opinions of Stetson fedora?
Moderators: Indiana Jeff, Dalexs
opinions of Stetson fedora?
...as a fedora in general, not necessarily as an Indy hat.
Putting aside the cheapy wool felt licensed hat, what about a regular fur felt Stetson fedora? Is it considered decent as hats go? How would it rank compared to some of the more popular fedora makers, such as Akuba, HJ, AB (which I know to be excellent)?
I have an eye on a $60 fur felt fedora that I'd like to have as an alternate to my Indy. I just don't know if that's a good buy, as I know high quality hats usually go for much more.
Thanks!
Putting aside the cheapy wool felt licensed hat, what about a regular fur felt Stetson fedora? Is it considered decent as hats go? How would it rank compared to some of the more popular fedora makers, such as Akuba, HJ, AB (which I know to be excellent)?
I have an eye on a $60 fur felt fedora that I'd like to have as an alternate to my Indy. I just don't know if that's a good buy, as I know high quality hats usually go for much more.
Thanks!
- Indiana G
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if its anything like the standard (not the 'pinnacle') stetson temple, it's a poorly dyed felt that looks pleasing to the eye but it will run when you get it wet. the felt also feels like a man made material because of the dye thats caked on it.
if you are planning to use it as a normal fedora in good weather, $60 is the most i would ever pay for it.
compared to an ab, hj or akubra, the run of the mill stetson temple is not even in the same league imo.
if you are planning to use it as a normal fedora in good weather, $60 is the most i would ever pay for it.
compared to an ab, hj or akubra, the run of the mill stetson temple is not even in the same league imo.
- cooncatbob
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- Chewbacca Jones
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A $60 Stetson fur felt is a good deal. The fedoras may not be what they once were, but they still make a fair hat. Sovereigns are a thicker but fairly soft felt (I just got one myself). Don't get too wrapped up in the quality types, though. Just be sure it's 100% fur, not a a fur/wool blend. Stetson makes a few of those, and they sell for about $80 new (thus, $60 for used seems like too much to me).
My honest opinion, from experience, is that modern Stetson dress hats are below Akubras but above HJ's in durability. It's won't take the kind of pounding that Akubras and AB's take, but they will do their job well enough. I say go for it.
My honest opinion, from experience, is that modern Stetson dress hats are below Akubras but above HJ's in durability. It's won't take the kind of pounding that Akubras and AB's take, but they will do their job well enough. I say go for it.
I cannot recommend a modern Stetson based on my experience with the Stetson Temple. Within two years, mine shrank to the point that I could barely wear it. The color actually ran in the rain. I have since learned that they use a dye powder to color their hats. It also began to come apart in flakes like it had the mange. The sweat band wasn't even leather. It was some kind of sprayed cardboard. I would suggest that you look to an Akubra Squatter or Stylemaster if you're considering a quality, affordable fedora. The Jaxon Company also makes a fur felt Bogart model for around $70. You don't have to buy the moon to get quality but you will have to spend some money.
- eazybox
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I agree about the Stetson Temple; I didn't experience all of the problems you described but mine, purchased in the mid-eighties, did shrink more dramatically than any other hat I've owned. I would stay away from the Stetson Temple.Havana wrote:I cannot recommend a modern Stetson based on my experience with the Stetson Temple. Within two years, mine shrank to the point that I could barely wear it. The color actually ran in the rain. I have since learned that they use a dye powder to color their hats. It also began to come apart in flakes like it had the mange. The sweat band wasn't even leather. It was some kind of sprayed cardboard. I would suggest that you look to an Akubra Squatter or Stylemaster if you're considering a quality, affordable fedora. The Jaxon Company also makes a fur felt Bogart model for around $70. You don't have to buy the moon to get quality but you will have to spend some money.
Jack
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The current Stetson's are horrible products that taper and discolor with each wearing out doors. I have to admit that after giving this product many different chances I can't say its even a good starter fedora.
Others have had better luck, but I'm not one of them.
Hands down, the Akurbra is the best bet.
Others have had better luck, but I'm not one of them.
Hands down, the Akurbra is the best bet.