Hat Brim

[poetman]

I'm looking for a Panama Hat, and I've narrowed it down to two. But, one has a brim just under 2 inches and the other has a brim just over 2.5 inches. I prefer the larger brim but am afraid it may look too much like the Zoot Suit craze. Any thoughts on how to decide--or any rules of thumb about brim length related to body size, etc?

Thanks All!

 

[kaosharper1]

2.5" is not wide, especially zoot suit wide which would be more like 3.5". Personally I think a panama needs at least a 2.5" brim if its going to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your neck which is what I think a panama should do in the summertime.

 

[jlee562]

I concur with Kaos, 2.5" is not a particularly wide brim. I'm only about 5'7" and I can definitely wear a 2.5" brim without looking silly.

 

[Oldsarge]

I third the motion. A Panama is a summer hat and summer is sunny. 2 1/2" is very modest.

 

[zetwal]

I have a different take on it. You should go with what feels right on you. Just because it's a Panama does not mean you can go wider than your normal comfort level.

 

[Kirk H.]

I am going to have to 4th the motion for all the above listed reasons

Kirk H.

 

[monbla256]

I'm looking for a Panama Hat, and I've narrowed it down to two. But, one has a brim just under 2 inches and the other has a brim just over 2.5 inches. I prefer the larger brim but am afraid it may look too much like the Zoot Suit craze. Any thoughts on how to decide--or any rules of thumb about brim length related to body size, etc?

Thanks All!

Living in a nieghborhood that has Pachucos who drive low-riders and wear the suits and hats with them, I have seen NONE under 3"/3 1/2" so a 2 1/2" brim on a Panama would NOT look "Zoot-Suit" like at all. In fact most of my Montecristi's have brims 2 5/8" to 2 3/4" wide and I don't wear Zoot suits. Basicaly 2 1/2" would be a "normal" brim width on a Panama.

 

[navarre]

I agree with all. Most of my hats, straw or felt have 2 1/2" brims. You would probably be happy going as far up as 2 3/4" without feeling to big, and the longer brim will offer moor sun block.

 

[alanfgag]

... and the longer brim will offer moor sun block.

Moor (Stanislavski) wearing a short brim.

 

[4spurs]

2.5" way to go.

 

[hatophile]

Moor (Stanislavski) wearing a short brim.

Rather short crown too, I would say.

 

[SgtRick]

Moor (Stanislavski) wearing a short brim.

I have several of those!

 

[hatophile]

I daresay they would come in handy where you are, Texas included!