Ode to My Penman Fedora; Why I'm in Love
Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 7:56 pm
I know, I know. There's a thread, and yes I posted. But as I sit with my new hat this weekend, I realize that something special is happening here. Something deserving (I hope) it's own thread. For a little while, at least.
You see, I'm a "hat guy," which means; a) Regardless of Indy, I like and wear hats. b) I have a lot of hats. c) I can get a little ho-hum about hats, even nice ones, sometimes. d) Did I mention I have lots of hats?
Now, I get excited about every new hat as I wait for it. If the hat turns out to be nice when it arrives (I've had a few immediate duds), I'm happy and enthusiastic. The particularly pleasing examples get some extra attention the first day or so; tweaking, trying it on, bashing (if open crown), etc. But every once in a while, something special happens between an old hat veteran and his new lid. Today, I realized that it has happen with this Penman. I've only been this enthused by a new hat maybe two other times. Considering I have over 2 dozen hats in regular rotation at this moment, and have owned at least 10 others that are now gone, and some odd ones around that I rarely wear... that's significant.
I haven't had a chance to wear it out of the house yet, and I can't get enough of it. I put it on for no reason in the house (I don't wear hats inside, usually). I keep playing with it, not to improve the bash, but just to try different ways of tilting it or snapping the brim.
So, why do I love it so much? What makes it stand out? Well...
1. The finish is so luxurious. I have only a couple that feel like this Penman, and it's my favorite finish. Nice and even, fairly smooth, with just a touch of length to it that gives the felt a "grain," I guess you might say.
2. The brim responds so well to adjustment by hand. I am amazed by it, really. I haven't encountered this kind of pliability and cooperation in a brim outside of one vintage hat I saw (but alas, did not own). I could just play with this brim all day.
3. The profile of the hat. It's just so classic. It really speaks to me.
4. I can actually wear this hat tipped to toward the back of my head. It's comfortable, it stays put, and I don't look like a total doofus when I do it. No modern hat, custom or otherwise, has looked this good tilted back on my head.
5. The color. Just... perfect.
6. It just "feels right." I know that at least some of you know what I'm talking about.
I'm sorry if this lacks a certain "review" like quality. It's the closest I can get without blathering on about felt quality and density, yada yada yada. We all know John uses quality materials and does very exacting work. Enough to impress me, who now mostly wears vintage hats, or those made by hatter with much more experience. But there's something else here, too. I hope I found a way to say it that works.
You look great in hats anyway, but this one really does suit you well!
...there we go. And now I'll wait for that pot of coffee to finish brewing. 
