It's kind of cold during the winter here. Cold enough for a hot fedora. Not only will the cast shadow over your eyes enable staring at others freely, but a good hat can be like an appendage, the ultimate accessory. Whether you dig Raymond Chandler, are into the psychedelic neo-hipster scene (which will require an appropriate feather on your cap), or might consider that LA's nightlife verges on a detective story at every sign less corner bar's flapping curtain. Maybe you're on a speakeasy's VIP list. Maybe you just like hats. That's cool. So, where can you find the perfect fedora?

Fedora Primo
A hat rack maze makes this Santa Monica shop a likely success story. Discover your color, your rim shape. Do you want it pointy or waxed? (If I had a dollar for every time I heard that question...) Mid-range prices might require a visit to your local Wasteland for a trade in of a couple last season's dresses, and maybe your belt, too. Get the cash, hit the gas, follow the sea scent to Main Street.
216 Pier Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 399-8584

Hollywood Hatters
Prices here range from 20 smackers to triple digits. But with so many wonders to behold, why not explore the "you" in every imaginable hat? Swanky theatrical treasures, the classics, the eccentric and swank, newsboys, fedoras, pork pies, and larger brimmed hats. Drool much?
6915 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, ca 90038
(323) 525-1912

Jet Rag
Shopping for clothes here verges on sensory overload before you've made it 20 feet...so take breaks from the hangers by perusing the hat section, situated next to a tall mirror so you can check yourself out. A set of shelves are dedicated specifically to fedoras, while other kinds of crazy and strange varieties are strewn about the store--for a bizarro hat treasure hunt. Bring friends. Beware, go for a hat, possibly come home with vintage fur coat, peasant dress, or boots.
825 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 939-0528

Goorin Brothers
Keeping it in the family since 1895 with the Goorin mafia mission statement: "Wear a Goorin hat and you can tell your story without ever having to say a word…" Maybe that means a fedora with a handgun anagrammed on the side, or a classic rude boy bowler? Prices average between 25 to 90 dollars, but peep the $10 bargain bin.
7627 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-951-0393

I think it might be in the Bible, thou shalt have at least 5 great hats. Better hop to it.