"cowboy" hats, and going to TX

kinzli

kinzli

Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
426
Recently I was at REI and tried on a hat that I really liked - Dorfman Pacific Hat - it's the roughed-up cowboy type hat.

From what I remember, the hat was comfortable and I kinda liked the look, but I think Dorfman Pacific isn't that great of a manufacturer, at least afaik.

So, today I'm leaving for Texas on business. I figure I should have a lot of selection and places to go to find something similar, but higher quality. Does anyone have any suggestions for brands that are typically higher quality, better fitting, or stores that cater to a higher-end hat? I'll be in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area.

Thanks...
 
I like Cavender's and Sheplers-both in DFW.

Get yourself a Stetson or Resistol straw hat at this time of year. For after Labor Day wear- get an 10X Beaver felt.:D
 
What part of texas?
If your in fort worth, go to the historic stock yard area and have a look around. There are quite a few really nice tack/saddle shops within walking distance of each other. I had to buy a new straw hat last time I went down there for a horse show, and ended up buying it from M.L Leddys. Its a nice store with a very good selection, and the salesman was great. Nice guy to deal with and did a good job creasing the hat for me. (there's also a knife shop right in that area called knife alley :D )

I wouldn't give a dollar for a roughed up hat like that though. Get yourself a bangora, or palm straw hat and wear it in yourself :) Seriously, find a good tack shop and a good hat that fits well, and they will help you shape it to get the look and fit you want. The crumpled stained look is mostly a fad, but is easy enough to get yourself without paying for it.

As far as brands, I've been very happy with Resistol, and Bailey. Never had a stetson, but they are good hats.
 
Seems like I've been seeing more and more ladies in my area (Santa Cruz California) where this type of straw western hat, extremely curled up at the sides, with an extreme drop on the front brim.

47671813.jpg
 
Gary, I'm in Santa Cruz, too. Small world :D

Thanks guys for the pointers. Resistol I had heard of and thought it was a decent company but didn't know if they were still in the short list. I'll check out those spots.
 
Well damn it all to hell, I just found out that Restitol and Stetson are owned by the same company now. They are also made in the same factory it seems. :mad:
 
I love Sheplers, I've had that site in my favorites for a long time now.

Check out their hats under $50. They've got some amazing bargains.
 
stetdamas.gif


Stetson all the way.
Mine is going on 27 years old, 2nd sweatband and still going strong.
And....
Those gals in California are just copyin' me and my
"New York Crush"

(OK....I copied it from Jerry Reed in Smokey & The Bandit)
:D
 
hey Kinzli, that name sounds familiar, are you into metal detectors? Or is that a different guy with the same name?


kinzli said:
Gary, I'm in Santa Cruz, too. Small world :D

Thanks guys for the pointers. Resistol I had heard of and thought it was a decent company but didn't know if they were still in the short list. I'll check out those spots.
Click to expand...
 
Hi All-

One shouldn't wear a new hat to Texas unless they can "pull off" the look without being regarded as a City Slicker of some sort.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
I finally got a new resistol, but the profile is too high-In Florida, we prefer a wide, low brim, cause it's hot. I thought about getting a palm hat, but they weigh a ton!. Resistol is good, though, and a straw hat is cheap and useful. However-new hat, especially paired with new boots make you look like a gomer.
 
You won't see that many cowboy hats in Dallas. Go out a little ways into ranching country and the old timers still wear them. The "good ol boys" prefer gimme caps. Hats are more for dress up than work. Boots are a completely different story. Everyone should have a good pair. In a former life that occasionally found me inside the D.C. beltway I would wear them with my gray pinstripe suit and red power tie. The Eastern elite would get a big kick out of that.

Jack
 
It's a personal thing, there are a variety of styles and grades of felt and straw, you have to feel them and try them on and see what fits your budget, If you are not too familiar with hats, you may want to stay with good brands, Stetson, Resitol, Bailey as some have mentioned, if you were in Mexico I would recommend Tardan.

I have a crushable Dorfman Pacific, it's convenient because you can roll it up and put it in a large coat pocket, briefcase or whatever. It's wool felt so not as good or nice as beaver or rabbit felt, IMHO not a true cowboy hat, more like a "casual".

Check the labels, if they say "Made in Mexico" they are likely from San Francisco del Rincon, Guanajuato, these are nice and tough and not expensive over here, I have several in straw (Panama, Shantung, Bangora).

Luis
 
Therer are a few custom makers that will make anything you want. Only takes a few weeks, if you can wait.

Got mine in Fort Davis at Lempia(?Spanish for "Clean") Creek Hat Co.

They make the hats for Miss Texas. They had a 100% silver belly beaver with all the bells and whistles in a case. :eek: :eek: :eek:

They had a wall of hats to pick from. Take the crown of that one and the brim...

Five years later and it still looks great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top