Fedoras in Los Angeles?

Doh · Post by **Doh** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:13 pm

Does anyone know of a good haberdashery in L.A.? I'm looking for an old-fashioned men's shop instead of some place in The Mall that "also" sells hats. Bottom line, I'm looking to buy a genuine fedora (if not necessarily "The" fedora). I made a huge mistake last year and bought one of Disney's Indys... yulk!

Also, is all fur felt more or less waterproof? We don't get much rain here, but when it does I'd like something that won't curl on me.

Lastly, GREAT hats, guys! If I had more use for one, I'd make the plunge myself...

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:24 pm

Have you considered an Akubra or AB? They are both great hats and readily available. I am sure you have read the reviews around here.

I am not from L.A. but know from experience that you can have a hard time trying to find a 'quality' hat shop.

I believe that fur felts are 'more or less' waterproof. Beaver being more than rabbit. My rabbit Akubra has not given me any problem with the rain.

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:40 pm

Doh,
you could try Barons hats ,it is a hat shop located in Burbank that makes custom hats or like Feraud said you can try an AB, which is what I am getting and many others own, or an Akubra.
Best Regards,
Joe
PS: Welcome to C.O.W

Doh · Post by **Doh** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:25 pm

Thanks for the replies (and the welcome). Barons is out of my price range, but another option is to get my correct size at a shop and then order The Fedora online... (just don't tell the shop I visit).

Either way, but the time the 4th film comes out, I want to be ready!

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:36 pm

I ordered my Akubra from Hats Direct and used their sizing chart. The hat fit perfectly when it arrived.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:04 pm

what price range are you looking for?

Doh · Post by **Doh** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:28 pm

Probably want to keep it under $100. That may not be realistic, but I really don't need a high-end one for as little as I'll be wearing it. The Akubra looks promising, though.

Thanks!

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 12:55 am

Doh,
for the money the Akubra looks like a great hat but trust me you will eventually succumb to AB fever

but until then the Akubra will do you nicely.
Best Regards,
Joe

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 9:12 am

Welcome, Doh! If you're trying to keep it under 100 bucks, then the Akubra is your best bet. It's a fine hat. And if you're only after a basic fedora, they've got some choices, to boot. The Akubra Federation is a great choice because it's based on the hats of the 20's and 30's. It also comes open crowned, meaning you get to shape it. You can make it look like an Indy hat or like any other fedora style you want to achieve. You can give it a teardrop, C-dent, telescope bash, whatever. I think you may have some basic color options, too. For what you need, I'd recommend the Akubra.

bink

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 9:18 am

The Akubra Federation has been one of the best fedora's I've ever owned. It was exactly what I was looking for all these years, not too expensive but held up wonderfully.

You have to bash it yourself, then you're on your way.

Yet, on the other hand... if you want a fedora that's made EXACTLY the way they were made during the 1930's and 1940's (by hand) and made by a member of this community who spent his own time and money in perfecting the craft, I would go with an Adventurebuilt.

I have two pages dedicated to Steve's work which you can find on the top of The Daily update on The Fedora Chronicles each day.

Or you can see them Here and There

Regardless, either one you pick will be great.

Welcome to the madness... first drink is on me!

You came for the gear, but you'll stay for the people.

SHARPETOYS · Post by **SHARPETOYS** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:07 am

I agree with Ren. The Akubra Federation with Shipping is $106.00. Adventurebilt is $160.00 including shipping or a difference of $54.00. Is $54.00 worth it to you for a custom made fedora??

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 4:15 pm

Dude, Baron's hats is an old-fashioned hatter. Their walls are covered with hats under $100. They carry many off-the-shelf labels as well as their own custom fedoras. The good part is that they can customize their off-the-rack hats for you on the spot, and you get to try everything on and look in the mirror. Ask for Kevin or Peter.

1619 W. Burbank Ave
Burbank, CA
818-563-3025

If you want a larger selection of off-the-rack hats, try Hollywood Hatters:

6915 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-525-1912

They have lots of hats for under $100, but more the mall variety. However, the people in there are more "hat people" and you get better customer service than at the mall.

Hope this gives you a place to start.

Doh · Post by **Doh** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 8:01 pm

Thanks, Puppetboy -- I'll check out Baron's for sure now that I know they have stuff in my price range. And Hollywood Hatters looks like walking distance to me.

I'll report back once I can venture out to both stores. You guys were incredibly helpful!

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 9:57 pm

Good luck, Doh! And if you find something, you MUST show pics!

bink

Doh · Post by **Doh** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 3:57 pm

New question: have any of you been to World Hat Mart in Pasadena? If so, do they carry traditional fedoras (with lining) or just cheaper, crushable wool felt ones? I couldn't find a website for them.

I tried Hollywood Hatters and while they do indeed carry nice, traditional fedoras it's a pretty small shop and didn't have what I wanted. But I might go back on Sunday and look at their stock again.

I also made the trek to Baron's and their selection was even smaller! I was able to try on their version of the Indy but it looked way too big for my head so I may have to go with a smaller crown in general.

Anyway, good or bad I'd like to hear about World Hat Mart... thanks!

Bebop · Post by **Bebop** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 5:44 pm

I have been to World Hat in Pasadena. They have quite a selection of all types of hats. Stetson, Dobbs, they even had a couple of Montecristi when I was there. They have some that are of good quality but they really don't seem to be into hats. I could tell it is just a job for the owner and his wife. They did not make me feel very welcomed. Maybe they were having a bad day.

Doh · Post by **Doh** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 6:05 pm

Thanks for the info -- this tells me it's at least worth the drive to check things out!

Doh · Post by **Doh** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 12:18 am

It's me again...

I just came back from the Village Hat Shop in Long Beach and picked up the Jaxon Iconoclast for $48 (odd that you don't get the sale price on their website). I know it's not exactly an official Indy, but it really suits my purpose. Also, I just really like the teardrop crown over the center dent.

Another observation: when I tried on the Inday at Baron's in Burbank, the sucker looked HUGE on me (crown too tall, especially). So is the Jaxon a bit shorter? Anyway, I'll get pix one of these days... and of the jacket, too. Thanks again for the information -- you guys ROCK!

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 9:02 am

Congrats, Doh! I think the Iconoclast got some positive marks for being an goo dbudget Indy fo rthe price. Sure, it may not be "screen accurate," but you've fufilled the most important part of your current quest: you're happy with it and it suits your purposes. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Enjoy the hat and try to post some pics of you in it if you can!

As for the tall crown on Baron's hat, the actual Indy fedora does have a tall crown. It's something that many need to get used to if they've never worn a hig crown before.

bink

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:57 am

Here is Mojave Jack's Iconoclast from the Queen Mary. It is a very nice hat, very well shaped, with a slightly-tapered small crown, certainly not screen acurrate to the folks around here, but a good hat nonetheless. Here it is next to my Adventurebilt:

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:01 pm

Now there's two classy chaps!

Gotta love those boots of Jack's.

VP · Post by VP » Mon Nov 14, 2005 2:43 pm

J_Weaver wrote:Gotta love those boots of Jack's.

I prefer these ones:

Doh · Post by **Doh** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:37 am

Nice outfits!

Here's mine:

(Dear Messrs. Lucas and Spielberg:

If you're looking to cast Indy's nephew in the next sequel, I should be available by the time you're ready to shoot. PM me here and we'll talk.)