January 17th, 2009 by Reck

One could only hope to collect all possible head pieces – especially when it comes to men’s vintage hats. Apparently, men’s fashion could be traced through the annals of history via the distinct head wear of the age. With retro cheap vintage clothes coming back en vogue, some people are looking into men’s vintage hats as conspicuous fashion statements. To some, like a lot of avid hat collectors, vintage hats are great collectibles that have their own historical accounts behind them. So how do you choose pieces that suit you?

Fashion Versus Collection

First distinguish whether you want the hat for wearing purposes or for collecting purposes. In other words, are you going to wear the piece or store it for display purposes only? If you are indeed looking at men’s vintage hats so that you could wear them on a semi-regular basis, try to choose ones that seem to be still of great quality. Colors must be bright. Bands and crowns must be intact. How would you know that these are quality material? Simple, run your hands through them. And if possible, wear them to see if they fit. Dry cleaning is also a must since previously worn hats do tend to collect sweat on the inner rims and dust on the outside.

If you are collecting vintage hats, it is important to assess whether the hat has been previously worn or not. Unless the hats had earlier belonged to a known personality, most unworn hats are more expensive than those that have been previously used. Hats from the 1940s and later on are easier to assess, since many of these are still being made by modern day hatters. However, any head gear prior to the 1940s may be more difficult to asses. Quality is always an issue, so check for tears, breaks and stains on the materials before buying.

A1177 BERET NEWSBOY HAT VISOR MEN WOMEN VINTAGE CAP US $8.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Mar-09-2010 23:00:42 PST Add to watch list

MEN'S HAT PENDLETON WOOLEN MILLS;USA; VINTAGE 100% wool US $6.95 (1 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Mar-09-2010 23:19:12 PST Add to watch list

OLD VINTAGE SWEDISH MEN'S FUR HAT; PERSIAN LAMB;MOSSAN US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Mar-09-2010 23:27:09 PST Add to watch list

MENS BROWN FEDORA HAT VINTAGE SEARS COSTUME PROP US $14.98 (1 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Mar-09-2010 23:59:18 PST Add to watch list

Vintage mens hat for the Kramer look. 1950's US $13.67 (1 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 0:05:45 PST Add to watch list

A1177 BERET NEWSBOY HAT VISOR MEN WOMEN VINTAGE CAP US $8.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 2:00:37 PST Add to watch list

A1177 BERET NEWSBOY HAT VISOR MEN WOMEN VINTAGE CAP US $8.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 5:00:41 PST Add to watch list

Vintage brown/beige tweed men hat Small Yougn An US $38.00 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 6:06:44 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE MEN'S 'STRAW' HAT, MADE FROM COCONUT US $5.50 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 7:40:44 PST Add to watch list

A1177 BERET NEWSBOY HAT VISOR MEN WOMEN VINTAGE CAP US $8.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 8:00:55 PST Add to watch list

Mens Vintage Derby Hat US $42.00 (5 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 8:36:01 PST Add to watch list

Mens Vintage Derby Hat US $19.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 8:51:57 PST Add to watch list

MENS GREY BLACK BAND VINTAGE WOOL FEDORA HAT L / XL US $16.99 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 11:04:38 PST Add to watch list

MENS GREY BLACK BAND VINTAGE WOOL FEDORA HAT S / M US $16.99 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 11:04:38 PST Add to watch list

A1177 BERET NEWSBOY HAT VISOR MEN WOMEN VINTAGE CAP US $8.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 11:21:51 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE KNOX FEDORA HAT MENS SIZE 7-1/8 BLACK US $9.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 11:30:23 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE MENS FEDORA STYLE FUR HAT SIZE 6-7 US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 11:34:43 PST Add to watch list

Men's Vintage HAT Brown Famous Barr US $14.99 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 11:45:17 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Men's New England Derby Hat With Box US $175.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 13:29:20 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Men’s / Man Rain Hat STETSON "Pea Souper" US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 13:47:19 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Men’s/ Man GENUINE MILAN Fedora Straw Hat ITALY US $8.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 13:49:44 PST Add to watch list

A1177 BERET NEWSBOY HAT VISOR MEN WOMEN VINTAGE CAP US $8.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 14:13:55 PST Add to watch list

Mens Stetson Vintage Straw Hat, Sinatra 7 3/8 Long Oval US $15.50 (4 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 14:37:39 PST Add to watch list

Vintage 20's Men's Beaver Top Hat, Stove Pipe Hat US $102.51 (11 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 15:54:41 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Carlton Club Man's Straw Hat Size 7 US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 16:21:54 PST Add to watch list

Soup Man cap hat seinfeld tv show Vtg Rare! US $4.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 17:02:26 PST Add to watch list

WONDERFUL Vintage 7 1/8 Mens STRATTON Hat Chicago US $32.99 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 17:09:10 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE Western Men's Resistol Cowboy Hat US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 17:12:55 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE Western Men's Cowboy Hat US $14.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 17:20:59 PST Add to watch list

OLD VINTAGE MANS BLACK DERBY BOWLER HAT & SHOE SPATS US $20.50 (4 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 17:31:00 PST Add to watch list