Club Obi Wan

I’ve decided to order an advintage in raiders sable 80/20. I’ve read some posts that they run large? I have an Akubra fed iv that I recently ordered at size 59 and it was too big, dropped down to my ears. With a bit a foam tape on the back it fit ok. I got some tape this time and measured sometimes a 58 snug and sometimes a 58.5 at most. So now I’m worried that if I order a 59 I’m afraid it will be too big.
I haven’t had the Akubra long enough to see if it shrinks some, just curious how much does a hat shrink over time? 1 cm? 1/2? Should I just go with 59 with some cork?

Just from my experience I ordered my size and it did come very small amount bigger than had I bought a penman. I got with it the cork pads and then it fit perfect. I found that wearing it a lot help shrink the leather some and it fits great.

Contact him, he’s awesome to deal with. I’m thinking of getting a SOC from him in the near future

Croft

Fed IV's traditionally run on the large side.

I can't speak directly about Advintage, but most sweatbands are cut a bit larger than the stated size to take into account the leather shinking over time. Even custom hats will fit mildly loose when you first get them.

If your head measures 58 to 58.5cm, I would recommend a 59. A slightly too large hat can be padded and will likely shrink a bit. A slightly too small hat will be uncomfortable to wear and won't stretch over time.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Cool, now I have to decide on rabbit or the 80/20 blend...hmm

Instead of 'guessing', since you're dealing directly with a custom hat maker, send them your exact head measurement and let THEM determine exactly what you require.

They're the expert, and if they get it wrong, it's on their 'head' (so to speak), not yours.

That said, I've done the same thing with HatsDirect and asked them to find one that fit my supplied measurements. I have never been disappointed, as THEY know if they get it right the first time, they don't have to deal with a return.

Just a suggestion.

Regards! Michaelson

I have 5 AdVintages -- 4 Harrisons (2 rabbit and 2 80/20 rabbit-beaver) and 1 custom 100% beaver. Thomas makes great hats at great prices, so I think you'll be happy with whatever choice you make.

Having said that, if it's in your budget, go for the 80/20. While I love my plain ol' rabbit Harrisons (which are a cut above the very nice Fed IV), the 20% beaver content really moves the hat up a notch in quality, with a noticeably smoother, softer feel to the felt.

I wear a 58, so I ordered all my AdVintage hats as 58s. You may find a 59 too large, but Michaelson had the best advice above -- contact Thomas directly and ask what he recommends.

As Michaelson suggests, Thomas may ask for your exact measurements, and he knows how his hats measure out. Since the Harrison is a factory-made hat (which Thomas styles to suit your choice), there may be some natural variability among those labeled as 58s. I know no 2 of my dozen size 58 Akubras have fit exactly the same as the others. With your exact measurement in hand, Thomas may indeed be able to choose the one among his inventory most likely to give you the best fit.

As far as shrinkage goes, I have a Penman and AB. I wear each weekly.

It was John Penman who explained to me I had a long oval shaped head when I first visited him. I first tried on a round in my size and then an oval. These are the most common shapes in stores which is why I could never find a hat that felt good. They were tight in front and back, while loose on the sides. When I tried on a LO in my size it fit like a glove.

It’s shocking how thigh they can fit even with the length my hair. I’m lazy about getting haircuts. When I do my hats feel great. Also the warmer days can cause the bands to get wet and shrink if I don’t wear them regularly. I bought one of the hat stretchers on Amazon which really works great if I haven’t worn one in a while.

hey there

in my experience, the Advintage lids run big

i've had a couple of Harrisons, one of which was sized 58 cm and the other one 57 cm

i myself am a 58 cm (or ever so slightly less, i have two custom lids made by Mike at Northwest hats and they are made to fit me perfectly at 57,7 cm)

the Harrison in 58 cm was too large, the 57 cm fit just fine

and my latest experience is , the same goes for the handmade Advintage fedoras : i bought a second hand Raiders no turn, new, unworn, from a fellow Jones fan last week, the hat is sized 57 cm and it fits fine.

this being said, both the Harrisons and of course the handmade advintage hats are great hats. So once you have worked out the sizing issue, you'll be a very happy customer, i can vouch for that.