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[laotou]

Having both the regular and fine Sunbody to compare side by side with Panamas and Milans of various vintage and weaves, I'd say that the Sunbody does not appear rough or beach hat like at all.
It is a heaver, stiffer hat more like a western style, but the braids are as fine if not finer than the Milans.

 

[laotou]

Palm leafs are the Panabutal hats aren't they?

I don't know what Panabutal is.
They are a natural fiber if that's what you mean.

 

[email68]

What is the purpose of a dimensional brim?

 

[rlk]

What is the purpose of a dimensional brim?

Not much functional purpose just a minor style alternative. They were made in versions with front and back deeper than sides and the opposite, sometimes just the front deeper. Deeper front gives more of sun visor and swoop without broadening the flap and overall width relative to face as much.

 

[rlk]

I don't know what Panabutal is.
They are a natural fiber if that's what you mean.

Parabuntal or Balibuntal are woven straw(buri Palm) hats associated with the Phillipines, can be coarse or extremely fine like Panama hats--very light in weight typically.

http://punto.com.ph/News/Article/11.../Giant-hat-to-highlight-Baliuag’s-Buntal-Fest

 

[laotou]

Parabuntal or Balibuntal are woven straw hats associated with the Phillipines, can be coarse or extremely fine like Panama hats--very light in weight typically.

Thanks rlk!
Then no, Sunbodys are not Parabuntal. They are sewn palm leaf braids.

 

[GamaH]

Ok I called Bencraft, and Steven was busy, but the guy on the phone was really helpful as well. He told me Panapore straw is paper straw, but in terms of natural straw and panapore, they'll both last as long and it's purely preference.

Which now, leaves me back to square 1.. As indecisive as I was when I purchased my first fedora.

Since there's no apparent quality difference (assuming they're from the same maker, and of the same grade of each's respective materials), what's the difference then, if any? E.g.; One is more formal...

 

[Lefty]

I'd hate to be behind you at a coffee shop.
Pick one, enjoy it, buy another.
Repeat.

 

[GamaH]

I'd hate to be behind you at a coffee shop.
Pick one, enjoy it, buy another.
Repeat.

Hahaha, you wouldn't. I order the same thing every single time at Starbucks. I'm not too big a fan of variations when it comes to food. As for buying what I like.. I dare not. I would end up purchasing 5 hats a month. Or per season, at the very least. This is my first time considering a straw hat and I already can't decide between 4.

Anyway, how versatile is a black fedora? Specifically, a Borsalino San Remo. I'm considering getting one for religious purposes, if nothing else.

What is that knob beside the hatband though? Kinda spoils the look a little, imo.

I'm wondering if it'll look better on me/with my outfits than the Gazella. Although 190 bucks is a bit expensive to answer a question, so I think I need some input first.

 

[Lefty]

photos of black hats and people wearing them

The button is a wind trolley/lapel cord.
Here's fletch showing how they work.

 

[GamaH]

What does it do/what's it for, and can it be removed without ruining the hat?

 

[Lefty]

It keeps the hat from flying away and is sometimes considered decorative - some have designs on the button. I've never bothered using any of mine.

Removal seems pretty easy, but I've never tried.

 

[Quatermain]

Richard Chamberlain's "Allan Quatermain" hat

Howdy folks! I'm the rare kind of person who actually LIKED the Richard Chamberlain "King Solomon's Mines" movie. So I'm interested to find out if anyone knows where I can find a replica of his hat. In fact I like his whole outfit but I think that was custom made. But can I get any leads on that hat? Would love to have one!

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[GamaH]

It keeps the hat from flying away and is sometimes considered decorative - some have designs on the button. I've never bothered using any of mine.

Removal seems pretty easy, but I've never tried.

Hmm, I see. Well, learn something new everyday! =P

Can I ask your personal opinion on this?

Between the Gray Gazella here:

and the black San Remo (which for some reason, doesn't seem to look all that black):

Which do you think looks better?

 

[Lefty]

That's got to be your decision. I really dislike both, as I'm more of a wider brim, straight-sided-untapered crown, no logo kind of guy. Some guys like the stingy, tapered look and wear it well. DRB's Gary Whites and Optimos are great hats that look great on him.

 

[GamaH]

That's got to be your decision. I really dislike both, as I'm more of a wider brim, straight-sided-untapered crown, no logo kind of guy. Some guys like the stingy, tapered look and wear it well. DRB's Gary Whites and Optimos are great hats that look great on him.

Hm, fair enough. I dislike wide brims mainly because there's no way in hell I could pull a wide brim off.

What's a tear-drop crown btw?

Also, as a matter of practicality. Would it be overkill to buy 2 felt hats in a country that is mostly Summer year round? Because I'm on the move most of the time, and probably 80% of my days are spent in a country's Summer.

 

[email68]

Thanks rlk.

I hadn't thought about the importance of keeping the sides of the brim more narrow to keep from that sombrero look.

-Tim

Not much functional purpose just a minor style alternative. They were made in versions with front and back deeper than sides and the opposite, sometimes just the front deeper. Deeper front gives more of sun visor and swoop without broadening the flap and overall width relative to face as much.

 

[Lefty]

What's a tear-drop crown btw?

Also, as a matter of practicality. Would it be overkill to buy 2 felt hats in a country that is mostly Summer year round? Because I'm on the move most of the time, and probably 80% of my days are spent in a country's Summer.

As to practicality, that's up to you.

A teardrop is one of many shapes/creases/bashes/etc. for a crown. Diamonds are also popular. Some like a perfectly formed crease, while others like the shape to have a bit more "character".

 

[rocknroper]

Anyone know of a good hat shop in NYC other than JJ Hats?

 

[Jedwbpm]

Hm, fair enough. I dislike wide brims mainly because there's no way in hell I could pull a wide brim off.

What's a tear-drop crown btw?

Also, as a matter of practicality. Would it be overkill to buy 2 felt hats in a country that is mostly Summer year round? Because I'm on the move most of the time, and probably 80% of my days are spent in a country's Summer.

Here is a pic of me in my Borso on my way to church. It has a windcord. I like the cord personally.

Jeff