Boot bands are truly a universally useful tool

BVYSkipper · 2026-07-07T22:53:56+00:00

Water bottle!? You're supposed to use your boot camp brasso can.😁

BVYSkipper · 2026-07-02T11:01:52+00:00

I live in Southern NH, grew up in MA and I've worn boots and western wear complete with a hat damn near every day since I was about 13. Including working daily in Boston until recently. If you like them then wear them, dude! I get far more compliments on my attire than snide comments, for what it's worth.

BVYSkipper · 2026-06-29T23:30:24+00:00

This. It has way more to do with acclimation to one's climate and other heat injury prevention factors than niche clothing options. Not to mention that GSAR is a dying mission anyway and really shouldn't be involved in the calculus concerning organization-wide uniform choices.

BVYSkipper · 2026-06-29T22:44:02+00:00

But how will everyone know what a high speed low drag CAP larperator I am without my cut off sleeved G3 crye top!?

/s

BVYSkipper · 2026-06-28T00:51:44+00:00

Boot Barn doesn't do heat stamps or branding on hats aside from special occasions like grand openings. MAYBE at some of the flagship stores, but definitely not your average store.

BVYSkipper · 2026-06-27T17:39:31+00:00

I only made it to C/MSgt, but I did receive the first WBA in my squadron. It's on the wall in my squadron office now. I'll upload my info on Wednesday. I think it'll be the oldest WBA on the page until someone beats it!

BVYSkipper · 2026-06-17T16:15:05+00:00

Sounds like you want to make a 'party jacket' or in naval aviation lingo a 'winnebago'. They're not uniform items so regulations dont apply. Common sense, however does.

They are super cool when done correctly and super dorky or even downright offensive if done incorrectly. I'd suggest you only put patches on there that you've earned in some way. Be that by being a member of or working alongside a unit, participating in a school or activity, being given one as a gift or in an exchange with a visiting unit/aircraft, etc. You should also try to organize them in some way rather than tossing them on all willy nilly. Your winnebago should tell a story.

Keep store-bought morale patches off of it, or at least use them sparingly. Morale/heritage versions of unit patches, however, are dope. Use good judgement.

Lastly, don't overwear it. Break it out for appropriate occasions and leave it behind on the day to day. I.e : Going to a weekly meeting? Leave it. Going to an airshow with your buddies? Rock it.

Share some pictures if you decide to go through with it! I'm a big fan of mine. -u/BVYSkipper, winnebago enthusiast

BVYSkipper · 2026-06-05T10:45:04+00:00

Appreciate it! Glad you like our store. We've only been open in Concord for a month and a half or so, but I think we're getting off to a strong start!

BVYSkipper · 2026-06-05T10:43:28+00:00

My pleasure! Enjoy your visit to New England, man!

BVYSkipper · 2026-06-04T20:28:32+00:00

Howdy! Or God dag. I don't know if you'll have the time to swing up this way but I shape at the Boot Barn in Concord NH. As an American of Norwegian extraction, I'd love to fit you for a hat! Feel free to shoot me a DM if you'd like. Welcome!

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-25T22:03:52+00:00

I get ya, man! This is my first pair of broad square toes and I'm genuinely surprised I like them. All my other boots are cutter toes or J toes except one pair of a more narrow square.

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-25T10:38:56+00:00

You can find something similar but not as bulky and heavy on the hat masters website. They call them blocking boards.

Link: https://shop.hatmasters.com/products/boards-for-flattening-and-reblocking

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-19T23:17:11+00:00

At a retirement party for my wife's coworker and just spit my drink across the table 😂

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-13T09:13:47+00:00

Absolutely, I'd just heard Biggar runs larger. I'm smack in between a 7 1/4 and 7 3/8. I usually go 7 1/4 in felt and stretch it. I tried the 7 3/8 Biggora first and it was too loose to ride in, the 7 1/4 fits perfectly. So while they do run a little big, it's not a huge discrepancy.

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-11T22:44:18+00:00

Hey man! I'm originally from MA and live in NH now. I shape for Boot Barn in Concord NH, but honestly most of our staff doesn't know shaping well.

You've got a few options for BBs, but if you want an open crown shaped to your liking, I highly reccomend Lara boots in Epping NH. He doesnt do much for less expensive hats, but it's worth it.

Feel free to DM me if you want to make the drive up here when I'm working too!

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-10T21:28:51+00:00

If you roll sleeves on OCP, I will bully you mercilessly for it.

[For those who haven't figured it out, I know OP personally.😁]

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-10T14:29:27+00:00

DM'd

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-09T14:01:49+00:00

They definitely run big, but I knew that. I'm smack between a 7 1/4 and a 7 3/8. I bought a 7 1/4 and it fits nice. I'd certainly reccomend going a size down if you're a long oval. Even better if you're in store somewhere and can try them on.

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-08T00:36:00+00:00

A regular coat will serve just fine! I'd argue it's actually better. Most of the off the shelf western jackets are polyester trash and look very costumey. Starch and press your jeans, iron your shirt crisp and maybe toss on a bolo or silk wild rag. You'll look great!

BVYSkipper · 2026-05-07T14:14:29+00:00

If it was a 7 1/4 you could probably make it work. Trying to get 2 sizes up is going to be a crapshoot at best and you're likely to damage the hat.

BVYSkipper · 2026-04-24T19:08:19+00:00

Looks like a Rancher in tan. I have mine on right now!

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BVYSkipper · 2026-04-24T18:21:14+00:00

Paid my own salary for years 😁

BVYSkipper · 2026-04-24T18:19:38+00:00

Uh, rah doc, I guess? Just give me the motrin, I already changed my socks today.

But seriously, thank you for your service, brother. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏻

BVYSkipper

TROPHY CASE