I'll post more if and when I get time, but here's the basics: I'm on a 1-year military deployment to Iraq. I decided to splurge and order a true, fine Montechristi Panama, guaranteed to be the best, from Brent Black while I'm here. This will be used primarily to kick up my feet late at night after work, by one of Saddam's many old palaces, and relax--take a vacation in my mind and retain some sense of civilization. A small piece of fine beauty in such a difficult place. The rest of the time, I'll be storing it carefully.
Just received the hat today. Here's the first pics taken of me opening the box, explaining it to my buddies, trying it on, and then taking a few shots back in my bunk. Please excuse the rudimentary settings and iPhone pics. If I get a chance sometime to take better camera pics, I will. The name and print/serial number on the hat have been blurred for security. You can get a decent idea of the weave and center of the hat crown from the pics, though.
This is the middle of Brent's "entry-category" hat range, termed "Premium". I had specified it be made as a classic fedora style, with standard black ribbon, standard brown leather band. From my custom sizing bands we worked with, it's fit to a custom 24 5/8 inches Long Oval for my head. I think the size is pretty much perfect. I've worn it briefly inside with cool air conditioning, and outside in the 120 F or so heat, and it's a barely snug, and very comfortable fit. Won't be too tight at all. If anything, if I ever wear it in active or breezy conditions, I'll slip a bit of thin felt under the band to snug it up just a bit more for retention purposes.
Bottom line, day one, I'm loving it! The feel of the hat is excellent, fairly soft for straw. The color is a bit more golden than I expected. I look forward to wearing it when I get the chance.
Just received the hat today. Here's the first pics taken of me opening the box, explaining it to my buddies, trying it on, and then taking a few shots back in my bunk. Please excuse the rudimentary settings and iPhone pics. If I get a chance sometime to take better camera pics, I will. The name and print/serial number on the hat have been blurred for security. You can get a decent idea of the weave and center of the hat crown from the pics, though.
This is the middle of Brent's "entry-category" hat range, termed "Premium". I had specified it be made as a classic fedora style, with standard black ribbon, standard brown leather band. From my custom sizing bands we worked with, it's fit to a custom 24 5/8 inches Long Oval for my head. I think the size is pretty much perfect. I've worn it briefly inside with cool air conditioning, and outside in the 120 F or so heat, and it's a barely snug, and very comfortable fit. Won't be too tight at all. If anything, if I ever wear it in active or breezy conditions, I'll slip a bit of thin felt under the band to snug it up just a bit more for retention purposes.
Bottom line, day one, I'm loving it! The feel of the hat is excellent, fairly soft for straw. The color is a bit more golden than I expected. I look forward to wearing it when I get the chance.
