Panama Hat Thread

[Matt Crunk]

Still looking for me a good classic tight-weave Panama, preferably something in the $50-60 range. Any suggestions?

 

[Art Fawcett]

I like the waves. I hat will never be symmetrical and smooth once it gets some decent head action and aging anyway. BTW, I've found that dryness can kill a Panama a lot faster than humidity or soaking. Wet paja can be revived but if it gets too dry it just breaks.

This is why I recommend taking the hat into the bathroom every few months while you take a shower Craig, keeps feeding the straw, however, it can get to an excess and make the hat wave so I also urge caution.

 

[alanfgag]

You might enjoy this comparison of five straw hat weave variations posted here.

 

[1mach1]

Stunning collection, Alan! Nice comparison as well! :eusa_clap

 

[GHT]

Stunning collection, Alan! Nice comparison as well! :eusa_clap

Second that. Got my first, and so far, only Panama today. It's a Casablanca from the Milano Hat Company of Garland Texas. Pics will follow.

 

[jlee562]

Still looking for me a good classic tight-weave Panama, preferably something in the $50-60 range. Any suggestions?

You can get a Panama for $60. Whether or not it fits what you have in your head with regards to "tight weave" and having "good" quality is a whole other matter.

I would recommend Panama Bob/Panamas.biz for a lower cost hat.

 

[Rick Blaine]

What do I have?

Got this sweetie from a California lady who told me her Ecuadorian Grandfather was an import/export guy who became a US citixen at 40, dying recently at 95 yo.
She says this body is at least 30 yo & probably a lot older as he was in business for more than four decades.



Who should I send this to for finishing (preferably East of the Mississippi)? Any suggestions?

Can I do it myself? With a hatshapers?

 

[barrowjh]

Definitely send it to a pro - definitely looks nice enough to warrant some time and effort to reshape to your liking, why not a custom fit?

 

[fedoracentric]

I just got hold of the new Stetson Stratoliner Milan weave, by the way. I was surprised on how heavy the thing is. It weighs a ton!

 

[CRH]

This is why I recommend taking the hat into the bathroom every few months while you take a shower Craig, keeps feeding the straw, however, it can get to an excess and make the hat wave so I also urge caution.

It's the most dangerous room in the house, Man - well, next to the kitchen anyway.

 

[CRH]

Still looking for me a good classic tight-weave Panama, preferably something in the $50-60 range. Any suggestions?

My only suggestion is that tight weaves will run three figures or more.

 

[Aerol]

Rick: Optimo in Chicago. Always Optimo.

 

[NewJack]

Sunning collection indeed!! :eusa_clap

 

[johnnycanuck]

Figures. Looked at the forecast yesterday and it was going to be sunny and hot for the next week. Broke out my panama hats. Hit them with a little steam to bring them back to life. Woke up this morning – pouring rain for the next two day. Dang it. I guess it will have to wait a little while longer. Lovely Canadian weather, not Montecristi weather .
Here is a question for everyone – Do you wait for good weather days to wear your panama hats or do you just start wearing them on the first day of summer?
Johnny

 

[hatsRme]

Wear 'em if you've got 'em, Johnny. Particularly if you live in a climate with limited opportunities to do so. Besides, the gangs who enforced Straw Hat Day rules are mostly long gone, or too old to enforce anything anymore...Especially the Alberta gangs.

 

[johnnycanuck]

Every source I read tells me not to wear these hats in the rain. Is this a silly guide. Can the hat handle a light shower? They are all Montecristi panama. Not cheap and I don’t want to ruin them.
Also is there any easy way to stiffen them up. They are a bit floppy right now. Maybe scotchguard?
Johnny

 

[ingineer]

New Sunbody Guatemalan 6-1/2 open crown 5inch brim 50 bucks
Squishy




Perhaps a little over the top,time to play Roy Rogers in the shower
Richard

 

[Ordinary Guy]

Every source I read tells me not to wear these hats in the rain. Is this a silly guide. Can the hat handle a light shower? They are all Montecristi panama. Not cheap and I don’t want to ruin them.
Also is there any easy way to stiffen them up. They are a bit floppy right now. Maybe scotchguard?
Johnny

I have not done this but I have been told a wee bit of spray starch should work and yes the rain will ruin your panama's as I have read here on the lounge.....

 

[BR Gordon]

I got caught in a extended rain shower and had to send the panama back to Art Fawcett to be re-blocked. It didn't ruin the hat only the shape.

 

[1mach1]

Wow, Richard! That thing is serious! Joao will love it!