A Panama Hat worthy of FDR

[reetpleat]

I hope you're both wrong!

I think it has been so long since any old men wore hats like this, it is no longer an issue.

Pair it with a tank top T, and suspenders and a pencil moustache, go down to Miami, and see how you do. You might have to be Cuban to pull it off.

 

[Panamabob]

Looks great!

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Thanks everyone. You guys are all 'Aces'!!

Late last night I did successfully tweak (just a little bit) the shape of the brim from the front. I was more nervous working with this than I've ever been with a hat. I left the back of the brim alone. I really like the overall look now - more sophisticated, I think.

Sorry, but I got so darn busy today I couldn't do the final photos. Hopefully tomorrow. Not trying to build suspense this time, just capitalizing on some opportunities that landed in my lap.

Written words do not begin to convey how much more special this is due to the interest and appreciation of the people on this forum.

 

[Aureliano]

Gorgeous hat Gene, Just saw it!

 

[jonbuilder]

Gene your hat came out great looks good on. optimo was a good choice inline with the historic genes of the hat

 

[cookie]

lol lol lol lol

That was too much fun. Nicki made me do it!!!

Here are the only shots I got before I had to rush off earlier today. Tomorrow I'll do more of a photo documentation of the beautiful work done by Graham at Optimo.

That hat is way too classy for the likes of you. Give it to me and with all that spare brim I'm sure Graham could do it right for me...don't worry I'll pay postage....lol...

 

[duggap]

Gene, did you ever get a weave count on that hat. I like that larger brim for a Panama. That's the way they are supposed to look.

 

[Feraud]

What is the brim length on the finished product?

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Gene, did you ever get a weave count on that hat. I like that larger brim for a Panama. That's the way they are supposed to look.

It is just around 2,500 wpi.

I got 2,444 specifically in one section (confirmed by Hungary Tom) but there can be variance throughout the hat.

Earlier in this thread there are the 1 inch square photo enlargements for you to see.

-----------

I'm OK with the brim too but I needed to shape it just a touch after getting it out of the box.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

What is the brim length on the finished product?

2-3/4"

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Again, I don't mind a big brim but I don't like them to droop down. Here's what I did to it:

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

 

[Ande1964]

Better. Good work!

Anj

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

I didn't do anything to the pronounced curl-up in the back and on sides.

I sent a thank you note to Graham and he replied with this:

"Thanks, Gene
I also put a very deep flange on it, so it shouldn't look as wide on you. Also, many of the optimo styles had brims rolled like that a century ago.
Best
Graham"

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

So here are the final 'beauty-shots' and then I'm all wrapped up on my end of this little escapade. I will reserve this hat for special (and safe) occassions - but I have to admit I've been wearing it around in my study at night just to get to know the thing and admire it.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I agree with Graham. The original brim droop looks very Belle Epoque -- in a rakish, devil-may-care way.


Again, think Alberto Santos Dumont: http://br.geocities.com/profjc2006/neuza2006/imagens/santos_dumont.jpg


.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

That hat is way too classy for the likes of you

Truer words were never spoken. lol

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Yeah, well, that looks... uh,...

Let's just say that's not what I'm going for.

As far as what Graham wrote, I too agree. That's why I didn't change anything about the deep flange.

But, y'know, as I look back at the photos, both ways suit me fine and it's the easiest of things to put the brim back when I want to go that style.

 

[gwold]

Quite a hat, Gene. You just might make me go for an Optimo, myself.

FWIW, I prefer your re-work of the brim, over the original.

 

[rlk]

The crown proportions and the brim roll really work well with the shape of your face/head as well as giving it a genuine look of the period. It doesn't look "goofy" at all as Optimos often do. Well worth the wait. I missed the hat 3 times while visiting.

 

[carter]

Gene. as much as I liked Graham's block, I do believe that your reworking of the front brim looks better on you. Well done.