Newbie introduction and shaping an Akubra Federation

[db5zx]

Hi, everybody!

Let me introduce myself: I am Jens from Germany, 28 years old and (obviously) an Indy fan. I came over here from MK's Fedora Lounge and have been lurking for a couple of weeks now searching for advice on Indy Gear - which led me to buy Indy pants and shirt from Wested, the bag (with strap) and belt from Noel Howard and an Akubra Federation from HatsDirect.com.

The hat arrived today (open crown, of course) and I immediately started on giving in the Raiders look. I already own a number of Fedoras (no Indy Fedoras, though, just two Biltmore Royal and one Panama) and all came pre-shaped. I have never before tried to shape a hat, so I kinda learn as I go and maybe I am just too afraid to damage my new hat...

I read through both John Ndy's and Pagey's tutorials but I am not really happy with the way it came out. Any advice appreciated.

Here is what my problems are (photos below):

The biggest problem is the brim. It just doesn't look right, especially from the front. I tried shaping it without steam first, but that wouldn't work at all, so now I tried my luck with steam. It looks better now (especially front and back), but the sides (if seen from the front) just don't shape right.

The pinch looks OK, I guess, it only seems to be a bit crooked, maybe even off-center. I think I have to work on that again.

Here the pictures (Pardon the quality, the flash has discolored it quite badly, in reality it is a beautiful Akubra Federation :





Pictures of me in the hat will follow...

Allbest...
...Jens

[Jens]

Well, first let me welcome you here aboard, from one German Jens to another.

I'm pretty sure, the Hat-Gurus around here will support you with any help needed! Now we all are waiting to see some pics of your newest aquisition.

Regards,
Jens

[BendingOak]

First, welcome aboard.

Did you turn the hat?
To me the top or center dent. Seems to be to high in the back and to low in the front. The front of the ceter dent should be higher than the back ( when seen from the side. This might take away some of your tapper.

[Mulceber]

allright, looks to me like you got it pretty close. There are only a couple small problems.

1. The way the Raiders hat is bashed, the front of the crown is higher than the back of the crown. On yours, it's just the reverse. Try to raise the front and lower the back, and it should be fine.

2. The brim looks pretty fine to me, perhaps just a little bit more of a curl on the sides is needed. Try that. :junior: -IJ

Ps. Welcome to Club Obi Wan

[db5zx]

Thanks to all your replies. And here are my answers:

1) Yes, I did turn it, but only ever so slightly. I tried turning it more, but then it a) sat on my head unnaturally and b) it didn't fit right. So yes, it is turned a bit.

2) Thanks for the hint with the front and back of the crown. I corrected it.

3) I also pushed the sides up a bit.

Here are the pics of my second attempt (if the back now looks too low, that changed once I put it on my head. My big noggin'pushed it back out again just a bit. But still, the back now is lower than the front. Also, the left side brim is a bit higher on the picture than it is now that the hat is on my head.





It still is far from perfect, but I think it looks pretty good and the rest (especially the side and top dents) will come from continually wearing and shaping it. Right?

Allbest...
...Jens

[Indiana Lee]

Hi and welcome aboard. Your second attempt looks better I think. It may take some time. Mine is only a few weeks older than yours...and it is still being worked in. The "turn" will feel weird for a bit...then you will not notice it....it will conform to your head. Mine is just now starting to wear better...I have had my Akubra for about 5 weeks now. Try using steam on the brim if you want to shape it better....it really isnt necessary though....it will begin to "do its thing" if you wear it a lot. I wore mine all day in Santa Barbara on Saturday....and the brim is beginning to look better.

Make sure you front dents are pushed in enough....and your top crease gets worked well....practice makes perfect. Keep looking at Raiders Hat references while you do it! Check out the link below while you work!

http://www.regular-guy.com/fedora.html

[Mulceber]

Personally, I think it looks fine now, but if you think it still needs some work, I'd just send it to Art Fawcett. He'll do wonders. :junior: -IJ

[db5zx]

Thanks for the info, guys!

I think it looks good enough now to wear it and let nature have its course in shaping it ;-) Only through wearing it it will look worn.

And thanks for the hint with Art, but I think that won't be necessary (at least not for the moment)

Allbest...
...Jens

P.S.: As soon as I get someone to take a picture of me in that beauty, I will have me a new avatar ;-)

[Marc]

Welcome to the club Jens.

If you need any help regarding hats, don't hesitate to ask me. I live in Niedersachsen close to Bremen and have done a little work here and there on fellow fans hats in the past

This is the first hat I've ever seen, that comes with that particular crease in the ribbon as seen on screen! Would you please comment on why it is there? - I'm really curious.

Congrats on the Akubra. You've got yourself a mighty fine hat there and it should last you for many years to come.

Regards,

Marc

[prairiejones]

It looks to me that your side dents go toward the back a little too far. Maybe about an inch.

[db5zx]

Again, thanks to all those who gave valuable input.

Marc, there is no crease in the ribbon, that must have to do with the flash or something.

And for the side dents, they already have decreased by themselves and no longer go back as far as when I took the pictures.

Allbest...
...Jens

[3thoubucks]

Is it a Regular or a Deluxe? What size is it? How old is it?

[db5zx]

It's an Akubra Federation (no Deluxe), size 58, and it's brand new.

Jens