HELP - First Time Visit to a Real Hat shop

[IndianaSolo]

Today I went to JJ Hat Center in NYC (If you’re ever around, a nice place to visit) Upon entering, HAT GALORE. But most of Borsalino galore. I went in to see what a real hat looks like, feels like, and how well it fits. Tried on a few hats to make sure that my size was correct but low and behold, JJ showed me a Borsalino that had a 5 ½ open crown but without a 38mm ribbon. It looked more like just a string. Then the felt was really SOFT. Two things came to mind that I’d like some advice on:
1)5 ½ is REALLY tall (maybe it was his ruler) It didn’t look right on my head. Could it be that the ribbon distorts the appearance of the hat to make it look shorter? Is 5 ½ really an Indy hat?
2)I didn’t have time to see other hats but JJ showed me all Borsalino’s and I was not impressed but in fact frightened. I know it’s not proper but I like to put on and take off my hat like Ford does it, by the pinch. The Borsalino couldn’t hold its shape. If I would slightly touch the crown it would take the shape of how I touched it. Are all fur felt hats like that, because if they are then I’d rather stick to wool.

Any help would ease my worry.

Thanks Guys

[Mulceber]

1) yes. 5 1/2 inches is the correct size for an Indy hat. I should mention though that the correct ribbon size is not 38 mm but 39 mm (1.5 inches). I know it might not seem like much of a difference, but it really does affect the look.

2) I would guess that that hat had very little to no stiffener in it. Most fur felt hats don't behave that way. They really have about as much give to them as a wool hat in my experience, but the quality is far higher. :junior: -M

[indiana smith]

When i went there they showed me a really soft hat from Borsalino and said
that the reason it was so soft was that Borsalino would send them the hats without steaming them and that to make it hold is shape you had to seam it.

[Indywanabe91]

im looking for a shop out in los angles california!
and i need some help!