Re: Fedora, Fedora, Fedora

Posted by Greg from kenn004b-p4-246.cybertours.com on December 03, 2000 at 21:39:40:

In Reply to: Re: Fedora, Fedora, Fedora posted by Fedora on December 03, 2000 at 14:42:12:

: : Are fedoras normally suposed to be real stiff when bought...I have the 005 Indy Fedora from Stetson which is not being sold anymore....I like it but its too short and doesn't have the right look but it also is not really stiff.....I mean it stays its shape but its not that stiff...

: : Also, are the HJ fedoras that stiff? and are they better quality than the PB? I mean I'm practically sold on the PB but I still wonder. And from what I've heard the HJ Poet looks like the Last Crusade Fedora in the Italy boat dock scene, right?

: Actually, fedoras vary in stiffness, depending on who makes them. My fedoras range from very soft and floppy, to very stiff. I like em all, although the really soft ones don't hold brim shape very well without the use of a stiffener. As far as the quality comparisons between the HJ and PB, maybe someone here who owns both will comment. I guess all rabbit fur felts are not created equal,so there may be a difference. The main thing to me is which felt is apt to shrink more. Of course all felt will shrink given water and heat, but some will shrink at room temp. I think this is due to the raw felt not being shrunk enough during the manufacturing process. A faster made felt is equal to a cheaply made felt. Also, I don't particularly care for the colored powders used in the finishing /coloring process. If your hat gets wet, the colored powder bleeds out, and all over the lining, not to mention running down your face! Ask Michaelson about this as he once recited this happening to him. My GW is full of this powder, as well as every Stetson I have ever owned. The Akubras don't use the powder, and the PB may have only a little bit. I say "may", because I can't recall what Joe said concerning this. The powder is used to blend the color in fine dress hats to make them look prettier to the eye, in case your are wondering. Regards, Fedora

I've never had my HJ's dye bleed. In regard to shrinkage, my first HJ shrunk considerably over 4 years. However, my new one has not shrunk much at all in 2 years. When I ordered this one, I spoke with Richard Swales about the shrinkage issue and he said that I shouldn't have a problem with this new one since they started using a finer grade of felt which was preshrunk more than the old felt. He was right. Also, when I got the new hat, I could tell that the felt is smoother (more "velvety" if you will) than the older models. It was softer and more flexible (not as stiff in either the crown or brim) as my first one was.

Greg

Follow Ups:

Re: Re: Fedora fedora J.C. 00:25:48 12/04/2000 (4)
- Re: Re: Fedora fedora Greg 22:19:23 12/04/2000 (3)
  - Re: Re: Re:Fedora fedora J.C. 00:08:30 12/05/2000 (2)
    - Re: Re: Re:Fedora fedora Greg 22:46:04 12/05/2000 (1)
      - Greg, Fedora, THanks for the help, you guys are great(nm) J.C. 00:25:42 12/06/2000 (0)

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: : : Are fedoras normally suposed to be real stiff when bought...I have the 005 Indy Fedora from Stetson which is not being sold anymore....I like it but its too short and doesn't have the right look but it also is not really stiff.....I mean it stays its shape but its not that stiff...

: : : Also, are the HJ fedoras that stiff? and are they better quality than the PB? I mean I'm practically sold on the PB but I still wonder. And from what I've heard the HJ Poet looks like the Last Crusade Fedora in the Italy boat dock scene, right?

: :    Actually, fedoras vary in stiffness, depending on who makes them. My fedoras range from very soft and floppy, to very stiff. I like em all, although the really soft ones don't hold brim shape very well without the use of a stiffener. As far as the quality comparisons between the HJ and PB, maybe someone here who owns both will comment. I guess all rabbit fur felts are not created equal,so there may be a difference. The main thing to me is which felt is apt to shrink more. Of course all felt will shrink given water and heat, but some will shrink at room temp. I think this is due to the raw felt not being shrunk enough during the manufacturing process. A faster made felt is equal to a cheaply made felt. Also, I don't particularly care for the colored powders used in the finishing /coloring process. If your hat gets wet, the colored powder bleeds out, and all over the lining, not to mention running down your face! Ask Michaelson about this as he once recited this happening to him. My GW is full of this powder, as well as every Stetson I have ever owned. The Akubras don't use the powder, and the PB may have only a little bit. I say "may", because I can't recall what Joe said concerning this.  The powder is used to blend the color in fine dress hats to make them look prettier to the eye, in case your are wondering.   Regards, Fedora

: 
: I've never had my HJ's dye bleed.  In regard to shrinkage, my first HJ shrunk considerably over 4 years.  However, my new one has not shrunk much at all in 2 years.  When I ordered this one, I spoke with Richard Swales about the shrinkage issue and he said that I shouldn't have a problem with this new one since they started using a finer grade of felt which was preshrunk more than the old felt.  He was right.  Also, when I got the new hat, I could tell that the felt is smoother (more "velvety" if you will) than the older models.  It was softer and more flexible (not as stiff in either the crown or brim) as my first one was.

: Greg

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