EAST TEXAS HOG DOGGERS FORUM

I have read the thread about the differences in hats.  I understand it is personal preference.  With that being said, I need a new hat.  You guys that wear cowboy hats help a rooking hatter out.  When getting fitted, what do you look for?  What level on your head are you wanting?  Where in relation to your ears?  Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Josh

All personal preference. I see some people with a hat that has a tall crown and a 4 inch brim I think it looks stupid lol but that's jmo. And some people have a short crown and a big brim.... I like to meet in the middle. Medium crown with a 4 1/2 inch brim. Basically watever you think you look the best in. Most of the rodeos I go to I have to wear a hat or I get disqualified so why not look good?  O0 just make sure if it's not custom made get an American hat  ;)

Josh, you would look awesome in one of those hats shaped like a taco shell!!!  ;D

Josh, This is you man. This hat and look could be the beginning of a new image for you.  ;D

Most young guys probably don't know who this is ;D

            (http://) (http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z349/eelcat1/images.jpg)

We know he's already got the roach stompers to go with it!

I think the ride height, brim, etc are all personal preference.  

This doesn't really answer your question, but I thought I would share my recent hat buying experience.

All my life I have bought "off the shelf" hats from the western wear store. Then had the guy at the counter shape them, or I might tweak them a little once I got them home.  Never did have one that just felt "right"

Last year I broke down and bought a custom hat for the first time. Having the same guy that makes the hats, be the same one that shapes and fits it to your head is the way to go...

I purchased mine at http://www.catalenahats.com/

When it started warming up this year, I drove back to catalena hatters and had them fit me with a straw American Hat

Something else I found interesting about a good custom hat, is the restoration.  I can take my hat, run it over with the truck, drop it in oil, sweat in it for 5 years, then send it back to the maker. For $80.00 they will completely overhaul the hat and send it back looking like new.  I figure 80 bucks is less than a cheap hat at the western store.

You can get an off the rack hat that fits good, but as stated earlier custom made is the way to go. Same as tailored suits or off the rack suits. Also a custom made hat is for a lifetime. If you buy off the rack the fit is all personal preference. Just remember if it's to loose the wind will blow it off all the time.

Have you settled on a style yet?  Most "big boned"  ;D people opt for either a cattlemen or a ten gallon style... I'd say it needs to be proportionate to your head, but really up to you... screw what everybody else thinks!!!!  ;D

man i tell ya i bought a hat from Tractor supply for just farm work and didnt really care if it got dirty or broke and that is the best hat ive got

Resistol Brush Hog Mexican Palm Straw Cowboy Hat


http://www.sheplers.com/Resistol-Brush-Hog-Mexican-Palm-Straw-Cowboy-Hat/5118.pro

I am the best man in a buddy's wedding.  I have to buy this model hat for the wedding.  I was actually asking what size I would need.  After just going to a western store during my lunch hour, I have answered my own question.  7 1/8" it is.   ;)

your going to need this song to go with that hat...  :)

http://youtu.be/OMko5LelBdA

That's a very common size. They also come in a long oval shape. 7 1/8 is my actual size but the best hat ive got I bought as a 7 round and had it stretched. Fits great and I can still pull it down tight if I need to get somewhere in a hurry.

American hat co. all the way . The hat store in houston are great people.

This is an American Hat I had custom made.  Since the picture its been reshaped alil, it was alil off balance and the brim needed alil more work to it.  Real nice quality hat. I've wore it three times, because I got my Grandpas old Stetson and usually wear that now.

(http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss166/BA-IV/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7955.jpg)

Why you don't get your hats at tractor supply..... Farmers buy their hats at tractor supply >:D nothin against farmers for the most part they let me hog hunt on their places  ;D

Thats a nice hat Ben... I wouldnt wear it either... Scared i might get some dirt on it!!!  ;D

i bought my every day winter hat at tractor supply . have worn it every winter since 1999 , it's been more places and on more hog hunts than i can remember . i own two hats a felt for the winter and a straw for the summer . size is important , to get a proper fit buy you a hat you think sets rite , then go to the roughest bar you know and if it's still on your head at the end of the night it is the proper size and fit  :D

I guess my next big decision is whether to grow a beard for the wedding or not.  If I elect to, I better start now.   ;)

 ;D

Let me give you a word of advice for that broad palm Mexican hat. After the weddin, wrap it around a broom stick and use it to sweep crap out of the bluetick kennels. That's about the extent of how I feel about that particular palm leaf.

 

I won a hat for high point bronc ride at the very first CPRA finals they ever had. It was in '92, I think. I was a custom hat from a guy in OK named Stan Runion. That was the absolute best hat I have ever owned. It was very well built, and held up forever. I had it re-blocked and cleaned twice at some place in Ft. Worth. I still wore that hat until I gave it to my younger cousin in about 2005 or so. Started getting a little tight for me, but he still wears it around. I don't know if he is still building them, but I was very impressed with that hat!

   That's a good way to size one right there halfbreed ;D

I always order my hats from JW brooks.  Square in the front and turn it up on the sides.  You can't bet a good handmade custon hat.  I wear the Al Dunning.  Top Hand

  http://www.jwbrookscustomhats.com/

you gotit there BREED,,ifya can where a of the shelf STETs for a few decades ,ya dont need another hat.PERIOD

I sure do like that "Original" Gus by Catalena Hatters.

              (http://)(http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z349/eelcat1/Copyofbone_gus_hh.jpg)

This is my Stetson.  It belonged to my Grandpa and is abou 15 yrs old.  Hopefully I can pass it down to my grandson in 25 years.

(http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss166/BA-IV/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4424.jpg)

I wear and prefer Bandora Hats. Tthey are as tough as a hat comes and can pop back into shape.  I also prefer a very flat brim with a slight angle on the sides.  I think the hat shout fit firmly on the head with the underside of the brim being very close to the top of the ear.  I dont want a hat that flops arond on my head.  Oh by the way, I think the flat brim is best for dancing with girls and it doesn't get in the way when they want to lock thier lips on mine (LMAO)!!

he's workin for the state now if ya know what i mean, seems he was makin more than hats...

Well, if they would give him the tools, he could dang sure pay his own way, lol. Man makes a heck of a hat! I had always heard he was in a wheelchair, or something like that. Story I was told by the older bronc riders was that his old lady shot him!

oh i ment no bad about my TSC hat, they know me by first name and phone number by heart. its just i dont wanna buy a 100$ hat when my 30$ hat is just as nice

Your 30 dollar hat ain't just as nice. Plus, you won't get much hat for a hundred either.

I'm thinking he's talking about a straw hat.

Even still. A cheap straw versus even an off the shelf of higher quality is no comparison in workmanship and durability.

tbob my point being is im comfy with what i wear, and yes i was raised off straw hats ;D

I got my hat. Seems like it may be too tall for my liking, but my buddy's bride will be happy. It actually makes me feel different when I wear it. When it's on, I have the desire to watch Lonesome Dove. Just saying.  ;D

that is a awsome hat