I owned this hat before, but I left it in a restaurant while on a business trip. The only change I made to the hat was that I removed the tan ribbon and replaced it with a black one so the hat would go with literally any outfit or any color in my closet. I was trying to replicate the River Gray fedora made by another, more expensive hat manufacturer.
The gray color is perfect—not too dark and not too light. It’s a very subtle and versatile hat that can be worn for formal occasions or everyday casual wear. It is a very sharp-looking hat, and I really missed it.
Friends and family kept asking why I never wore that hat anymore, so when I came across this hat again on Google, I thought, “Why not?” and bought it again. This time, though, I think I will leave the tan ribbon in place because that looks good, too.
I am typically between sizes (L–XL), and the Large in this hat is too big for me. Unfortunately, I have to stick with it and pack the sweatband because I believe the medium size would be too tight on me. My last hat was the same way, and eventually I got used to the thicker, padded sweatband.
The felt on this hat is very smooth and soft. It’s not rough, grainy, hairy, or scratchy. From a distance, it could pass for a fur-felt hat. The structure is also very pliable—not droopy, floppy, or saggy, but not hard or rigid. If you drop it or if the wind takes it, it will keep its shape and will not get bent or deformed. It holds its shape very well.
The material and structure make this a very soft and cozy hat to wear. I am very particular about brim upcurl, and this hat is perfect—not too much and not too little. This hat is great quality at a great price and provides that classic, timeless look that I prefer in a fedora.
