Ask the MB: Sweet Fedoras

March 29, 2010

Q: MB: I'm distinctly lacking in the "sweet hat" department of my wardrobe, and have always been a fan of fedoras. Unfortunately, I'm a poor-as-dirt college student, and the Eugenia Kim beaver fedora you recommended at one point, as much as I like it, totals to about a third of my monthly budget. Got any cheaper alternatives that get the MB stamp of approval for an aspiring MB on a (tight) budget?
--Tom

A: Unless you're attending the University of Antarctica, you are not going to want that Eugenia Kim hat this time of year anyway. Seasonally inappropriate. The calendar dictates embracing fedoras made of cooling, breathable straw, and the principle of artful dishevelment dictates choosing one that may actually look better if, say, Laetitia Casta accidentally sat on it for a moment. You want something with a little give.

From most to least expensive, here are four really good options.

From the top:

Ouellette Wheat Toyo Fedora, via ouellettehat.com. $230.

John Varvatos Straw Hat, via johnvarvatos.com. $125.

Fred Perry Short Brim Straw Tilby, via zappos.com. $67.

Block Knickerbocker Fedora, via villagehatshop.com. $50.