Panama Hat Thread

[Kane]

This is an inspiring thread. With the weather taking a turn here in Southern California I’m thinking of getting a new straw hat. Other than the cheap hats I go though at the lawnmower supply store that last a couple of weeks before they fall apart, my current straw hat is a Stetson western style. The Stetson’s great but it’s a tall, wide brimmed hat. I think a nice Panama hat may be the way to go.
It sounds like people have had good experiences with Panama Hats Direct. From their website’s sale, any opinion on these hats:

https://www.panamahatsdirect.com/shop/panama-hat/cuenca-grade-8-havana-3939.html

https://www.panamahatsdirect.com/shop/panama-hat/montecristi-super-fino-plantation-4670.html#size

Are these hats the real deal?
Is the Montecristi that much better than the Cuenca?
How true is the size on these?

I was thinking of getting a Stetson Milan straw Stratoliner, but this thread has me reconsidering.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

This is an inspiring thread. With the weather taking a turn here in Southern California I’m thinking of getting a new straw hat. Other than the cheap hats I go though at the lawnmower supply store that last a couple of weeks before they fall apart, my current straw hat is a Stetson western style. The Stetson’s great but it’s a tall, wide brimmed hat. I think a nice Panama hat may be the way to go.
It sounds like people have had good experiences with Panama Hats Direct. From their website’s sale, any opinion on these hats:

https://www.panamahatsdirect.com/shop/panama-hat/cuenca-grade-8-havana-3939.html

https://www.panamahatsdirect.com/shop/panama-hat/montecristi-super-fino-plantation-4670.html#size

Are these hats the real deal?
Is the Montecristi that much better than the Cuenca?
How true is the size on these?

I was thinking of getting a Stetson Milan straw Stratoliner, but this thread has me reconsidering.

If you’re looking at a “straw” Stratoliner than I’d recommend sticking to the hemp hats. The current Milan hats are plastic and not at all to my liking (YMMV).

PHD is a legitimate source for Panama hats. I have a few and some bargains can be had. The PHD blocking isn’t my favorite, and I loathe the rubbery “genuine leather” sweatbands. If you’re like me and send them out to be reblocked and get the sweatband replaced then the value becomes questionable and you might be better off contacting a domestic hatter who knows Panama hats and getting one made for you.

If you just want a hat(s) to wear in the summer then I think the hemp hats are great. If you want a fine summer dress hat, or just something more refined, then the higher grade Panamas are the better option.

Of course this is The Fedora Lounge so I’ll say get one or more of each.


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[Bamaboots]

This is an inspiring thread. With the weather taking a turn here in Southern California I’m thinking of getting a new straw hat.

Located in CA. https://gomezhatcompany.com/

 

[Kane]

Thanks for the tips!
Why hemp? What hemp do you like?(on top of your head that is )

 

[tropicalbob]

This is an inspiring thread. With the weather taking a turn here in Southern California I’m thinking of getting a new straw hat. Other than the cheap hats I go though at the lawnmower supply store that last a couple of weeks before they fall apart, my current straw hat is a Stetson western style. The Stetson’s great but it’s a tall, wide brimmed hat. I think a nice Panama hat may be the way to go.
It sounds like people have had good experiences with Panama Hats Direct. From their website’s sale, any opinion on these hats:

https://www.panamahatsdirect.com/shop/panama-hat/cuenca-grade-8-havana-3939.html

https://www.panamahatsdirect.com/shop/panama-hat/montecristi-super-fino-plantation-4670.html#size

Are these hats the real deal?
Is the Montecristi that much better than the Cuenca?
How true is the size on these?

I was thinking of getting a Stetson Milan straw Stratoliner, but this thread has me reconsidering.

DH's comments are right on the money. I've had some success with Peters Bros. in Ft. Worth. For $150.00 you can get a custom hemp in any style and with whatever specs you choose. I have three Stratoliners in three different colors and am considering one more. The website seems to be permanently under construction but you can just call them directly.

 

[Bushman]

I need to stay out of this thread. This thread is dangerous. Every time I leave it, I find myself searching for another new Panama hat.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

^^^yeah, like a moth to flame!
B

 

[deadlyhandsome]

A cheap, but very breathable, recent acquisition. It was little more than a lump of misshapen paja toquilla. I wish I had taken some “before” photos. My steamer, a spray bottle, a steam iron, and my heated aluminum “block” we’re all called into service. It’s still a sub fino but it’s now wearable.

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[DRB]

A cheap, but very breathable, recent acquisition. It was little more than a lump of misshapen paja toquilla. I wish I had taken some “before” photos. My steamer, a spray bottle, a steam iron, and my heated aluminum “block” we’re all called into service. It’s still a sub fino but it’s now wearable.

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Your hat might be "cheap" but you make it look good. Great job on the reshaping. Breathing new life into an old hat is one of the most fascinating aspects of this hobby of ours.

One of my favorite straw hats was a cheap $25 straw from 10 years ago. It made me more happy than some more expensive hats have. To me, a hat doesn't need to be expensive, just appreciated. Here I am at Niagara Falls with my cheap hat. I wish I knew what I did with that hat.

 

[Hatyulo]

Thank you!
I keep reading the thread.

This is in relation to a new member inquiring about Panamahatcollections, an internet seller of Panama hats. He was accused of being a shill.

Here is my recent experience with this company:

(By the way, the original poster is NOT a shill - his English is too good)

Saw a "Havana" fino hat I liked. $129.00 delivered.

View attachment 158815
There were two "Havanas" listed, both Finos. I asked what the difference was. They appeared slightly different in the photos.

Was told they were the same. But now the price was $157.00

I emailed back to clarify, since the price was still different, and was told the price was now $169.00

This has left a bad taste in my mouth and I've decided to shop elsewhere.

Another Fedora Lounger said:

"The variables, styling, sizing, shape, sweats, etc. from offshore companies have left me burned too often. I’d rather pay more for a hat made my a maker of known reputation and know I’m getting a quality hat."

Good advice.

 

[pnbarber]

I can see why you liked the hat, it's nice looking.

One of my favorite straw hats was a cheap $25 straw from 10 years ago. It made me more happy than some more expensive hats have. To me, a hat doesn't need to be expensive, just appreciated. Here I am at Niagara Falls with my cheap hat. I wish I knew what I did with that hat. View attachment 163066 [/QUOTE]

 

[gabriel100]

This is an inspiring thread. With the weather taking a turn here in Southern California I’m thinking of getting a new straw hat. Other than the cheap hats I go though at the lawnmower supply store that last a couple of weeks before they fall apart, my current straw hat is a Stetson western style. The Stetson’s great but it’s a tall, wide brimmed hat. I think a nice Panama hat may be the way to go.
It sounds like people have had good experiences with Panama Hats Direct. From their website’s sale, any opinion on these hats:

https://www.panamahatsdirect.com/shop/panama-hat/cuenca-grade-8-havana-3939.html

https://www.panamahatsdirect.com/shop/panama-hat/montecristi-super-fino-plantation-4670.html#size

Are these hats the real deal?
Is the Montecristi that much better than the Cuenca?
How true is the size on these?

I was thinking of getting a Stetson Milan straw Stratoliner, but this thread has me reconsidering.

Of course a Montecristi hat is far more better than cuenca hat
I bought a Montecristi short brim fedora from panama hat direct is a super fino (15x15wpsi)
I am satisfied with it

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Of course a Montecristi hat is far more better than cuenca hat
I bought a Montecristi short brim fedora from panama hat direct is a super fino (15x15wpsi)
I am satisfied with it

Montecristi hats are not necessarily better than Cuenca hats. There are some pretty terrible Montecristi hats and some absolutely wonderful Cuenca hats out there.

There is also a lot of dishonesty and many hats marketed and sold as Montecristis are actually Cuencas.


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[DRB]

I can see why you liked the hat, it's nice looking.

One of my favorite straw hats was a cheap $25 straw from 10 years ago. It made me more happy than some more expensive hats have. To me, a hat doesn't need to be expensive, just appreciated. Here I am at Niagara Falls with my cheap hat. I wish I knew what I did with that hat. View attachment 163066

[/QUOTE]

Thank you Perry. I loved that ol' girl.

 

[gabriel100]

Montecristi hats are not necessarily better than Cuenca hats. There are some pretty terrible Montecristi hats and some absolutely wonderful Cuenca hats out there.

There is also a lot of dishonesty and many hats marketed and sold as Montecristis are actually Cuencas.


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Montecristi hats are the elite of the straw hats
is true that there are good cuenca hats out there
But a well woven Montecristi is always going to be better
Is like comparing gold and silver

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I own a few of both, including two purchased from PHD, but I don’t claim expertise. I will say that in my experience a $200 Montecristi isn’t any better than a $200 Cuenca. I’ll also say that for daily wear I like the less fine brisa hats.




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[Rmccamey]

There is a Montechristi on eBay now for $24, don't miss out

 

[GHT]

Has anyone heard of The Gamboa Hat Co? https://www.panamahatmall.com/en/panama-hats-for-men-c-4539.html
My new Panama, made in Ecuador, is the first one that I have tried from this company. It took a bit of getting used to, brim down all round is new to me, as is the tear drop crown. As with all new things, I'm never sure. But my missus tells me that Sean Connery wore a brim down Panama in Just Cause. And Christopher Lee & many others have made the brim down look very popular. (The jury is still out.)

 

[buler]

Champ genuine panama (more in the Champ thread)

 

[buler]

Stetson Genuine Panama