Bowler Hat Conundrum: KEEP IT or RETURN IT?

Friends, I want a bowler hat so bad!

Actually, I wanted one for my Issey Miyake-inspired photo shoot last week.  I found not one, but TWO in my size at the flea market the very morning of our photo shoot (they rarely turn up there).  One was gorgeous, very vintage, but the inside leather sweatband was completely disintegrated and the lining was coming out.  And the seller still wanted $40.  The other was $85 but wasn't quite the classic bowler shape -- the brim was extra narrow.  Plus, $85?

So I did what most Americans do these days: I checked online.  Now you might think that buying a hat online isn't such a good idea and normally I'm inclined to agree.  But I did see one that looked promising on Amazon, manufactured by a company called Scala, and less than $40 with shipping.   (Derby is the American name for a bowler, btw.)  I already knew my hat size -- usually 7 1/8".

It arrived yesterday and, frankly, I'm on the fence about it.  For one thing, it's made in China.  It's also stiffer than I'd hoped it would be.  But it is a bowler. 







Can this hat style flatter a man with a long, narrow face?

What do you guys think?









Obviously, a bowler looks fabulous when you're dressed like a British banker.  Or John Steed from The Avengers.  Which I rarely am.  But I love the way a bowler looks with more avant-garde styles, especially Japanese-inspired. 









Michael didn't mince words:   

Nobody who looks as much like Stan Laurel as you do should ever wear a bowler hat.





I see his point.

I still want a bowler, but I may go to J.J. Hat Center and try on some better quality ones and see if they're more comfortable, even if I have to pay more.

What do you guys think?

a) Keep it, it's cool (or upgrade to a better one).

b) Return it -- too costumey.

c) Consider a career as a celebrity look-alike.

Would you (or DO you) ever wear a bowler?

Have a great day, everybody!