New Hat,yay!

[kealbo54]

For you guys out there that just seem to know about everything....I just got my new bowler from Dirty Billy.It seems a bit tight,but not uncomfortably so.Will it stretch out and break in a bit,or shouls I wait to see him next week at Antietam?

 

[private24thvacav]

Congrats, I would think the more you wear it the more it will break in, I have had a few Western hats that were slightly tight when purchased and now they fit well after a few weeks of break in time.

 

[kealbo54]

i thought it would work that way.i will be seeing dirty billy in a week,so i'll ask him.its not tight,just pretty snug.

 

[BillO]

A couple of weeks of wear in 90 degree heat and a couple of good rains and she'll be about right.

 

[yadkineagle]

I've more hats than Carter's got Liver Pills, and everyone I bought in a hurry that was a mite tight, I regretted. It's your choice 'tween "tight and snug." If you can't pull it down to your ears, it's too tight. I finally got a kepi at Dirty Billy's at Manassas last year that fits well. Good luck.

 

[kealbo54]

Thanks for the info.I am taking it to Antietam and deciding there if I may want to exchange it.It easily comes to my ears and any snug-ness at all is a little on my forhead.This is my second Dirty-Billy.I have a McDowell forage that I love.fits perfect.I did not buy it in a hurry,just by mail,and that sometimes isnt the best.To be sure I am noy going to try and "break-it-in" before I see Billy myself this week-end.

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

IF you find in the future your hat has shrunk some, (it can happen), buy a hat strecher. Not expensive, and you can use it to keep it shape, and even make it slightly larger. I use mine all the time.

 

[Tin cup]

Don't be surprised if DB does not take the hat back, as now it's "used"!
I know of complaints from others that they ordered hats from him, didn't fit, got sent back and DB wouldn't deal with them because once the hat was tried on, it was a used hat.

I hope you have good luck with him, but I cannot recommend him unless you go direct to his store, or sutlery at an event. That is why I will deal with Tim Bender http://www.benderhats.com/products.html

Kevin Dally

 

[kealbo54]

First thing I did was hit Dirty Billys hats at the event.He manipulated the crown for about 30 seconds,and I thought I had owned that hat for years.Mucho happy.

 

[Pvt.Shattuck]

I spoke to DB at Antietam yesterday. If the hat is a little too snug, use a wooden stretcher. They are not expensive. Heat and wear will also stretch the hat. Getting it wet and sun drying will shrink it again.
By the way, Bill was very pleasant and helpful. He told my daughter and I that Antietam was his first event , 50 years ago when he was 12 years old. He graciously let her try on several expensive bonnets for photos that she had no intention of purchasing. The hats on display were awesome. I have yet to meet a fine craftsman who isn't a little touchy and bad tempered once in a while.

 

[PartywithArty]

I have heard lots of mixed opinions on dirty Billys,nothing but good things about tTim Bender, but my go to man is Mike Moore of Buckaroo Hatters. He is mainly a western style hat craftsman,but he makes custom hats for any one who would like one. I have a few of his pieces and love them.

 

[tmh10]

I am a hat person and have had good luck with Miller Hats out of Houston, TX. I have never bought a Civil War hat from them but they sell them. I used their hat measure section and all the ones I have got fit.

http://www.millerhats.com/

 

[Tin cup]

I am a hat person and have had good luck with Miller Hats out of Houston, TX. I have never bought a Civil War hat from them but they sell them. I used their hat measure section and all the ones I have got fit.

http://www.millerhats.com/

http://www.millerhats.com/catalog/index.php?catText=Civil War Slouch Hats&catID=66
I see too many of these types of hats at reenactments...they have got to go!

Kevin Dally

 

[Republican Blues]

http://www.millerhats.com/catalog/index.php?catText=Civil War Slouch Hats&catID=66
I see too many of these types of hats at reenactments...they have got to go!

Kevin Dally

What you said Kevin!! They look great for say.........modern day Cavalry troops, but not for CW

 

[kealbo54]

Wow.didnt mwan to start anything>I just wanted to report back that he worked the hat briefly and now its perfect.Next hat I get will prolly be from Bender,but I have always been happy with Dirty Billy.And,a hat stretcher is a good idea,too.Yes those gawd-awful hats that look like thwy came from the costume room of a bad tv show need to go.A hat is something you cant scimp on.

 

[Tin cup]

Wow.didnt mwan to start anything>I just wanted to report back that he worked the hat briefly and now its perfect.Next hat I get will prolly be from Bender,but I have always been happy with Dirty Billy.And,a hat stretcher is a good idea,too.Yes those gawd-awful hats that look like thwy came from the costume room of a bad tv show need to go.A hat is something you cant scimp on.

You speak well, and I'm glad you could give a good report on your visit to DB!

Kevin Dally