Panama Hat Thread

[alanfgag]

That's really light. I have a Panama that weighs just over 3 oz and I thought that was light! So how do they make it happen? Any disadvantages?

I would guess the weight/diameter of the fiber used and the openness of the weaving pattern combine to create the weight of the hat body. The Montecristi weave is dense. Baku and parabuntal hats use fine fibers and an open weave. Both hats below weigh 2 ounces with trimmings.

monte

baku

buntal

in comparison, leghorn and milan weigh a ton.

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks for the notes, guys!

 

[RJR]

The weaving patterns are fascinating.

 

[Frunobulax]

The weaving patterns are fascinating.

The buntal looks like something you'd get with a Spirograph.

 

[Drdan]

I like that hat a lot; very nice find! In your experience, is the hat cooler than a high wpsi Montecristi? Just looking at it, I get the feeling that it is. The hat's weave is also very elegant. Any links for more information about baku or parabuntal hats would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[LeBois46]

Thanks for the explanation. The Baku hat reminds me of a hat my grandfather wore on occasion. He would winter in Florida and pick up those nice straw hats and bring them North with him.

 

[mikespens]

I like that hat a lot; very nice find! In your experience, is the hat cooler than a high wpsi Montecristi? Just looking at it, I get the feeling that it is. The hat's weave is also very elegant. Any links for more information about baku or parabuntal hats would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

Not a lot of info out there Drdan but I can tell you they are rare, the weaving is a dying art, as are the weavers. They are few and far between, except it seems for alanfgag , and I've never seen a decent modern one. I briefly owned one that was supposed to be NOS from the 80's and it was crap. There is a thread here:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?7881-parbuntal-straw-hats

 

[Drdan]

Not a lot of info out there Drdan but I can tell you they are rare, the weaving is a dying art, as are the weavers. They are few and far between, except it seems for alanfgag , and I've never seen a decent modern one. I briefly owned one that was supposed to be NOS from the 80's and it was crap. There is a thread here:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?7881-parbuntal-straw-hats

Thank you Mike. The linked thread is excellent, and some entries show that there are truly some incredibly nice straw hats besides Montecrisitis. Too bad that high quality Parabuntal and Baku hats are rare, and that modern ones aren't as finely woven. I'll be on the lookout for a vintage one...

 

[alanfgag]

In your experience, is the hat cooler than a high wpsi Montecristi?

An interesting question that is discussed often but hard to answer, as each of us has a different quotient of comfort in heat and humidity. For myself, comfort is connected to the connection between the sweatband and my forehead. The fit and weight of the hat seem the primary factors that determine comfort. I'm less aware of the openness of the weave. In fact, I find the insulating qualities of a lightweight felt makes for a comfortable wear on a summer day.

As the sweatband is the point of connection between the hat and the forehead, a sweatband that fits well and bears the weight of the hat across its full perimeter makes for a comfortable wear. It also helps to have a sweatband that can stand up to some perspiration. Some ancient hat sweatbands will be destroyed when dampened by sweat (I'm guilty of having murdered a couple). I watch these carefully and don't wear them for a long walk on a steamy summer day. Some sweatbands seem to stick when sweaty. I don't know why this is, but I find it a nuisance.

The lighter the weight of the hat, the more comfortable it is - to me. Both the buntal and baku weaves make for a very light hat - two thirds the weight of my lightest Montecristi. The openness of these weave can't hurt either. Milans are heavier still - I do not find these comfortable on a very hot day.

Thanks for the note. These less common weaves do show up from time to time - almost always advertised as "panama hats."

 

[Drdan]

Thanks for your evaluation Alan. I'll surely pick up a Buntal or Baku should I come across a nice one. They are very elegant looking hats, and most input has been positive concerning the properties of the fibers themselves. Their lightness of these hats is remarkable...

I'm usually very comfortable wearing a Montecristi, even when I'm in the Caribbean; for me, wearing a hat keeps me cooler than not wearing one. I rarely get the sweatband soaked, but when it does get wet, it is uncomfortable for me too.

 

[mikespens]

Checked a grail hat off my list yesterday, a semi-caldo finished by Black Sheep Hat Works. Finished hat weighs 2.8 oz



More pixs and details here: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...ep-Hat-Works&p=1987071&viewfull=1#post1987071

 

[alanfgag]

Really lovely, Mike.

 

[RJR]

+1,Wow.

 

[ingineer]

Mike;
That semi is the cat's meow, i suspect its a one off, or is that reproducible?

 

[mikespens]

Thanks Alan, RJR, and Richard. Richard, I think the semi-calado bodies all vary a bit since they are individually woven but the weavers probably do have traditional patterns they go by too. Don't know where this vent pattern falls. Aside from that, Bob at BSHW could certainly reproduce something similar.

 

[fedoralover]

Monticristi Plantation from Northwest hats. Around 700 WPI, huge brim and crown. I got this body a while back and had Mike finish it for me. New ribbon, sweatband, reblock and resize. Fit's perfect and there is still enough hot weather left to wear it a lot.

 

[AndyR]

Wow, Fedoralover...now that's what I call a brim! Nice! How big is it? It's just right on you. Great stache BTW.

Andy

 

[mikespens]

Agree, looks like a whole lotta brim on the table but well proportioned on your noggin Rich. Very nice Monti.

 

[Ordinary Guy]

That makes 3 of us. A huge looking hat by itself but perfect on you. You wear that well sir, great choice.

 

[Bob Roberts]

+1