Impressions Recommendations on Hats

[Western Reserve Volunteer]

As I go into a new year and continue to work on my impression, I'm looking for some more variety in headware. So I'm looking for some advice, partly on styles and partly just in general.

I'm thinking of getting a wide brimmed hat for both my civilian and military portrayals. There are quite a few styles out there and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions, especially with what an Ohioian might opt for? Also, any suggestions on sutlers and things to look out for with general quality/accuracy?

 

[Tin cup]

As I go into a new year and continue to work on my impression, I'm looking for some more variety in headware. So I'm looking for some advice, partly on styles and partly just in general.

I'm thinking of getting a wide brimmed hat for both my civilian and military portrayals. There are quite a few styles out there and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions, especially with what an Ohioian might opt for? Also, any suggestions on sutlers and things to look out for with general quality/accuracy?

American Civil War Hats from Dirty Billy's Hats

Clearwater Hats » Civil War

Only a couple of suggestions, a Beehive style hat was popular!

Kevin Dally

 

[captaindrew]

I just got a new beehive from Avery Miller and love it. You can check his stuff out here https://www.facebook.com/GooberGrabberHeadwear/ Can't go wrong with the choices already mentioned also.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Consider Clearwater Hats!.....I ordered a custom made "Shiloh" style slouch in 2012. To this day, it is in great shape!
They have a variety of styles, their prices are competitive and their quality is great!
I am a firm believer that one must spend at least $100 on a good hat! "Sutler Row" hats for $30 are either farby, or cheaply made.

 

[Tin cup]

As I go into a new year and continue to work on my impression, I'm looking for some more variety in headware. So I'm looking for some advice, partly on styles and partly just in general.

I'm thinking of getting a wide brimmed hat for both my civilian and military portrayals. There are quite a few styles out there and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions, especially with what an Ohioian might opt for? Also, any suggestions on sutlers and things to look out for with general quality/accuracy?

Whatever you do, do NOT skimp on price/quality!
I still see so many "hillbilly" hats out there, and other cheap knock-offs that it makes me sick to look at them. A great quality hat is a big part of an impression maker!

Kevin Dally

 

[moonracer]

I personally like Dirty Billy, spoke to the man himself, told him what I was after size and shape wise(Mosby hat), he said he had a few colors of material in, I chose which one and he said I'd have it in about a month, a month later I had a package from Gettysburg sitting on my porch. I love my hat, I ever wear it outside of reenactments and living histories, and get complemented on it regularly.

 

[JDRadjutant]

I personally like Dirty Billy, spoke to the man himself, told him what I was after size and shape wise(Mosby hat), he said he had a few colors of material in, I chose which one and he said I'd have it in about a month, a month later I had a package from Gettysburg sitting on my porch. I love my hat, I ever wear it outside of reenactments and living histories, and get complemented on it regularly.

I will second Dirty Billy, I've had his beehive slouch in black for 14 years now, its faded nicely and still going strong.

 

[captaindrew]

I will second Dirty Billy, I've had his beehive slouch in black for 14 years now, its faded nicely and still going strong.

Welcome to the Forum from South Florida and the Reenactors Forum

 

[DixieRifles]

I found this artwork of an officer's beehive(?) hat. It isn't too pointed at the top but doesn't look like Texas cowboy hat.
I really like the shape and color and the simple rank cord.

 

[Tin cup]

Look at period photo's of the hats being worn in the ranks.

Kevin Dally

 

[7thWisconsin]

Avoid those "crushable" hats that are making their way around reenacting right now. Their $35 price may seem attractive, but when they shrink, the wire around the brim folds in a strange way reminiscent of a potato chip. Also, because they're not really felted, the nap of the wool pills up and fades while the body of the hat doesn't. All around, you end up with something that looks nothing like anything a Civil War soldier ever wore.

 

[poorjack]

Whatever you get, buy quality and make sure it fits. You'll hate wearing it otherwise.

Personally, I'd be looking for a good slouch hat with a wide brim. Fashion has the same problems now that it had back then. No brim, no rain protection and no shade. Be practical or a fashionista.

 

[7thWisconsin]

At this point, you can score a decent, acceptable mainstream forage cap for a lot less than a good slouch hat. Keep that as a consideration. A decent forage cap is better than a bad slouch hat if cost becomes a consideration.

 

[Rhea Cole]

Confederate prisoners, I vote for the hat on the right.

You gotta admit that this hat is a fashion statement. I especially like all the hardware from the photographer's stockpile.

Edwin Forbes, Confederate prisoners, Chancelorsville Library of Congress

If you are going to buy a hat, the least you can do is get one that Confederate soldiers actually wore.

 

[Western Reserve Volunteer]

I've just gotten a nice forage cap now! I'll post a picture when I get the hat brass swapped out. It may need some stretching, too, it's a bit tight.

I am still looking for a larger brimmed hat, for my civvy impression if nothing else. Technically money isn't that much of an issue but I hate dropping large amounts on single items. It's the Scot blood in me, what can I say?

 

[Western Reserve Volunteer]

Coming back to this thread after a while, with a question: does anybody wear a straw hat, and if so what are your thoughts on it? I've had trouble in the past finding good modern straw hats, that aren't made of recycled paper, much less period ones. However there are some nice straw hats out there for a good price that I saw recently...

 

[War Horse]

American Civil War Hats from Dirty Billy's Hats

Clearwater Hats » Civil War

Only a couple of suggestions, a Beehive style hat was popular!

Kevin Dally

I second this recommendation. Dirty Billy has made era headwear for most if not all CW Hollywood productions. I own one myself. You can't go wrong here.

 

[7thWisconsin]

Coming back to this thread after a while, with a question: does anybody wear a straw hat, and if so what are your thoughts on it? I've had trouble in the past finding good modern straw hats, that aren't made of recycled paper, much less period ones. However there are some nice straw hats out there for a good price that I saw recently...

Straw hats were kinda like disposable work hats in the 1860s. They don hold up well even to the rigors of reenacting life. They don present a military appearance, and most units will recommend against them, if not outright forbid them in their ranks. Cheap Amish straw hats flooded the hobby a while back and in general weŕe still working those through the long intestines of the hobby. Civilian impression: do your research - time and place stuff - and make sure it goes with the internal consistency of your impression.

 

[frontrank2]

As far as a sutler check out C D Jarnagin. They've been around for years and the quality and accuracy is second to none.

 

[bankerpapaw]

I would want a wide brimmed hat to help shed the rain. Rain and I don't get along since I was in Vietnam.