Why do you Wear a Fedora?

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:29 pm

I have been testing the waters to see if there is enough material to include something about Indy's hat for my doctoral thesis. Most of my paper is on Davy Crockett but I have always been a huge Indy fan and would love to include something about him. Part of what I am looking at is the importance of Indy’s fedora to fans.

I have put my question in the form of a poll but please feel free to expand on this in a written answer. It seems that the fedora is a big piece of the Indy character, perhaps the premiere, most identifiable costume piece, and so I am trying to figure out what motivates people to buy an Indiana Jones fedora and then wear it regularly. Are you trying to make a statement about or identify with Indy in any way?

Thanks for any responses. I would appreciate if you could do the poll even if you do not post an answer. I am trying to get at least 100 respondents to the poll but the more the merrier.
All help is greatly appreciated,
Canada

Band Director Jones · Post by **Band Director Jones** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:46 pm

I voted "No" because I don't wear a fedora as a way of identifying with Indiana Jones anymore. In the beginning I did, but now I just wear it because I like to wear a fedora. It looks and feels good on my head.

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 10:08 pm

Why? 'Cause fedoras are just plain cool! A fedora helps a man stand out from today's crowd. I am glad to say that I am a proud fedora wearer.

The Pilot · Post by **The Pilot** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 10:21 pm

I do like the films, but am I an 'Indy Fan'? Not as it is practised here. But as it happens I have a penchant for wearing many of things Indy wears. I got my first flight jacket, a green nylon BuWEP, when I was 12, from a Phantom pilot at (then-) NAS Miramar. I've lost count of how many flight jackets I have. Of course, no collection of flight jackets is complete without leather. So I have three G-1s, an A-2 with nose art ('Visibility Perfect', a B-17 from the 401st BG) painted by a friend, an Avirex 'fashion' lambskin A-2 done in a Patrioulle de France theme, and an Irvin in addition to the nylon and Nomex jackets. So leather jackets: Check.

Khaki. Been wearing it forever. I just like the look.

Boots. Again, I have a bit of a collection. I've just recently bought a pair of Aldens. Why? Well, because they're Indy Boots. And they're lighter than my Vasques or Chippewas and more comfortable... erm... to boot. But the nice thing about them is their vintage look.

You see, I appreciate the 'Indy Era'. As a big Fan (capital F) of aviation, I really dig the aircraft of the 1930s and 1940s. I've been fascinated by WWII (particularly the air war) for as long as I can remember. I like Swing music. (And Punk. But what was Swing, after all, but the Punk of its era?) I like the idea of a time decades before I was born, before ICBMs and Modern Problems, and when just getting from Point A to Point B was an adventure. I have a modern car and a '60s English roadster. Guess which is more fun?

Firearms. I have a bit of a collection. Many of them would scare the pants off of certain parts of our society (ironically, the 'side' I align with politically). But I also like the old stuff. I have loads of black powder revolvers. Recently I've been filling out my pre-WWII collection, including a Webley, a .455 S&W, and a C96 Mauser. Part of the attraction is the technology. The other part is how that technology fit into its era. Winston Churchill carried a C96. Which leads to the Boer War, which leads to the location and the equipment and how people lived back then. As it happens, some of the firearms I've been collecting are 'Indy guns'.

And the fedora. I like hats. Why? To be honest, I like being a little different. Eccentric, if you will. Heck, I like it if people think I'm completely mad. (Aside: When I was training in helicopters my instructor and I were flying over Burbank on a beautiful night. I pressed the intercom button and said, 'Do you ever get the urge to fly over a quiet street on a night like this and drop a pumpkin onto a quiet residential street, and scream as loud as you can out the door?' He thought for a moment and told me I'm weird.) Nobody wore hats when I was growing up, unless it was a ball cap (or at my high school, the 'goat ropers' would wear cowboy hats). By wearing a hat I'm making a statement: 'Look at me! I'm wearing a hat!' But whether people think me a nutter, or they think 'There goes a gent with a nice hat', it's style. Hey, Bogie wore a fedora!

When I lived in SoCal a hat kept the sun off. Here in the PNW it keeps the rain off. A hat is a functional accessory. I could get any number of hats that function well as a fedora (better, in fact) by running down to REI. But a fedora is stylish as well as functional, and it fits in with my '30s retro appreciation.

So for your thesis: I'm someone who has a hobby of casual study of the first half of the 20th Century, who displays his interests by collecting items from the era; and who has a certain amount of extroversion.

And COW comprises many of my interests... in addition to the films.

The Pilot · Post by **The Pilot** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 10:23 pm

Band Director Jones wrote:I just wear it because I like to wear a fedora. It looks and feels good on my head.

Would that I'd been so succinct! (And, as I said, they're functional.)

Risu · Post by **Risu** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:05 pm

I don't wear mine to identify with Indiana Jones, as a matter of fact, no matter how much I love the movies, it gets on my nerves when people identify it with IJ. A fedora is a fedora, not an "Indiana Jones hat." I too like a lot of vintage clothing, it amazes me how we went from everybody wearing suits and hats to where we are now in so short a time. Also, the hat keeps the sun off, which is always helpful.

michaelb · Post by **michaelb** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:24 pm

I think you need some kind of an "in-between"...

I always loved Fedoras, but Indy got me started. Do I wear it because I feel I look like Indy, or am trying to emulate that? Maybe years ago in High School, but now I enjoy the style as well. It still gives me an "Indy-Feel", but I don't wear it primarily for that reason. I think I am somewhere in-between.

Hope that helps a little.

MB

The Pilot · Post by **The Pilot** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:26 pm

Nice avatar, michaelb!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:43 pm

I like fedora's and I just happen to like Indy's fedora ( Raiders ) the best.

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:47 am

Great responses. wow and fast. Thanks.

Ok, here is a question then to those of you who just wear a fedora because it looks good or you just like wearing a fedora: how screen accurate is the fedora you wear to any of the screen used Indiana Jones fedoras? Does that matter to you? Why or why not?
thanks!
Canada

KingNothing · Post by **KingNothing** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:50 am

Personally, if I'm wearing a fedora and it's a Indy one I'd love for it to be as screen accurate as possible. Just because I'm a total perfectionist and love things to be just like they were in the movie. It would bug me if the crown was too small or tear dropped shaped or something.

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:55 am

The Pilot wrote:I do like the films, but am I an 'Indy Fan'? Not as it is practised here. But as it happens I have a penchant for wearing many of things Indy wears. I got my first flight jacket, a green nylon BuWEP, when I was 12, from a Phantom pilot at (then-) NAS Miramar. I've lost count of how many flight jackets I have. Of course, no collection of flight jackets is complete without leather. So I have three G-1s, an A-2 with nose art ('Visibility Perfect', a B-17 from the 401st BG) painted by a friend, an Avirex 'fashion' lambskin A-2 done in a Patrioulle de France theme, and an Irvin in addition to the nylon and Nomex jackets. So leather jackets: Check.

Khaki. Been wearing it forever. I just like the look.

Boots. Again, I have a bit of a collection. I've just recently bought a pair of Aldens. Why? Well, because they're Indy Boots. And they're lighter than my Vasques or Chippewas and more comfortable... erm... to boot. But the nice thing about them is their vintage look.

You see, I appreciate the 'Indy Era'. As a big Fan (capital F) of aviation, I really dig the aircraft of the 1930s and 1940s. I've been fascinated by WWII (particularly the air war) for as long as I can remember. I like Swing music. (And Punk. But what was Swing, after all, but the Punk of its era?) I like the idea of a time decades before I was born, before ICBMs and Modern Problems, and when just getting from Point A to Point B was an adventure. I have a modern car and a '60s English roadster. Guess which is more fun?

Firearms. I have a bit of a collection. Many of them would scare the pants off of certain parts of our society (ironically, the 'side' I align with politically). But I also like the old stuff. I have loads of black powder revolvers. Recently I've been filling out my pre-WWII collection, including a Webley, a .455 S&W, and a C96 Mauser. Part of the attraction is the technology. The other part is how that technology fit into its era. Winston Churchill carried a C96. Which leads to the Boer War, which leads to the location and the equipment and how people lived back then. As it happens, some of the firearms I've been collecting are 'Indy guns'.

And the fedora. I like hats. Why? To be honest, I like being a little different. Eccentric, if you will. Heck, I like it if people think I'm completely mad. (Aside: When I was training in helicopters my instructor and I were flying over Burbank on a beautiful night. I pressed the intercom button and said, 'Do you ever get the urge to fly over a quiet street on a night like this and drop a pumpkin onto a quiet residential street, and scream as loud as you can out the door?' He thought for a moment and told me I'm weird.) Nobody wore hats when I was growing up, unless it was a ball cap (or at my high school, the 'goat ropers' would wear cowboy hats). By wearing a hat I'm making a statement: 'Look at me! I'm wearing a hat!' But whether people think me a nutter, or they think 'There goes a gent with a nice hat', it's style. Hey, Bogie wore a fedora!

When I lived in SoCal a hat kept the sun off. Here in the PNW it keeps the rain off. A hat is a functional accessory. I could get any number of hats that function well as a fedora (better, in fact) by running down to REI. But a fedora is stylish as well as functional, and it fits in with my '30s retro appreciation.

So for your thesis: I'm someone who has a hobby of casual study of the first half of the 20th Century, who displays his interests by collecting items from the era; and who has a certain amount of extroversion.

And COW comprises many of my interests... in addition to the films.

Pilot:
Thanks for your reply. I think we have some common ground. I have always loved aviation in the 30s and 40s. I am a huge Flying Tigers fan and have been for years. Read everything I could on that group. Also came to be a fan of flying boats. Loved the show Tales of the Gold Monkey and the Goose he flew. Great looking little planee. It was a golden era for sure. Flyboys with their sidearms. Sounds like you have all your bases covered. Miramar. I went there once looking for a tour. I got as far as the front gate. Dropping a pumpkin from a helicopter - brilliant. Different and perhaps a little weird but hilarious (as long as you didnt hit anyone or their car).
thanks again for your response.
Canada

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:59 am

KingNothing wrote:Personally, if I'm wearing a fedora and it's a Indy one I'd love for it to be as screen accurate as possible. Just because I'm a total perfectionist and love things to be just like they were in the movie. It would bug me if the crown was too small or tear dropped shaped or something.

But some of this must relate to being an indy fan and not just an indy hat fan right? Ie. you love the movies so you want the most accurate hat possible?
Canada

The Pilot · Post by **The Pilot** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:01 am

Canada Jones wrote:Ok, here is a question then to those of you who just wear a fedora because it looks good or you just like wearing a fedora: how screen accurate is the fedora you wear to any of the screen used Indiana Jones fedoras? Does that matter to you? Why or why not?
thanks!

I see a lot of fedora-type hats in Seattle. Most of them aren't 'fedora' fedoras, but modern outdoors-type hats that resemble fedoras. But I do see some battered old wool fedoras frequently. The thing of it is, you do see fedoras. The Raiders fedora is different. It's not a hat you see everyone wearing. As I said upthread, I like to be a little different. Not to call attention to myself, but to stand out if someone is looking for that sort of thing. (Not sure I explained that correctly.)

If I get an Indy hat (when I get the AB) most people will see a guy in a hat. But some people will recognise the hat as an Indy hat. It's a little detail that might brighten their day. So I want a screen accurate hat in case people notice. And since I am particular about the things I collect, I want it to be as accurate as possible; preferably 'the real deal'. (For example, I'll wear a CWU-45/P but not a knock-off.) If I'm going to wear an Indy hat, then I want it to be the best I can afford and as accurate as possible.

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:02 am

Band Director Jones wrote:I voted "No" because I don't wear a fedora as a way of identifying with Indiana Jones anymore. In the beginning I did, but now I just wear it because I like to wear a fedora. It looks and feels good on my head.

Is this a common occurance do you think? People love the movie, love the character, love the costume and start wearing things like the fedora but once they start wearing the stuff it just becomes part of who you are and no longer some kind of identification with Indiana Jones?
Canada

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:04 am

I love the raiders hat because of the straight sides ( no tapper) and high crwon. It's different yet still lik any fedora of the time ( 30's 40's). I think if you have a screen accurate Indy hat. part of it has to be because you love the movie.

The Pilot · Post by **The Pilot** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:11 am

Canada Jones wrote:Pilot:
Thanks for your reply. I think we have some common ground. I have always loved aviation in the 30s and 40s. I am a huge Flying Tigers fan and have been for years. Read everything I could on that group. Also came to be a fan of flying boats. Loved the show Tales of the Gold Monkey and the Goose he flew. Great looking little planee. It was a golden era for sure. Flyboys with their sidearms. Sounds like you have all your bases covered. Miramar. I went there once looking for a tour. I got as far as the front gate. Dropping a pumpkin from a helicopter - brilliant. Different and perhaps a little weird but hilarious (as long as you didnt hit anyone or their car).
thanks again for your response.
Canada

A Goose! Man, I've dreamed of a Goose. Or a Widgeon. Or a Republic Seabee. I got a ride in a DC-3 at Montgomery Field in San Diego, where my mom worked at an FBO. My mom knew one of the guys who flew in Tora! Tora! Tora!, and my dad (who was in the FAA) once picked Chuck Yeager up out of the desert when his ultralight went down. Aviation, man. It's my Great Love In Life.

I spent a lot of time at Miramar growing up. I have a photo of me standing in front of the VF-1 hangar in the '90s when I was there for an air show. (On air shows: Do get to Miramar. Remember to drink plenty of water. And Chino, for the WWII stuff. I was there last year and they had an original WWI Sopwith Camel. Original WWI engine too.)

Incidentally, my house is just a few miles from the Canadian border. Go to the next bay up and I can see White Rock.

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:11 am

The Pilot wrote:[\quote]
I see a lot of fedora-type hats in Seattle. Most of them aren't 'fedora' fedoras, but modern outdoors-type hats that resemble fedoras. But I do see some battered old wool fedoras frequently. The thing of it is, you do see fedoras. The Raiders fedora is different. It's not a hat you see everyone wearing. As I said upthread, I like to be a little different. Not to call attention to myself, but to stand out if someone is looking for that sort of thing. (Not sure I explained that correctly.)

If I get an Indy hat (when I get the AB) most people will see a guy in a hat. But some people will recognise the hat as an Indy hat. It's a little detail that might brighten their day. So I want a screen accurate hat in case people notice. And since I am particular about the things I collect, I want it to be as accurate as possible; preferably 'the real deal'. (For example, I'll wear a CWU-45/P but not a knock-off.) If I'm going to wear an Indy hat, then I want it to be the best I can afford and as accurate as possible.

But if people don't notice it is an accurate indy hat then you will still know it is right? and will it brighten your day knowing the hat is an accurate Indy hat versus just a fedora that is different from what most people wear? ie. does the fact it is an Indiana Jones hat hold any value to you even if no one else notices it is an Indy hat?
Canada

The Pilot · Post by **The Pilot** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:16 am

Canada Jones wrote:But if people don't notice it is an accurate indy hat then you will still know it is right? and will it brighten your day knowing the hat is an accurate Indy hat versus just a fedora that is different from what most people wear? ie. does the fact it is an Indiana Jones hat hold any value to you even if no one else notices it is an Indy hat?
Canada

Yes. It's important to me that I know something is 'right' even if nobody else does. I used to have a 911SC. I didn't care if anyone noticed. I got it because of the enjoyment I got from driving it. I've spent way too much money restoring a '66 MGB. But I know that it's as good as it can be (except for some panel fitting that will be taken care of later -- mechanically it's superb). So even if no one notices it's a Raiders hat, I'll know what it is.

Indiana Max · Post by **Indiana Max** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:48 am

I started wearing a Fedora because of Harrison, Gregory Peck and Humphrey Bogart, but now I wear it just because it is a part of my own style, it just fits to my character as well

Satipo · Post by **Satipo** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:09 am

Hmm. I believe this poll highlights that a large section of our community is in denial!

The reality is it should read 100% for "yes" since none of the voters would be here if that wasn't at least partially the case. I think, if we're honest, the real dividing factor is more the degree of influence the Indy association has on each of us in our desire to wear the exact-same-hat-or-as-close-as-we-can-get to Indy's.

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:40 am

Perhaps I’m in denial too, but I voted no. I have been collecting hats since I was very young – my parents and grandparents were world travelers and whatever country they were in they always bought a hat for me. Also, my parents were older when I was born – (heck, my grandfather was born in 1898,) so they were also from a generation that wore hats regularly.
I also have always been interested in the 1930’s and 40’s era being a big WW2 aviation nut (especially all things A.V.G.), so when you combine my love for hats with the interest in that era, - you end up with a special affinity for the fedora. When I first saw “Raiders,” it just looked the culmination of the perfect fedora to me, an adventurer’s version of the classic fedora if you will. Then you get into Indygear and it’s all downhill from there…
Long story short (too late!), the Indy influence only cemented for me an interest that already existed…

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:58 am

Satipo wrote:Hmm. I believe this poll highlights that a large section of our community is in denial! The reality is it should read 100% for "yes" since none of the voters would be here if that wasn't at least partially the case.

Well, I intially came here for the jacket, not the hat, so I have to disagree slightly, my friend.

Besides, I already had an arsenal of vintage fedoras by the time I found COW.

I've been into vintage clothing for a long time, but I've been into hats as long as I can remember. There's something classy, stylish, and downright practical about a fedora. I've worn them in sun, wind, and rain. Heck, I've even been swimming with a fedora!

I do remember when the Dorfmans hit the shelves after ToD and I recall begging my parents for one. That was certainly an Indy-inspired thing for me at that age, but I had already been wearing around one of my grandfather's hats by then, regardless of Indiana Jones.

I stumbled upon IndyGear quite by accident. (Actually, a friend of mine did and passed it along to me.) It truly rekindled my long love for Indy. At the time, I had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and as a goal and reward to get back down to my ideal weight, I set a Wested as my prize. I had always wanted a good leather jacket, and to get a custom made one was all the better. But obviously, I had been bitten by the bug at that point, and eventually I would look into adding an Indy fedora to my ever growing collection of hats.

Initially, I wanted a fedora that would be my real Indy fedora, but from the beginnng, I wasn't so concerned about getting it exactly like a particular hat from a specific scene. My first Indy lid was an Akubra, and though I had fun with "being Indy" by wearing the jacket, hat, and bag to work frequently (my coworkers called me Indy for a while) the hat and gear started to take on my personality. It was all still practical and stylish, but it was turning into my gear, and not Indy's.

When I ordered my first AB shortly after Fedora opened shop to make his own hats (he had worked on several of my other hats prior) I was more interested in a Raiders hybrid than I was in a hat that looked exactly like it did in one frame grab. I had him combine elements from various scenes throughout the movie, because as much as I wanted it to be my Indy hat, I wanted it to be my hat that showed my sense of style.

Do I still put on every piece of my gear and "play Indy" from time to time? Sure I do. But when I go out the door and happen to pick up an AB to put on my head, I never think, "I need an Indy fedora today." Instead I reach for one of my fedoras that suits the hat wearing mood I'm in that day. While there's still a definite love for Indy, and while I'm proud to tell the background of my AdventureBilts, I look at these hats now as an extension of me that may show my love and appreciation for Indiana Jones, my admiration of hats from yesteryear, and the simple love of a good hat.

Satipo · Post by **Satipo** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 10:31 am

Uh-huh, yup, I see ...

I get it now - you guys are all rehearsing your defence speeches in preparation for the increased flack when the new movie comes out ...

"Me, dressing like Indiana Jones!?! I don't know what you mean!

I'll have you know I was wearing a screen-accurate, Indy-style fedora the moment I was born ... yes, the doctor was surprised, 'a bona fide medical phenomenon!' he cried ... but it's the truth, I tell ya!"

Next you'll be telling me you don't hear the Raiders March whenever you put the hat on your head ...

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:03 am

Hey, when I see the premiere of IndyIV, I will be dressed as Indiana Jones!

I don't hear the Raiders march when I put on a hat (which is a 40's Dobbs Cross Country today, btw) but why do I hear cirucs music whenever I put on my beanie?

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:08 am

I get it now - you guys are all rehearsing your defence speeches in preparation for the increased flack when the new movie comes out ...
Next you'll be telling me you don't hear the Raiders March whenever you put the hat on your head ...

I object, your honor! It's nothing like that! Fine - I'm going to take my fedora and go home! (

"Dum da dum duum, dum da duum...")

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:32 am

When I wear a fedora, it has everything to do with Indiana Jones. I am a modern person, and I wear modern clothes. I am not into vintage clothes, or a retro look. I wouldn't mind having a vintage outfit or two, as a change of pace, but I wouldn't want to wear it on a daily basis. I don't like wearing hats. I used to only wear hats when I was playing a sport that required some kind of headgear.

I always loved Indiana Jones and of course that meant that I loved how he looked. I really wanted his jacket, and my search began with a regular bomber jacket years ago. One day, I just decided use the internet to go searching for a more accurate Indiana Jones jacket. That lead me to Wested, and then to IndyGear.

After I got my jacket, I debated long and hard about wether to even spend the money for a hat. I didn't know if I would ever wear it and if it would just collect dust and be a waste of money. I bought one. Then, I ended up with a whip. Then the whole outfit. Then some props. And, more hats. But, all of my hats are "Indiana Jones" fedoras.

Now, when I feel in the "Indy" mood, I wear my fedora. I don't wear a fedora all the time, but when I do, I really enjoy it. When I am dressed in a suit, I quite often like to throw on a fedora. But yes, the reason that I started to wear a fedora in the first place, is because of Indy.

The Pilot · Post by **The Pilot** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:20 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote: Well, I intially came here for the jacket, not the hat, so I have to disagree slightly, my friend.

I found this place when I was researching Webleys.

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:54 pm

I wear my fedora as a way to be different. They are a great hat and represent a time that was adventurous, somewhat romantic and less complicated than the era in which we live. The hat itself makes a statement - it has a quality of "gentleman" about it. It refines the image of the wearer.

I identify with Indy when I wear a fedora about the same way I identify with any of the period films with fedoras in them. When I do wear a fedora with my suit I get the "Untouchables" reference thrown at me a lot more than Indy.

When the new movie comes out there will be a surge of fedoras out there -- but I don't mind. I started with them when the movies first came out -- and continued to enjoy them when the "fad" died down. I will do so through the next wave as well.

I don't wear my fedora to "be like Indy" --- I am not Indy. I wear mine because I like it, and I like the qualities of the Indy hero: He's an adventurer, a gentleman, a bit of a rogue, well educated, and a man in the true sense of the word. To me a fedora means adventure -- and that's something I am always up for.

And the hat is just so......cool.

Risu · Post by **Risu** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:08 pm

Bufflehead Jones wrote:When I wear a fedora, it has everything to do with Indiana Jones. I am a modern person, and I wear modern clothes. I am not into vintage clothes, or a retro look. I wouldn't mind having a vintage outfit or two, as a change of pace, but I wouldn't want to wear it on a daily basis. I don't like wearing hats. I used to only wear hats when I was playing a sport that required some kind of headgear.

I always loved Indiana Jones and of course that meant that I loved how he looked. I really wanted his jacket, and my search began with a regular bomber jacket years ago. One day, I just decided use the internet to go searching for a more accurate Indiana Jones jacket. That lead me to Wested, and then to IndyGear.

After I got my jacket, I debated long and hard about wether to even spend the money for a hat. I didn't know if I would ever wear it and if it would just collect dust and be a waste of money. I bought one. Then, I ended up with a whip. Then the whole outfit. Then some props. And, more hats. But, all of my hats are "Indiana Jones" fedoras.

Now, when I feel in the "Indy" mood, I wear my fedora. I don't wear a fedora all the time, but when I do, I really enjoy it. When I am dressed in a suit, I quite often like to throw on a fedora. But yes, the reason that I started to wear a fedora in the first place, is because of Indy.

nicktheguy wrote:I don't wear my fedora to "be like Indy" --- I am not Indy. I wear mine because I like it, and I like the qualities of the Indy hero: He's an adventurer, a gentleman, a bit of a rogue, well educated, and a man in the true sense of the word. To me a fedora means adventure -- and that's something I am always up for.

And the hat is just so......cool.

These two pretty much sum up my hat-wearing/gear-searching story.

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:44 pm

Bufflehead Jones wrote:When I wear a fedora, it has everything to do with Indiana Jones. I am a modern person, and I wear modern clothes. I am not into vintage clothes, or a retro look. I wouldn't mind having a vintage outfit or two, as a change of pace, but I wouldn't want to wear it on a daily basis. I don't like wearing hats. I used to only wear hats when I was playing a sport that required some kind of headgear.

I always loved Indiana Jones and of course that meant that I loved how he looked. I really wanted his jacket, and my search began with a regular bomber jacket years ago. One day, I just decided use the internet to go searching for a more accurate Indiana Jones jacket. That lead me to Wested, and then to IndyGear.

After I got my jacket, I debated long and hard about wether to even spend the money for a hat. I didn't know if I would ever wear it and if it would just collect dust and be a waste of money. I bought one. Then, I ended up with a whip. Then the whole outfit. Then some props. And, more hats. But, all of my hats are "Indiana Jones" fedoras.

Now, when I feel in the "Indy" mood, I wear my fedora. I don't wear a fedora all the time, but when I do, I really enjoy it. When I am dressed in a suit, I quite often like to throw on a fedora. But yes, the reason that I started to wear a fedora in the first place, is because of Indy.

Could you clarify what is an Indy mood? Do you think you would act any differently? Take more chances? thanks for your response.
Canada

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:47 pm

Satipo wrote:Hmm. I believe this poll highlights that a large section of our community is in denial! The reality is it should read 100% for "yes" since none of the voters would be here if that wasn't at least partially the case. I think, if we're honest, the real dividing factor is more the degree of influence the Indy association has on each of us in our desire to wear the exact-same-hat-or-as-close-as-we-can-get to Indy's.

I must say I was VERY surprised when I checked the post last night and then today - pretty much neck and neck. I was surprised because having read and responded to hundreds of threads over the time I have been on COW I get the impression that it is all about Indy. I think some may start out getting the hat because of interest in Indy but wear a fedora now because it has become part of their own style and not so much about Indy.
Great response,
Canada

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:58 pm

I love this "research" idea, Canada.
Personally, wearing a fedora is not about Indiana Jones at all for me, except at summits and among fellow gearheads. Even in my Adventurebilt, it's on my head because it's a dang nice hat... that happens to be much like one I saw in a dang cool movie. But that's it. And Indy style fedoras are just a part of my collection... and obsession, to be honest. I love wearing hats. When I finally get my Robert Redford "Sting" clone, I'm not going to wear it to identify with Robert Redford (not a bad thing, to be sure). I'm just going to wear a nice hat.

kobol · Post by **kobol** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:35 pm

One day I decided it was time to retire my ballcaps and move onto something else. I have always worn large brimmed hats in the outdoors and discovered for myself that the Indiana Jones fedora was something that fit into my tastes and could perform double duty in the city and the outdoors. I just happen to like the larger brim and crown it offers over most of the smaller fedoras that are popular in the stores. So in a sense it was the Indiana Jones movies that led me to find a fedora that I like.
But I consider it my style and like how it looks with my A-2 jackets I wear daily. Yes I do get "Indy" comments every now and then, but I guess that just comes with the territory with Indiana Jones being so popular and iconic.

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:06 pm

Last night I played a gig at some club. I said hello to a fellow trombonist as he walked passed me and he did a double take and said that he didn't recognize me with my "Indiana Jones" hat on. Now he used the word “Indiana Jones” strictly as an adjective. He wasn’t trying to be funny. This is the hat I was wearing:

It’s a blue hat. I was wearing it with the brim up, like in the picture. It looks nothing like an Indiana Jones hat, beyond it being kind of a “big” hat.

I used to wear hats all the time, but have pretty much given them up because I don’t like the extra attention it garners me. I prefer to be more anonymous most of the time. Theoretically, one exception would be when I’m playing music (where it’s ok to be a little flamboyant). But, unfortunately I seldom wear them at gigs either just because a fedora is impractical. I play salsa, where you need to play hard. After a few gigs with sweat pouring down my face while wearing a fedora, I said enough is enough.

It’s sad to me that it’s come to that. The process was gradual. I started by getting rid of all my “authentic” Indiana Jones hats. I decided that I didn’t really like them anyway, beyond the character. I then stopped wearing the bigger, more flamboyant, “Indiana Jones” type hats. I then stopped wearing the jazzier, swankier, smaller hats. I don't want to look like some little creep like Justin Timberlake. These days I’m more often wearing an Irish cap (turned around backwards).

Last night I thought, what the h#ll. After the new movie comes out, I’m not even going to be able to think about wearing a fedora for at least 3 or 4 years. So I went for it. I still got the “Indiana Jones” comment.

There’s something to be said for anonymity. I’d also like to point out that there’s a difference between being afraid to stand out from the crowd and not wanting to stand out from the crowd because you would rather avoid social interaction. If I didn’t have to deal with every jack#$$ on the street harassing me, I’d still wear fedoras, maybe. I don’t need to wear a fedora to be different. I know I’m different (at least in my mind). Cheers

Arkansas Russell · Post by **Arkansas Russell** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:32 pm

I love a fedora...and I love the looks of the Indiana Jones fedora.
But as a rule I wear my hat because of my grand dad. He was a farmer and wore khaki's, so I wear a hat and alot of the time.. khaki's.
Also alot of the time I wear my Akubra Campdraft with a thin ribbon.
But as to being called 'Indy' it doesnt bother me in the least.

Argonaut · Post by **Argonaut** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:16 pm

When I first saw the Indiana Jones movies, I wanted to be Indiana Jones. I don't wear a fedora much nowadays because it's never been very practical for me, and maybe because I'm not very proud of the fedora I do have. If I had a good fedora I would wear it sometimes so I could feel like I'm Indiana Jones, but most of the time I'd prefer to blend in.

Indy gear has never been practical for me, I just thought it looked awesome and I wanted to be Indy. When I was younger I would wear the closest thing to Indy gear I could get every day to school, but growing up kind of ruined me. I just wear jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters now. Lame. So I decided that if I get a job I'm buying me some Indiana Jones gear and that I'd wear it, maybe not all the time, but at least some of the time.

I guess over time I've also come to really appreciate the styles of that era. Maybe it wasn't practical, but man it looks cool and stylish. Humphrey Bogart taught me even more about the awesome style of that era. It's too bad styles changed so much. Clothes may be tougher and more practical now, but they are boring.

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:56 pm

I want to take a minute to retype the history of how I found IndyGear. I'm exausted and I don't have the energy to do so... maybe later.

I went looking for sites where I could buy the best fedora I could find because I was getting back into the 1930's and 1940's look that I was into when I was a Teen. I got hooked because I saw Raiders, Casablanca, The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon all around the same time. There were also people who I admired back when I was a teen who used to wear fedoras.

I also hate modern fashion. I think what Madison Ave tells us what's "In" is stupid and impractical unless I'm heading out to do a drive-by shooting on the way to the gym. The way men dressed during "The Golden Era" is how men should dress today, with different fabrics.

I don't begruge people who are into the modern look, it's just not for me.

I'll admit, I got hooked on the community - Come For The Gear, Stay For The People... but at a point I had to leave and do my own thing on The Fedora Chronicles.

The fedora for me is the symbol for the Every-Day man who did Extrodanary Thngs during A Difficult Period, not just of one character.

indy13 · Post by **indy13** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:10 am

I'm not sure if I'm trying to identify with Indy or not. I love the character. He is my favorite hero. I certainly wouldn't mind being thought of by others in the same way. However, it's more important to me to establish my own style. My gear is not particularly SA. I modified the pockets and lining of the jacket to fit my needs. My Indy style hat (when I get it) was based on the Raiders movie but was modified to what Steve and I thought would best fit my face. I currently wear an old leather fedora. I rarely wear boots. I usually wear jeans instead of khakis. And usually my shirts are more brightly colored (maroons and reds). Also they aren't always button down shirts. Additionally, I often wear a scarf on colder days.

So, I've certainly taken the most recognizable elements form Indy's attire (hat and jacket). And I probably feel a little more ready for adventure when I'm wearing them but I believe that I'm just incorporating things I like into my own personal style. And the truth is he's not the only hero I've emulated. When I'm dressed up my style is based more on James Bond (another hero I like). That cut of suit simply looks better on me than the tweed stuff Indy wears.

I hope this helps.

BTW I didn't vote b/c I think my most honest answer is yes and no. Yes, I identify with the character but no, that's not my only/primary reason for dressing that way.

Niob · Post by **Niob** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:34 am

I dont have a wearable hat at the moment, but if i will get my AB i wouldn't wear because its Indy's hat, i would wear it because i love the look of the hat itself. But to be honest ...i had never took notice of this hat without seeing Indy.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:33 pm

No, I do not.

And Crockett loved wearing a tall beaver felt hat as well as his coonskin, by the way.

Regards! Michaelson

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 6:39 pm

Chewbacca Jones wrote:I love this "research" idea, Canada.
Personally, wearing a fedora is not about Indiana Jones at all for me, except at summits and among fellow gearheads. Even in my Adventurebilt, it's on my head because it's a dang nice hat... that happens to be much like one I saw in a dang cool movie. But that's it. And Indy style fedoras are just a part of my collection... and obsession, to be honest. I love wearing hats. When I finally get my Robert Redford "Sting" clone, I'm not going to wear it to identify with Robert Redford (not a bad thing, to be sure). I'm just going to wear a nice hat.

Thanks Chewbacca. Love the Sting movie by the way - saw it on tv the other night. So you could say you are influenced in the style of hat you wear, like Indy or the Sting hat but you are more into the hats then what they mean or might represent?
best
Canada

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 6:47 pm

Michaelson wrote:No, I do not.

And Crockett loved wearing a tall beaver felt hat as well as his coonskin, by the way.

Regards! Michaelson

Michealson - I did not know this about Crockett. Can you tell me where you found this info so I can cite it? I found some research that said he did not ever where a coonskin at all - what are your thoughts on that? One article was saying anyone who has ever tried to shoot a long rifle in the rain or bad weather would never wear a coonskin - instead a broad hat. Also, I did read that at one time in his life Crockett worked with a hatter.
best
Canada

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 6:57 pm

Lawrenceburg, TN historical society, the location of Crockett's last location he lived at before heading to Texas. He ran a grist mill and still before being flooded out and losing the business.

If you'll recall in our conversations, I told you he also had a farm not far from where I live in Franklin County, TN, and his wife Polly Crockett is buried there.

Here's a link to a portrait made of him from life just before he left for Texas, holding said felt hat.

http://www.indepthinfo.com/articles/dav ... rait.shtml

Regard! Michaelson

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 7:33 pm

There are paintings of Crockett with a coonskin cap; not sure if they were done before or after his death.

The biggest unresolved question about Crockett is how he died; Mrs. Dickinson recalled that she saw his body among the slaughtered defenders of the Alamo, his "peculiar cap" lying at his side; but according to a Mexican soldier's diary, Crockett was captured and later executed at Santa Anna's orders.

Jack

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:14 pm

Canada Jones wrote:
Chewbacca Jones wrote: So you could say you are influenced in the style of hat you wear, like Indy or the Sting hat but you are more into the hats then what they mean or might represent?
best
Canada

That's affirmative! I suppose that if hats were a common part of modern attire, the influence would come as much from the people around me. But I have never lived among hat-wearers, so most of my hat inspiration can only be found in movies.

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 4:47 pm

Michaelson wrote:Lawrenceburg, TN historical society, the location of Crockett's last location he lived at before heading to Texas. He ran a grist mill and still before being flooded out and losing the business.

If you'll recall in our conversations, I told you he also had a farm not far from where I live in Franklin County, TN, and his wife Polly Crockett is buried there.

Here's a link to a portrait made of him from life just before he left for Texas, holding said felt hat.

http://www.indepthinfo.com/articles/dav ... rait.shtml

Regard! Michaelson

I know very well that you live down the way from where Polly was buried. I did know about the mill and the flood. thanks for the link.
best
Canada

tnitz · Post by **tnitz** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:51 pm

I recently realized that the reason I started wearing fedoras long ago was because of the movie "The Sting." I never realized it until recently, but it is likely that that movie had a big impact on my hat wear (I've also always worn "newsboy" caps.

I got out of fedora wearing for many years because it was simply IMPOSSIBLE to find any with tall crowns and medium width brims. It pretty much still is, but thankfully, this whole Indiana Jones thing has brought about some that are getting closer. If you look at the old movies or hats, however, you will see that it's very difficult to get a fedora that would allow for the old bashes.

I recently purchased an Akubra Federation. I have had a few Akubras in recent years and have liked their felt and wanted to see if the Federation would come close to what I remember (I used to be able to buy quality Stetsons off the shelf that were higher crowned). They are closer than I've been able to find and have now bought two, but the last Stetson I retired had a 6" crown and (I think) a 3" brim, so I'm still looking.

And yes, I now own a fedora that is nearly identical to that seen in Raiders. I didn't intend for that to happen, but here's why it happened:

1) It's not a good idea to crease a felt hat - they will wear out on the creases. Nevertheless, my hats seem to always gravitate toward sharp creases. My typical crease has always been rather "raiders".

2) I like a snap brim, but usually work it to a fairly shallow snap brim. Indy's hat in Raiders is technically a snap brim. although I didn't realize it until after I was working this hat. It started as coincidence, but I also realized that the flatter the brim, the taller the crown looked. So it inevitably became quite "raiders".

3) The feature that was new to me and directly inspired by "Raiders" was the center crease. I saw that that also increased the apparent height of the crown and so went with it and have since used it a few times.

My second and most recent Akubra Federation is gray and I did look at Robert Redford's fedora in "The Sting" before I bashed it and realized that his fedora followed similar lines to Indy's. So, unintentionally, my gray hat now also looks similar to Indy's in Last Crusade. I didn't have the guts to try the sideways snap that Redford's fedora displayed.

mercat · Post by **mercat** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:53 pm

I'm going to say yes, but I think it's more of in line with Indy's character rather than "Indy for the heck of it" (which is what everyone else seems to be saying, as well). Um, if that makes sense. =P

I have always been a hat person, I'm pretty sure I got it from my mom. She wears hats all the time and I remember her saying on several occassions when I was little that "you have to have confidence to wear a hat" because no one wears hats much anymore. So to me, hat-wearers always have a bit more character than those who don't.

So in my collection of hats, my fedora is the one that I would wear if I'm feeling more of an adventurous mood. (Though, I don't know if I'll keep this hat much longer--I got it in seventh grade b/c I figured my parents would buy a $100 hat for me, but it's not very accurate [it's the "official" one] and I think investing in a better-looking and higher-quality one would be good now that I have my own job and everything.) However, there's also my silly winter-hats (colorful yarns and poofs and tassels and such), my Christmas hat (a green felt beret with two gorgeous curlicues), my costumey hats (neon plastic fedoras from a New Year's party, a purple tophat from another one, and a gold plastic glitter fedora from an annual "pimps and 'ho's" party), and my new Swiss antique band hat (picked up for a costume, but also has some sentimental value as my family name is Swiss and we are big on music). I also have a purple foamy-felt fedora that I wear when I'm feeling particularly tropical (or Jimmy-Buffett-ish), as I have attached a pink fake hibiscus to the side. (This one is slowly, very slowly, working its way to becoming my avatar.) Also on the wishlist is a leather tricorner because my friends and I enjoy dressing like pirates, and I have a connection to tricorners from high school band (we were the Marching Patriots, and I have a lot of pride in those uniforms).

OK, so that's enough for the background information. =P I think much like the other posts so far, it's not so much Dressing Up as Indy-the-Costume but Becoming-Indy-the-Person. I can't say Indy hasn't had a big impact on my life. In gradeschool my girl scout troop went to COSI Columbus where I discovered the area called Adventure (a "dig site" with mysterious gods-statues that gave clues) and was instantly hooked. Because of that my parents introduced me to Indiana Jones and from researching the creators of Adventure I have gone from wanting to be an architect to possibly designing movie sets or theme park attractions or hotel attractions or interactive museum displays. (Or Extreme Interior Design... haha)

So... I came here long ago before I could create an account because of Indy obsession, and recently because my friend got me into costuming as an art. But I don't think I'm going to put as much detail and scrutiny into the search for other gear as much as the hat. Then again, I love the crowd here and could be around for ages, so who knows.

Though Indiana Jones is one of my more favorite fandoms, there are so many that have had an affect on me and helping me define who I am or want to be that it all makes me think that it's a lot more than a search for screen-accurate costume. I think the community here is a testament to that fact, as we're not just a bunch of cosplayers trading the tricks of the trade.

Anyway... my post is probably a little ranty and long-winded (and poorly organized, heh), buuuuut... hopefully it's of some help to you.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:32 pm

tnitz wrote:I recently realized that the reason I started wearing fedoras long ago was because of the movie "The Sting."
I got out of fedora wearing for many years because it was simply IMPOSSIBLE to find any with tall crowns and medium width brims.... I'm still looking.

I didn't have the guts to try the sideways snap that Redford's fedora displayed.

tnitz, if you can afford a little more than an Adventurebilt at any point, I recommend turning to Art Fawcett at Vintage Silhouettes for a Redford hat (or any vinage style other than Indiana Jones). Custom made, by hand, to your specs. Shaped or open crowned. He even has a featherweight felt in some colors.

The sideways snap doesn't work on everyone, but it never hurst to try it in the mirror with each new hat before you finalize the shape. That snap works best on a non-dimensional brim, anyway.

Why do you Wear a Fedora?

Do you wear a fedora as a way of Identifying with Indiana Jones?

Why do you Wear a Fedora?

hat

hat

Fedoras

Re: Fedoras