Don't fall off

So The last few day's... someone told me that they were on an ATV and had to remove their hat so not to lose their hat. 

Keeping your hat on your head

By Matt Deckard

The fitted hat

These are traditionally men’s hats such as the derby, the fedora and the top hat. They are made in multiple sizes or can be made custom to the exact size and shape of the wearer’s head. The preferred fit is loose enough to not leave a visible mark on the forehead, yet snug enough to hold on through aggravated movement or a brisk gust of wind. Just above the ears and the eyebrows around the circumference of the head. The hat is suspended on a band of leather or cloth that is pretty much gripping your skull to stay in place. For these styles, even the ballcap, keeping your hat from getting caught in the wind and flying away is a simple matter of proper fit.

The non-fitted hat

Most traditional women’s hats are made to fit on top of or over a multitude hairstyles. Because of this, there is no relying on a proper fit or a band of material fitted to the head that has to be precisely measured.

Non-fitted hats are affixed to the head by various techniques. Here are a few of them below.

1.    Combs with tines that are facing upwards into the hat. Putting the hat on requires the wearer to push the comb into the hair.

2.    An elastic strap that is affixed to the right and left side of the hat. Once the hat is in the proper place on the head, the elastic strap is stretched behind the head and placed under the hair to provide a solid anchor.

3.    Pins, some often 8 to 9 inches long, are pushed directly through the material of the hat, through the hairstyle, and out the other side of the hat.

4.    Clips/barrettes, some are very much like the combs but with the addition of a separate piece to the comb that clamps down once the comb is pushed into the hair adding a much stronger hold.

5.    Headband, the hat is affixed to a flexible crescent shape that grips the head when pushed down vertically into the hair. 

Whether it be a nurses cap that requires bobby pins to attach it to the top of the head by sliding the clips over the thin material while gripping your hair, or a helmet cloche that completely envelops the head and requires nothing to keep it in place, or the fascinator that may simply have a gator clip that clamps into the hair, there is no end to the spectrum of ways milliners have found to affix these pieces of art atop a client.

 

DESIGNING STETSON

I came to Texas with a mission, to redefine the something I love, to figure out how to pass that passion to everyone.

From the outset, inspired by the past and encouraged by my friends, I was able to bring back brand defining styles using the original machinery with the original hat making techniques, many dating back to the 1920s and before.

With my own archives, I applied elements that I loved, to redefine iconic styles to suit the fashion of the modern day. I installed in the line, pieces that could fight the trend of fast fashion, to be that item you could put on your head knowing it added rather than took away.

I reintroduced a line of women’s hats and watched as more and more styles populated the lineup, and I was proud that the factory could visibly see a change happening when the floor that was covered in racks of cowboy hats day in day out, turned into a sea of red as Marvel’s Agent Carter hit the airwaves, atop her head was a Stetson.

For the 150^th anniversary of the company, I designed a roundtable of the finest quality pieces that could be produced, knowing that these were the same steps that over a century of Stetson master hatters used to make the pronounced, yet subtly elegant look of America’s hat.

I willed into being and negotiated the return of the Iconic Manhattan Neon Stetson sign that was, and now again is, above JJ Hatcenter on Fifth Avenue.

Exotic locations, extraordinary situations, one day I was discussing the toquila palm crop with the Ecuadorian consulate while driving to work, the next, I was in Manhattan being tracked down by an Italian man wanting to sweep me up in his SUV, just so I could explain the fall lineup. Videoconferences with Germany at 2am, all-nighters to clean up my Japanese business etiquette because the clients are arriving early… 

I’ve made new friends here, I’ve had great adventures, and Big Tex Under the shade of his Cowboy hat has looked down at me and smiled. I went to the rodeos, to the barn dances and I got to know the kings and queens of the outlaw country scene.

I came to Texas with a mission, to redefine the something I love, to figure out how to pass that passion to everyone.

I feel that’s what I’ve done.

Of all the endeavors I’ve set my sights on, this one, being the Creative Director of Stetson’s dress hats was one of the most fulfilling. Now, I need to move to my next adventure, and that begins by steeping myself in my hometown of Los Angeles. Reconnecting with my closest, and taking in that warmth of what is my city.

Yours in hatting,

Joseph C. Brandstetter