The London Lounge

I would like to seek advice from hat wearers on the choice of the right hat. Reason I post this is that I am not a hat wearer myself, and live in a place without stores having a good collection of hats in which I could seek advice. I have some preferences, and hope people can point me in the right direction.
Preferences:
- I think I prefer one of the more compact type of hats such as short brim Trilby or Fedora hats, or the more 'country type' woolen / tweed hats.
- Given my age (early 30s) I want to avoid hats that are too formal, too large, too prominent, or have an appearance that is older than appropriate. So no 'inspector Jack Frost type of hat look' because I am not a Jack Frost.
- Reason I consider a hat over a cap, is I think mostly practical (better protection against cold and rain during e.g. cycling), and perhaps also to avoid a too youngish / informal look, although I am aware of the high quality tweed cap options. So perhaps I should reconsider this.

I have included links to four hats that seem to it above descriptions, but I am feeling like I have seen only the tip of the iceberg, and hope someone can offer suggestions to consider options I am not yet aware of.

http://www.villagehatshop.com/christys_ ... x_hat.html
http://www.villagehatshop.com/bailey_orson_fedora.html
http://www.villagehatshop.com/borsalino_trilby.html
The Dorset seen here: http://www.bates-hats.co.uk/tweed_hats.html

Thanks for your help here.

I had not seen the Bates site. You can not go wrong buying a hat from this well established shop. I wear the “Burlington” model in brown or gray 90% of the time. It is as well balanced a hat as I have seen in London or elsewhere for that matter. It depends a bit on your physique and face structure. The “weekender” is another great hat.

From a tweed perspective the Dorset is a good choice. I have hats made up in tweed in a shape similar to the Orkney, sort of a tweed trilby. I like these because if you are outside a lot in the rain or sun in the country, you get better protection. The staple for active pursuits in the country is the tweed cap cut from a good old fashioned hunk of 28 ozs tweed. You’ll have to have these made as most shops carry much lighter variants.

I will try and post pictures of some tweed hats for you to look at..

Best regards

Michael Alden

There is no substitute for going into a shop and trying on lots of hats and seeking the advice of the sales staff. (I have had excellent service from Lock's). Although this is less crucial for soft hats, if you really can't get up to town.

leon

Hi,

I was in your position a few years ago so thought you may be interested in my choice.

I think, without doubt if you’re new to wearing hats, self consciousness’ plays a huge part, after all when you step into the street the likelihood is you’ll be the only one wearing a hat such as we’ve discussed previously. My first hat was a tweed flat cap, as it happens now would be a perfect time to buy perhaps the fuller Gatsby style cap. Not only do they look very stylish they are at present very much in fashion. I know style and fashion are often two completely different things but I think it might help at the present time. Once I’d built confidence and felt comfortable wearing a hat I progressed onto a Bates Grosvenor Fedora. One in grey which I frequently wear in the day to the races and such like and another in black which I’d wear with perhaps a wool overcoat to an evening function

Hope this Helps
Good luck!