New Panama WPI

[TrevDoc]

Hi,

Just bought a new Panama from Panama Hats Direct. The grading was Fino, which means it should have an average WPI of 200. I have not yet received the hat but attached are some photos from PHD.

I was a bit surprised by how thick the weave is and I am now worrying that the grading is well below 200 WPI. So hard to tell from a photo but as the hat may still take days to reach me, I thought I would ask for others opinions.

 

[belfastboy]

PHD's fino quality starts at 150 WPI. So for $175 it represents OK value. You need to move up to Fino fino or Super fino to get a more refined weave.

 

[TrevDoc]

They say the Fino ranges from 150 - 250 with an average of 200. Do you think I am nearer 150 WPI? I did get the hat in the sale, so only paid $150 but I was hoping the weave would be around the 200 WPI they advertised.

 

[belfastboy]

They say the Fino ranges from 150 - 250 with an average of 200. Do you think I am nearer 150 WPI? I did get the hat in the sale, so only paid $150 but I was hoping the weave would be around the 200 WPI they advertised.

There is not a huge amount of difference between 150 & 200 to the eye. $150 for a Panama is at the low end. Wear the heck out of the hat and save up for a good one a few years down the road. PHD are OK hats but they are not great. They may have upgraded but they used to come with cheap glued on poly ribbon and cloth sweat bands. Look to spend a minimum of $300 and upwards ($400+) to get a fine quality Panama. Your best bet is find a custom hatter that brings in the blanks from Ecuador and finishes them. You get top quality sweats ,vintage ribbon, finished to a high quality.

 

[TrevDoc]

Thanks Belfastboy, I am based in the Uk and there does not seem to be many hatters around.

 

[belfastboy]

Thanks Belfastboy, I am based in the Uk and there does not seem to be many hatters around.

Yes, probably the closest is Hornskov in Denmark. He does Panama hats but he is pricey. Or Hufvud out of Sweden. Mailing from North America if it can fit in a 14x14x6" box will run about $60 but then you have your VAT etc etc..