Panama Hat Thread

[monbla256]

Actually, I've already sent Panama Bob a purchase request for a specific on-sale hat last night. One of his selling points was his acquisition of legitimate hats from Ecuador, so it wasn't too difficult a choice to make.

My question posed was more a clarification as to whether other types of straw hats could legitimately be called Panamas or not. I guess the answer is no.

I would say that unless a firm has a record of selling "real" Panama's , such as Stetson who I believe still sells one model, I would have to say no. A reputable firm will many times use a phrase such as "Panama style" in describing a non Panama hat made of the paper straw. But most "real" Panamas are sold by firms that sell ONLY "real' Panamas. Stick with firms you see refernced here on the Forum, remembering that those hats shown as "vintage" are just that, and may not be available from the modern version of that firm. That's where fols like Art Fawcett and Optimo come into play. Dig deep in your pockets and they will MORE than satisfy your need for THAT Panama

Onward thru the Fog

 

[fmw]

Many Western hat companies sell panama hats. Normally, they would buy bodies from Ecuador and finish them in house. Stetson has several panamas at different price points. They have affordable Cuenca hats and not-so-affordable Montecristi hats. They are genuine panamas if Stetson calls them panamas. Some dealers will exaggerate the descriptions of straw hats but Stetson and other major manufacturers do not.

 

[monbla256]

Many Western hat companies sell panama hats. Normally, they would buy bodies from Ecuador and finish them in house. Stetson has several panamas at different price points. They have affordable Cuenca hats and not-so-affordable Montecristi hats. They are genuine panamas if Stetson calls them panamas. Some dealers will exaggerate the descriptions of straw hats but Stetson and other major manufacturers do not.

Youre statement got me to thinking so I phoned a friend of mine who is an assistant manager at the Shepler's here in town and asked him about this. He very assuredly told me they were ALL made from Shantung Panama straw . I asked if any were made from Ecuadorean Panama straw and he said that only the "non western stuff they make, which we don't sell" was made from "that stuff". He told me he was relaying info that they were given by Stetson on this. As is known, "Shantung Panama" is a paper fiber woven hat. It is NOT woven from the fibers of the Toquila plant as are the real Panama's.

 

[danofarlington]

I think there is a lot of hijacking of the term "Panama hat" done for marketing purposes.

 

[monbla256]

I think there is a lot of hijacking of the term "Panama hat" done for marketing purposes.

That statement is true in more ways than one for sure ! There is the traditional image of the Optimo or Pinched front cream straw hat w/ a black band as a "Panama" and then the look and style of woven fabric the hat body is made of and is so easily replicated by evidence of the "Shantung Panama" hats made.

 

[Engrishman]

I think there is a lot of hijacking of the term "Panama hat" done for marketing purposes.

This sums up PRECISELY what my fears are. If I'm ever going to shell out more than a hundred dollars for a Panama, I sort of want the real deal. Otherwise, I could always go to China and get a fake one there for a pittance. Not so hard for someone originally from the region, and we get disillusioned with homegrown imitations pretty fast.

 

[fmw]

Youre statement got me to thinking so I phoned a friend of mine who is an assistant manager at the Shepler's here in town and asked him about this. He very assuredly told me they were ALL made from Shantung Panama straw . I asked if any were made from Ecuadorean Panama straw and he said that only the "non western stuff they make, which we don't sell" was made from "that stuff". He told me he was relaying info that they were given by Stetson on this. As is known, "Shantung Panama" is a paper fiber woven hat. It is NOT woven from the fibers of the Toquila plant as are the real Panama's.

I wasn't referring to the Western style hats. Stetson doesn't advertise them as panama hats but merely as straw hats. I was referring to the panama hats. Stetson advertises them as panama. The two that I have appear to be panama to me. One is a classic fedora and the other is something like a safari style hat. I'm no expert but I'm businessman enough to know Stetson couldn't get away with misrepresenting their products. Dealers, on the other hand, might well get away with it.

 

[HungaryTom]

My question posed was more a clarification as to whether other types of straw hats could legitimately be called Panamas or not. I guess the answer is no.[/QUOTE]

hwell:There is no International Court for panamas.

However I think one can say that "rightful" Panama hats are woven by hand from the fibers of the toquilla (Carludovica palmata) plant in the Republic of Ecuador - in two different regions Cuenca and Montecristi.

Once the raw hat body is finished in Ecuador you have a fully-fledged "panama hat". The further processing steps i.e. in which country the hat is shaped by hands/machine, who puts the ribbon and sweatband and its stamp on the hat - won't change its status.

To add further confusion, toquilla fibers are woven by hand into hats also in other places within the geographical range of this plant, e.g. the United Mexican States and the Republic of Peru but not in the Republic of Panama.

"Hope this helps....":eusa_doh:

Cheers:

HT


P.S.: In any case you will be in good hands with Panamabob

 

[daizawaguy]

This sums up PRECISELY what my fears are. If I'm ever going to shell out more than a hundred dollars for a Panama, I sort of want the real deal. Otherwise, I could always go to China and get a fake one there for a pittance. Not so hard for someone originally from the region, and we get disillusioned with homegrown imitations pretty fast.

Panama bob is the way to go. That`s the REAL DEAL...

 

[Aureliano]

Check out Brent Black, as well.

 

[Cliffnopus]

:arated: For Brent Black :eusa_clap:eusa_clap


Cliff

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

http:// [URL="http://[IMG]http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww100/ChiefMkc/P2100003.jpg[/IMG]"][URL="http://[IMG]http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww100/ChiefMkc/P2100005.jpg[/IMG]"]http:// [/URL][/URL]I received a David Morgan Panama hat for Christmas. It's hand woven in Ecuador, Finished by the DM co. I guess, and is a very nicely made hat.

 

[alanfgag]

1930's optimo panama - rossenized

The straw is in excellent shape with a good amount of patina from age and sweat. Someday I might explore having it cleaned, but right now I'm loving the original condition. It even fits.

weave count is about 700 per square inch.

A bit of exposed natural reed... perhaps an original sweat that was left as a sweat barrier when a replacement was done... or the original construction?

 

[Rodkins]

The straw is in excellent shape with a good amount of patina from age and sweat. Someday I might explore having it cleaned, but right now I'm loving the original condition. It even fits.

Wow, Alan. That is one fine lid. I want one.

 

[hottoddy]

Here's my $9.99 (plus shipping) "teardrop" special from Panama Bob. I decided to get my feet wet with this "panama" style hat, and think it's pretty sweet. I didn't have much information, but believe it's from the Cuenca region. It doesn't appear bleached as the straw is a natural looking beige/tan color. The band is black. I just need to shape the brim a bit with some steam, and I'm good to go. The 7 3/8 size is right on the money and it fits perfect!

Anyone else pick up one of these? I definitely plan on upgrading in the future, but this is a nice start.

-Todd

 

[thebroker]

Here's my $9.99 (plus shipping) "teardrop" special from Panama Bob. I decided to get my feet wet with this "panama" style hat, and think it's pretty sweet. I didn't have much information, but believe it's from the Cuenca region. It doesn't appear bleached as the straw is a natural looking beige/tan color. The band is black. I just need to shape the brim a bit with some steam, and I'm good to go. The 7 3/8 size is right on the money and it fits perfect!

Anyone else pick up one of these? I definitely plan on upgrading in the future, but this is a nice start.

-Todd

Todd,

I have a number of Panama Bob's Cuencas, and they are fine hats. For the money, you simply can't beat them. With PB, you get a lot more hat for a lot less money than any other source I know of. This year, I'm going to upgrade my Cuencas for a few Montecristis, also from PB. Enjoy the hat!

 

[DRB]

Here's my $9.99 (plus shipping) "teardrop" special from Panama Bob.

Wow! such a low price. You definitely got your money's worth there!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Alan: how long did it take you to count those 700 threads?

 

[Gromulus]

Here's my $9.99 (plus shipping) "teardrop" special from Panama Bob. I decided to get my feet wet with this "panama" style hat, and think it's pretty sweet. I didn't have much information, but believe it's from the Cuenca region. It doesn't appear bleached as the straw is a natural looking beige/tan color. The band is black. I just need to shape the brim a bit with some steam, and I'm good to go. The 7 3/8 size is right on the money and it fits perfect!

Anyone else pick up one of these? I definitely plan on upgrading in the future, but this is a nice start.

-Todd

I bought three of them. A white Caballero and two Cuencanos (white and natural). Very nice hats for the money!

 

[DRB]

When I googled Panama Bob it says www.panamabob.com but when I click on it, it takes me to another site called: http://www.panamas.biz/ . Is this the same Panama Bob?

 

[monbla256]

When I googled Panama Bob it says www.panamabob.com but when I click on it, it takes me to another site called: http://www.panamas.biz/ . Is this the same Panama Bob?

YEP ! The one and only