 Daryl
“Kentucky Blues” Manley explains to us the
difference between a hat and a cap, and what makes a good fedora... |
|
Daryl
“Kentucky Blues” Manley explains to us the
difference between a hat and a cap, and what makes a good fedora... |
| Okay, first it must be
clarified that there is a difference between caps and hats. Hats have brims,
aka something that sticks out and goes all the way around the crown. Caps
either have a bill (sticks out from the front) or nothing. Got it? Good. Now, its pretty much a well known fact that, unless you want to spend the big, triple digit and some change bucks, most modern hats are of lower quality than the hats of, oh, say 1935. But that doesn't mean that good hats aren't to be found! If you want that retro look, the best bet is always going to be a genuine vintage hat, straight out of the era you're trying to capture. Isn't always easy, and your selection is usually limited, but there's alot of them out there. Ebay is the place I've had my only luck, but I assume that there are some thrift shops and vintage stores out there some where thats got something. And various non-auction sites have them too, be it a place that specializes in vintage gear, or the classifieds section of your favorite forum. But when you search and search and can't find that vintage hat that fits your face and screams "golden era!", there are modern alternatives.... Which modern hat you get depends on how much you want to spend. You can get a fur felt hat from anywhere between $60 and $400, albeit a great deal of difference in quality. And as much as I dislike wool felt for the most part, I firmly believe that hats made from this inferior material can be a good starter hat. One of the best places online to find modern hats, be they wool or fur, is Villiage Hat Shop . They have a whole lot of everything, and they keep you up to date on their products. Want that cheap version of the Indiana Jones hat? The have a million of 'em! Want to pretend your Sam Spade? Pick the mid sized brimmed grey hat that fits your wallet! Need a hat to become your trade mark? It's probably there! Now, I must let you in on a little secret. With the exception of the companies that have been around SINCE the golden era of the 30's thru 50's, most hat makers out there try to make their hats to LOOK like that golden era. In other words, they mostly have that style about them that you're probably looking for. Miller Hats, which I believe can be found at millerhats.com, Has almost as good a selection as Village Hat Shop, but they don't have alot of lower priced lids. Well, that is all for now... I'll be adding to this subject in the future, but as of this point in time, I must take my departure. Tune in next time for.... CORPORATE GIANTS THAT MAKE BAD HATS!!!!!!! |
|
These are fedora vendors and craftsman that we fully support... they have proven to The Fedora Chronicles Staff to be excellent in what they do... making and selling products that meet and exceed our high standards. If you would like to share with us your experience with these or other vendors, please let us know by dropping by The Forum.
Peters Brothers Western And Fedora Hats...
|
