done accumulating Stetsons. I started off wanting an Open Road or Stratoliner, and even laughed at these oversized novelty shapes. Now, I reach for them every time and the fedoras are dusty!

 

[Salad]

@Randelpink, when you're looking for these old Stetsons, are you looking for the same size you'd wear in a modern one? Do you find that vintage hats size smaller than tag size due to shrinking?

 

[Spideysense]

My Optimo peppered with snow.

 

[Mr. Pink]

My Optimo peppered with snow.

View attachment 1541927

Great looking hat. Love the long haired finish.

 

[Terrence O'Connor]

An oldie fro Polkap, Skoczow Poland. I changed the band a few years ago.

 

[Terrence O'Connor]

Sorry

 

[Jamesbond1]

Anyone here purchased a hat from Hornskov hats? I have ordered one in 100% beaver similar to the picture.

 

[suitedcboy]

I do not have a Hornskov but the number of them owned by Fedora Lounge site members is increasing all the time and they think highly of their hats.