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Can you get a quality straw hat for $100

email68

One of the Regulars
Messages
116
Location
Northern CA
Looking for a summer hat. Never had a straw one.

I'd like one that looks the most, shape wise, to my Henry.

Can you get a quality one for around $100?

-Tim
 

Not-Bogart13

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,501
Location
NE Pennsylvania
I'm with Tomasso. WHat do you mean by "quality?"

For me, when it comes to straw, I have found cheap hats to be better. No doubt, their quality (as I define it) is low, but they seem to wear better. Plus, I don't freak out if I sweat them up or damage them. I have actually found some very nice straw hats at low prices that have outlasted my expectations. My favorites right now are a Capas, a second hand Stetson, and a synthetic Dobbs. I don't think any cost me over $100.
 

Crazy Legs

Familiar Face
Messages
60
Location
The center of South Carolina
Speaking of Panama Bob...(I think we were somewhere in there). I ordered one of his $39.95 specials with a note and in an e-mail about the color of ribbon I would like to have. The hat came quickly and in excellent shape but the ribbon was black. How do you guys get the different color ribbons on your hats? Do you call and speak to someone personally? I would like to order a finer quality hat from "Panama Bob" but I don't want the same thing I already have. Directions please. Thank you.
 

Panamabob

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,012
Location
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Speaking of Panama Bob...(I think we were somewhere in there). I ordered one of his $39.95 specials with a note and in an e-mail about the color of ribbon I would like to have. The hat came quickly and in excellent shape but the ribbon was black. How do you guys get the different color ribbons on your hats? Do you call and speak to someone personally? I would like to order a finer quality hat from "Panama Bob" but I don't want the same thing I already have. Directions please. Thank you.

The specials are "as is". I've changed a few ribbons out on them, but was notified via email or phone and we worked out the price. I'm sorry, I seem to have missed your note, or I would have emailed you.
 

KILO NOVEMBER

One Too Many
Messages
1,068
Location
Hurricane Coast Florida
Avoid the noise, avoid PH Direct

I tried twice to get satisfactory hats from Casey at Panama Hats Direct. What I got instead were hats of good quality bodies, but low quality finishing. Eventually I sent them both to Art Fawcett for remedial work.

Stick with Bob, avoid the sound tag and the other issues you get with Casey.
 

DJH

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,355
Location
Ft Worth, TX
Another good option is to track down fellow lounger Tom-n-Perris.

He uses bodies from Panama Bob to make very nice hats at good prices.

I was personally confused about the different Panama options and price points, but Tom really helped me out. I have one of the sale PB hats but wanted something that would be more like the quality of my felt hats, without breaking the bank.

Tom is making a couple of hats for me now - really looking forward to getting them.
 

WH1

Practically Family
Messages
967
Location
Over hills and far away
I tried twice to get satisfactory hats from Casey at Panama Hats Direct. What I got instead were hats of good quality bodies, but low quality finishing. Eventually I sent them both to Art Fawcett for remedial work.

Stick with Bob, avoid the sound tag and the other issues you get with Casey.

Second the recommendation to avoid Panama Hats Direct. I was happy with the hat aside from the fact it was too small and the response I received when I contacted Casey was NONE just an offer to sell me another one. Save your time and energy go to Panama Bob.
 

Terry "The Hat"

Practically Family
Messages
543
Location
East Central Illinois
Hey guys and gals, I'm new here but a real Hat Lover. If you are looking for a real good quality Straw/Raffia for around $100 check out the new R7 from Tilley. I have quite a collection of Tilley hats and the quality is fantastic. I personally don't have the R7 (yet) but a friend does and it's a very well made stylish fedora style hat. I believe the list on it is $95 at www.tilley.com

Just for the record, I am not affiliated with Tilley at all and also own many other fedora style hats from other manufacturers. I'm just really pleased with this company.
 

email68

One of the Regulars
Messages
116
Location
Northern CA
I emailed PB on May 1 and never heard back. So I went on eBay and purchased one for $100, extrafine blah blah. While I was waiting, I did more research to learn about the different quality items to check.

The hat came in today and was not what I think it should be for the price. Now I'm dealing with return/refund.
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,082
Location
London, UK
I have a few straw hats of varying types, and a couple of polystraws. Quite honestly, the best of the bunch for me is the Akubra Capricorn, of which I have two (one in a natural colour, the other in grey). Excellent hats for daily wear. As most all straw, you have to be careful of them getting sat on as they won't be as forgiving as a good fur felt, but that aside, very durable. The big bonus of polystraw is that it can be worn out on a day where there is a chance you might get caught in rain. I wouldn't risk a real straw in the rain for fear it wouldn't hold up to the wet (though I gather Sunbodys are designed specifically to take it). I'm one for having a bunch of mid-price straws and straw-types, myself. Spent one hot Summer with only the one straw, and got really bored of the same hat all the time!
 

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