New from St. Louis

[barracudamagoo]

Hi to everyone, I found my way over here from B&B. Always liked the idea of wearing a hat; but, felt "weird" about it. I've been a lurker here for a while and finally decided to take the plunge. Since it is summer in St. Louis, I'm thinking of starting out with a fedora style straw hat. Seems like it would fit my everyday summer attire, and would be a nice transition into wearing hats. I'm looking for something that is a step-up from the hats I see some of the young guys (16-20 year olds) wearing. No offense, but those look "cheap'ish" (not to be confused with inexpensive). Any recommendations? Anybody been to Levine in downtown? Thanks!

 

[davestlouis]

Welcome, and enjoy! I have lived in STL for 25 years and have never set foot in Levine's, but then I don't wear hats either.

 

[danofarlington]

Hi to everyone, I found my way over here from B&B. Always liked the idea of wearing a hat; but, felt "weird" about it. I've been a lurker here for a while and finally decided to take the plunge. Since it is summer in St. Louis, I'm thinking of starting out with a fedora style straw hat. Seems like it would fit my everyday summer attire, and would be a nice transition into wearing hats. I'm looking for something that is a step-up from the hats I see some of the young guys (16-20 year olds) wearing. No offense, but those look "cheap'ish" (not to be confused with inexpensive). Any recommendations? Anybody been to Levine in downtown? Thanks!

Try online, say hats.com, villagehatshop.com or delminicohatter.com. So many online merchants. For a real step up try Panama Bob(forgot website letters) or Panamahatsdirect.com, and look into their less expensive models.

 

[Neophyte]

I'm only 19, and my only hat is this: an Akubra Federation IV

I'm not sure if you've heard of Akubra, but their hats are widely regarded as some of the best modern factory-produced hats with the exception of the $300+ Borsalinos. They are made from rabbit fur and are made in Australia, where protection from the elements is important. They are very, very durable and soft.

Anyway, you're interested in straws. If you're on a budget, I'd go with one of the Bailey straws (just type it in, they're everywhere), or an Akubra Capricorn (color selection--Fawn or Grey).
Here's a link to the Capricorn:
http://hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?view=69&returncat=Straw+Hats&returnpage=0
Their customer service is excellent and their shipping, for being on the other side of the world, is blazing fast (with EMS Courier shipping, the hat got from Katoomba, Australia to Chattanooga, Tennessee in only four days!!!

The Capricorn is actually made of polypropelene. It looks and feels like straw, but it is tougher and more weather resistant. The Capricorn is also, in shape and dimension, almost identical to one of their fur felt fedoras, called the Stylemaster.

If that's not what you're after, go Bailey. I'm not sure what you're price range is, but this is what I can suggest to you, for starters. Good luck with your search.

 

[RBH]

Welcome!!!
Let us know when you find one you like.

 

[barracudamagoo]

Welcome!!!
Let us know when you find one you like.

I've found LOTS that I like. It's how many I can afford that is the problem....well, afford and still be married!

 

[Panamabob]

Shoot me an email robert@panamas.biz and I'll shoot you a cheapie or freebie.

 

[RBH]

Shoot me an email robert@panamas.biz and I'll shoot you a cheapie or freebie.

Cant get any better than that!!!

 

[dwebber18]

Definitely email Robert. I'm getting my first 2 real Panamas from him this week and am very excited. He has some really good prices, so why not start out with the real deal.

 

[bolthead]

Welcome aboard....

Shoot me an email robert@panamas.biz and I'll shoot you a cheapie or freebie.

.....and this is one of the reasons why the guys here, make it such a great place. :eusa_clap