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Cool lookin' panama, C.
Well, I lucked out and got some of Bob's hats ordered just in time to find out I'd be heading for South FL here for a few months for work... diverted delivery to the hotel I stayed at first, they've already gotten a good "breaking in". Love all three, though I admit I've still worn my felts a lot (and miss the ones I left up North). But my choice usually goes to the Panamas after work when it's over 80 or 85 (during work, a hard hat is required).Almost time for the Panamas to come out !!!!!!! 74 here today .... Always sad to but my felts up though .... But can't wait to bring out my Montis !!!!!!
This thread should pick up in postings pretty soon!
I view straw hats as disposable and I don't expect them to last very long. That might be unfair to the better quality hats but it is a sentiment I have. So $39.95 for a good looking and functional summer hat is just fine with me.
Great pictures of the Hat shop and hatter.
Two Panamas from two different shops in Peoria, IL. Modest weave counts in the 250-400 class - both are in nice condition. The Supernatural fedora has a navy pugaree. Sorry the photo quality isn't better:
A superfino from PanamaBob. When I opened the box I was breathless - the hat didn't meet my expectations, it exceeded them. I was absolutely thrilled.
I ordered it 'hand blocked in Ecuador' and the blocking also surpassed my expectations, being much 'crisper' than what I expected from hand blocking...
My original plan was to enjoy it for the coming summer while saving up a few bucks to send it off to Art in the fall for re-blocking and a new ribbon.
However, being a little too 'gun shy' after having another (cheap) panama drastically shrink on me after being caught in a downpour (without thinking I left the wet hat in a hot car which pretty much reduced the headband to a bracelet - went from a 7 1/4 to about a 6 7/8), I went one size large on my measurement when ordering. Turns out I went overboard - it was a little too large/loose even with a bit of foam tucked in the headband...
So, rather than waiting until fall, I immediately sent it out to Art for re-sizing/blocking and a new ribbon (navy with a dash of light grey in the bow).
I couldn't be happier.
Fantastic hat Mr. Weber, please also pass a 'job well done' on to the weaver (M.A.N. if those are his/her initials lightly penned inside the hat?).
Stunning job on the re-blocking and ribbon Mr. Fawcett.
Thank you gentlemen!