23 April 2013

Where to buy a hat in Canberra?

| ace2279
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As the colder weather approaches I’m in need of something fashionable to cover what remains of where my full head of hair used to be.

As an early 30’s male who’d rather shave his head than look like a 60 year old bald man I’m having trouble finding anywhere that sells a wide assortment of hats.

I’m looking for something more than just the beanie or baseball cap but really need to try them on to see how they look.

Online sites are ok but can anyone recommend a good hat store in Canberra (or online) that might offer me some warmth this winter?

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A bit OT but the best hat store used to be the old Gowings in Sydney, level four if I remember correctly. They had *all* models of Akubras in all sizes (I have a big head too) and they had a free service where you could punch your initials into the inside rim of the hat. I couldn’t believe it. During one visit in 1992 I bought three including a powder blue Bobby which I was too embarrassed to wear.

PrinceOfAles8:41 pm 23 Apr 13

KB1971 said :

Did anybody else read that as “Where to buy a HIT in Canberra?” ….?

No. But I imagine it`s easier than buying a hat.

johnboy said :

Top floor of the Canberra Centre there’s a vendor out on the aisle (used to be under the escalator).

Murray Johnstone’s Hat Kiosk at the Canberra Centre closed down on April 8. He was temporarily upstairs while negotiating a new design for a more permanent kiosk, but it fell through.

“The Sun Protection Shop at federation square is the place to go. They stock a large range of hats of varying styles in a range of sizes.”

Agreed. Bought a black Akubra Stylemaster there a few years ago for $110. Frequently worn; still as new. I support the shop and the brand.

Did anybody else read that as “Where to buy a HIT in Canberra?” ….?

The Sun Protection Shop at federation square is the place to go.
They stock a large range of hats of varying styles in a range of sizes

Last time I purchased (for my very large head) an Indiana Jones copy.
Now I just need a whip to go with it.

I haven’t checked sizes, but Leather and Trading in Woden (and maybe Belconnen) have a range of hats. They’ve got the standard Akubra-type, as well as those rounded bowler/derby hats cowboys used to wear.

If you’re in Melbourne, there was a good hatters at Flinders St Station – rather than walking up the steps, veer right and down the stairs;

The Cancer Council shop (if its still there) Federation Square (Cockington Green, George Harcourt Inn) Barton Highway Nicholls – excellent range and size, even for fatheads like me and Mr Johnboy)

The Sun Protection Shop at federation square is the place to go.
They stock a large range of hats of varying hats in a range of sizes

Last time I purchased (for my very large head) an Indiana Jones copy.
Now I just need a whip to go with it.

neanderthalsis1:13 pm 23 Apr 13

poetix said :

It may be worth checking out the op shops, if you have time. I just bought a wonderful hat at an op shop, although I do tend towards the slightly unusual.

For some reason the concept of a second hand hat doesn’t really appeal to me.

The Hammock district also has a good range of hat shops

It may be worth checking out the op shops, if you have time. I just bought a wonderful hat at an op shop, although I do tend towards the slightly unusual.

The old man has similar difficulties finding suitable hats.

He prefer the Akubra types and had success for quite a long time using the Strand Hatters in Sydney.

Although he remarked after his last visit that the service has gone downhill; he might even have declined to purchase from the store because of it. I think he may have purchased directly from Akubra online.

In summary:

– Try Strand Hatters in Sydney (can’t vouch for their service anymore)
– Find a brand you like and see if you can buy directly from them online

I’m sure Melbourne would have some good Millener’s too.

Hope this helps.

DC

johnboy said :

Also I find if you’ve got an enormous head (like me)

Enormous head?

That’s if know that feeling when you’ve gone to try on a shirt in a brand name retail shop, was sure you picked the right size, and even though it fitted perfectly shoulder, chest, and length wise, you’ve managed to tear the neck lining while slipping it on.

Otherwise you don’t know what you’re talking about…

neanderthalsis11:05 am 23 Apr 13

I feel your pain.

Try one of the country clothing type stores and look at the range of Akubras. They do more than the “National Party” range now with trilbys & fedoras and a few others. Myers and DJs have a few flat caps as do Roger Davids.

I find that a trilby or a tweed cap are suitable head coverage for any occasion.

wherestarzan10:58 am 23 Apr 13

Try the hat guy at the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays. He’s upstairs near the ATM and always has great stuff, especially in Winter .. nice guy too.

Top floor of the Canberra Centre there’s a vendor out on the aisle (used to be under the escalator).

Also I find if you’ve got an enourmous head (like me) Target is surprisingly good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRmLGYSc0XQ

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