New to hats, hunting a temporary panama...

[AndrewGWU]

I got my first hat around a week ago and a second soon after. I LOVE them, but it is getting very hot in my area and they are both felt hats. I have been doing ample amounts of reading on the forum here and am wanting to buy a panama hat for the summer. Thanks to all the praise I have read on the forum for them, I have chosen to go with a Panama Bob hat and will probably order it in the next few weeks.

However, the problem is I need to find something to wear for a month or two till I can get the Panama Bob hat. I want to keep wearing my hats, but it is just getting too hot! I was hoping someone could steer me in the direction of where I can get a ready to go panama with around a 2" brim to wear till then with out a really high crown. I don't want to spend a fortune so I can put more money towards a better Panama Bob hat.

 

[indycop]

Check Bob's Ebay auctions. He often has hats that deliver quick!

 

[AndrewGWU]

Thanks

Check Bob's Ebay auctions. He often has hats that deliver quick!

I have already looked there... nothing but wide brims (2 1/2- 3 inches) in my size. I will keep checking in. Any other ideas? Are there any other vendors that have a ready made hat that you all would recommend?

 

[indycop]

Tom-n-Perris sells under premier panamas I think.

 

[fluteplayer07]

I have one on classifieds... Don't know your size, though.

 

[rlk]

You might consider a Milan. There are tons of them in your desired dimensions for next to nothing dating from the 1960's.

 

[fluteplayer07]

Yeah, good point, rlk. There's tons on the 'bay, usually for very cheap. They look good, too.

 

[Bill Greene]

And honestly, I like Milans.

 

[AndrewGWU]

Only if....

I have one on classifieds... Don't know your size, though.

If it was a 7 3/8 I would have taken it off your hands at that price

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I will look at Milans and see what I can find reasonable.

 

[Panamabob]

I don't know if you've sent me an email or not, but I've got 3 inch brims in your size in stock in many hats.

 

[AndrewGWU]

I don't know if you've sent me an email or not, but I've got 3 inch brims in your size in stock in many hats.

I had noticed that when I clicked the ebay link. I had not sent an email, just seen what was posted. I may wind up going with a 3", just with the shape of my head I think it looks a little much, especially on someone my age (23).

 

[indycop]

What's age got to do with it? The larger brim just helps with the shade!

 

[AndrewGWU]

What's age got to do with it? The larger brim just helps with the shade!

It may just be my face shape, but I have found that wider brim hats on me look like they belong on someone twice my age. It just doesn't fit.

 

[Mr E Train]

It may just be my face shape, but I have found that wider brim hats on me look like they belong on someone twice my age. It just doesn't fit.

Hang around here a while, and I predict that that perception will change.

 

[AndrewGWU]

Hang around here a while, and I predict that that perception will change.

Maybe so!

I do have another question. My head measures 22 5/8 in, but it is a long oval. In my two vintage hats I wear a 7 3/8. There is space on the sides, but the front and back is tight. I am not sure when ordering a new Panama whether I should go with my circumference size which would be a 7 1/4 or a 7 3/8 to ensure it isn't to tight front to back.

 

[Mr E Train]

Maybe so!

I do have another question. My head measures 22 5/8 in, but it is a long oval. In my two vintage hats I wear a 7 3/8. There is space on the sides, but the front and back is tight. I am not sure when ordering a new Panama whether I should go with my circumference size which would be a 7 1/4 or a 7 3/8 to ensure it isn't to tight front to back.

If you're a long oval you'd be better off going with the larger size and then stretching it just a little into a long oval shape with a hat stretcher and some steam.

 

[hogateb]

Check Bob's Ebay auctions. He often has hats that deliver quick!

Bob delivers extremely fast. Bought the hat via "the bay" on Sunday, hat was shipped on Monday and on my doorstep Thursday morning. Great service. Great hat.

 

[TMoomaw]

My head measures 22 5/8

Panama Bob's 7 1/4 fit perfect. I had reservations about wider brims, now it is all I wear.

Tmoo