Buying a Fedora for ones own self(not necessarily an "I

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Thu May 01, 2008 2:36 am

I love fedora's. Mostly, due to my love of classic films and, yes, my love of Indiana Jones.

When I was younger, I , like so many innocents, bought into the "official Indiana Jones" hat offered by Lucasfilms. I had one of those fedoras. Cheap and poorly made though they were, I loved it, although I have since grown past it and in my older days have known better fedoras. I bought the Stetson Ark fedoras, and the Stetson Temple Fedoras. But even those pale in comparisons to a true Indy fedora aka HJ, PB or AB.

As much as I love Indy and his fedora, I'm sure others will agree with me, the Indy style is not for all heads. Every one is different, thus calling for different styles of fedoras.

Out of my youth I did notice one thing, my old Indy hat was of a teardrop center dent.
Me, being of a more squarish face and more round head then Harrison Ford, found that teardrop works well for my head shape. Not to mention, I wear a size 7 or 7 1/8 (I've been told I was directly in between both, which kinda stinks).

I was wondering what the best choice for choosing a good fedora or two for oneself if you're not looking for the Perfect Indy hat.

Don't get me wrong, I still want something reminiscent of Indy, but his fedora won't work for me.
But I live in a small town that does not cater to Fedora's. What is the best way to go about finding a good fedora online??
I would like to order from Adventurebuilt, etc, but I have qualms about ordering when I can't be there in person to have it customized.
I do live near Miller Hats...but I'm unsure on their quality. When I DO get a fedora, I would like one to go the distance.
I hesitate to buy random stock fedora's online, as it might be hit and miss for some time.
Any suggestions??

Jack

TonyRush · Post by **TonyRush** » Thu May 01, 2008 9:20 am

Jack, if I could offer a slightly opposing opinion, I don't think you'd go wrong with an AdventureBilt Deluxe. Marc Kitter was AMAZINGLY thorough in his conversations and emails with me about sizing, shaping, styling. He requested photos of me so he could offer his opinion on what kind of fedora would best suit the shape of my face.

So, you might wind up with something sold face-to-face....but I'd recommend giving Marc Kitter a shout. He's very responsive and I think you'll find that he's pretty adept at assisting people through your type of questions and concerns.

I hope that helps! Keep us posted!
Tony

JeffB · Post by **JeffB** » Thu May 01, 2008 10:48 am

Instead of spending $200-$300 on a custom hat, I would look on ebay for some vintage fedoras. I just picked up a 70 year old one in near perfect shape for about $25. It is a grey fedora with a wide ribbon and a diamond bash. You can see it in my avatar.

Also check out thefedoralounge.com. There you will find fedora lovers that aren't biased towards Indiana.

IndianaSolo · Post by **IndianaSolo** » Thu May 01, 2008 11:00 am

Why not go for an Akubra?? They have a variety of styles that cater to non-indy fans. I got my stepdad a black CEO and he loves it, and you can be sure Akubra will give you a quality hat, that will last you a while and is reasonably priced.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu May 01, 2008 11:30 am

i agree with tonyrush. better to go with a cusome hater like Steve and Marc. You can get the inbetween sizes and if you send them a photos of yourself will get the right crown height and brim size for you.

Alan · Post by **Alan** » Thu May 01, 2008 12:27 pm

At your size vintage on ebay is your oyster.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Thu May 01, 2008 12:55 pm

I have thought about AdventureBilt as, I've heard great things about their customer service.

I've never actually thought about Ebay before on a fedora though....

Once on a whim I bought PB's Straw Indy hat in my size....which is hilarious!! With the lid being in all the original specs, except for the size...it looks huge on me. Frankly, I look like I'm from Aimish country when I wear it.

I figure I can look around, as its now summer, and felt won't be in for some time.

I might jump over to Fedora lounge also...

Thanks for all the suggestions though guys!

Here's another question.....I know in the Summer one is more apt to wear a straw fedora.

Was this always the case?? I know Indy in the tv series and films wears his felt no matter what, but of course thats movies, etc where you have to keep the "look"

Did men back in the day always switch to straw when the weather got hot or was this not always the case?