I bought a pimp hat when I was in the navy. It looked good on me for not being black.

Most I've spent now is about 16 bucks for a costco hat to keep the sun off my head when I'm golfing.

I can't wear baseball hats. They're mostly too small for my head and they don't stay.

I was surprised to observe the difference in 'how people treat you' when wearing different hats.

This was over a year effort, in the mid 1970s-so long ago, yet the study was intriguing.

Moving recently to the PNW the need for head wear become obvious in the wetter climate. Had never worn hats much until then. Started with one style, then a variety grew depending on what I was doing at the time...outdoor work, casual, which rig I drove (hat room) etc.

Had adopted a construction hard-hat for some of my activities, and various 'news boy' flat hats, a finely built leather cowboy style, the 'trucker-baseball' type. The BIG change came with acquiring an actual Amish style black

I was used to people getting rather up close and having a direct speaking style. Wearing my Amish hat, most would adopt a rather curious stand-back and eyes not engaging directly, almost a more respectful countenance. I could wear my hard hat & observe complete change into brisk & more verbally assertive tone.

My authentic Stetson was bought used at the Wisdom Mt gun show about 35 years ago. It's my chore hat and getting a bit long in tooth.

Current favorite of the last decade+ is my high-dome derby, which seems to generate smiles or actual pleasant comments, generally from the wimmin folk.

My wife will be home soon and I'll have her take a picture.

I've spent up to $200 in the past. Most of my "Steampunk" hats start modest and then get "add on's" that increase the cost (or value), take your pick.


Straw Steampunk Top Hat:


Voodoo hat:






Steampunk Derby

$75 1988 dollars, Stetson.
Wonderful hat, a working hat... not for stepping out.

Kept the sun out of my eyes and the rain off my neck.

Back when I was taking care of livestock in my teens.

My hands etc are too shaky to get a decent picture.
Sorry.

If one of the daughters comes over, I will let them try.

I do like my hat BTW.
Given my situation, family time means a lot these days, so on Friday, I am taking the daughters and the wife to Greeley Hat and have family hat day!

Everyone gets a hat on Friday.
I think it will be fun.

But no, excepting the wife, 1,000 dollar hats are out of the question.
300 to 400 dollar hats are acceptable for the daughters, however.

I must admit, I'm looking forward to this. Can't wait to see the new hats. And happy birthday eve!

Thanks. I think this will be another family bonding moment, I hope so anyway.
The girls all seem interested.

I am not sure if we are doing custom or off the shelf.

Tease.

OK, not a very good photo, it's raining.

I like it! That color is real warm and even. Sounds weird, but it also goes really well with the counter tops. Looks like it will serve you well.

Awesome hat lbj

It looks better in person.
Yes, it's a warm even color.

Yeah, that's pretty sweet. I like it.

I have a Drizabone Topender

http://everythingaustralian.co...avyweight-brown.html

The most I've spent on a hat is about $100 for a "Head N Home Crusher Outback Leather Hat". It is my favorite hat, though.

Looks great! How do you like it? Fit good?

I have not wore a 'good' hat in some time, but I enjoy doing so. While not custom, there is a Gorin Bros. in Minneapolis; so inspired by this thread I went and picked up this Ruby Clark. I have always liked the style, and it will be my official campfire, cigar smoking, light drizzle hat.

http://www.goorin.com/

Winter: Akubra Banjo Patterson. Love the hat and great for winter wear in both rain and snow, but it's too hot for me in really warm weather.
Summer: Tilley LTM6. Rotate thru a couple of these during the heat of our summers in DFW.