Panama Hat Thread

[5thumbs]

Oh thank you for posting those pics I had indeed moved them to another folder. Yes the maroon band is the finer

 

[barrowjh]

Wow, really like the maroon-band hat. Lots of factors go into the overall total quality of a llano-weave panama. Films of the process indicate there is a step where the hat is pounded, and I mean pounded with a heavy piece of wood, and I assume that is to help with the even-ness of the overall texture. The finer hat in those pics seems to have some odd un-even-ness in the brim, but that can also be a function of the finer weave, the straw becomes more flexible or supple as the weave is finer. I prefer to have the softer feel, but have had to add stiffener to some to keep the brim from requiring constant maintenance.

I have requested panamas that have greater variation in the color of the straw because I like to see the lines spiral out of the crown and across the brim. Some prefer the cleaner look, which is probably more expensive, as the occasionally different color straw is probably unintentional. I assume the maroon is the $400 hat, and appears to be approximately Fino (which I define as about 400 wpsi) grade. In today's prices, $400 is CHEAP for a fino, and that might account for why the hat is not as perfect as you think it should be; it was eventually sold to you for $400 because the dealers that would price a fino at $800+ decided that hat was not good enough for their inventory and didn't pick that one up, so the price migrated lower. That is just one possibility.

I prefer to not have a 'perfect' hat - a hat that looks so pristene it seems surreal. When we look at celebrities wearing panamas, they typically look like they need re-blocked! Why worry about the minor imperfections that you can only see when you are inspecting your hat? Yes, if it is lower quality than you paid for, we are all upset with that situation, but that would be determined through comparison to other panama hats sold for the same price at the same time, only then can you make a clear call on that. If it were my size, I would not have any reservations about laying down $400 for that maroon hat (assuming it is approx 400 wpsi). I have enough of them already, so I'm not wanting to buy that hat (or another just like it), but if I were buying, that hat looks to me to be worth $400.

 

[vmtrevino2]

Biltmore Charleston Hemp Milan

 

[tropicalbob]

For anyone interested, I just received an email alert from Holland Hats stating that they're having a sale until 4/24 on a new Borsalino Panama (2 7/8in. brim). With the sale of $70-80 off, plus another $10.00 at checkout, the hat can be bought for about $110.00. Not bad, but unfortunately they stop just short of my size.

 

[tropicalbob]

Oh, and thanks very much to you, Barrowth, for your informative comments. Interesting as well.

 

[5thumbs]

Barrowjh - yes all good points and interesting. Appreciate the considered response to my post

 

[Ybor City Dave]

Panama Bob has 3 hats currently listed on the Bay. Communications were excellent for the hat I purchased. Try communicating through them.

 

[AndyR]

I did get my Havana Panama hat from Panama Hats Direct today. I'd have to classify the process as a bust. Casey delivered the correct hat and in a short time frame too. It's exactly as advertised and pictured, the quality of the weave seems very good (blocking/shaping is OK), but it's just too big. I measured my head a bunch of times and even used his measuring tape which I printed. Now I certainly have the option of exchanging it for a different size and I would, except that shipping makes it cost prohibitive.

It seems to me that the whole measuring/sizing thing might not be enough of an exact science to make ordering online the perfect option, especially for the first hat. I think the best way for me is to try hats on at a shop. Unfortunately, my best option in town for what I wanted would be Optimo and I can't afford their hats. I could see if Hats Plus has anything I want. They show a lot online, but I don't know what they have at their shop to try.

So, I'm out some shipping costs. I knew that was possible and I was willing to take one shot at it, but it's best to put this Panama hat ordering aside now. I'll just wait until fall to wear fur felt again.

Andy

 

[Bob Roberts]

For anyone interested, I just received an email alert from Holland Hats stating that they're having a sale until 4/24 on a new Borsalino Panama (2 7/8in. brim). With the sale of $70-80 off, plus another $10.00 at checkout, the hat can be bought for about $110.00. Not bad, but unfortunately they stop just short of my size.

I also saw that and emailed Bruce asking if it was a $70 - $80 discount off their existing "sale" price and he said it wasn't. I don't believe he will sell that Borsalino for $110.

 

[gimebakmybulits]

Panama Bob has 3 hats currently listed on the Bay. Communications were excellent for the hat I purchased. Try communicating through them.

How long did it take him to reply and how quick did he ship if you don't mind me asking.

 

[Ybor City Dave]

How long did it take him to reply and how quick did he ship if you don't mind me asking.

He replied the same day I contacted him about more sizes and styles. He put it up for sale on buy it now, And shipped about 2 days after purchase. Shipping was listed as free but I was charged $5, so you might want to clarify that with him.

 

[vmtrevino2]

I don't know whether it's a lack of in house communication (since I was told different things by two different people), poor organization or the run around. I just know there is no telling if that list of stock hats can be relied on.

HA! Had a look at Lawless Denim on Yelp. Some tough reviews indeed.

Andy

Hey Andy, did you ever get your hat or did it ever ship?

 

[AndyR]

Yes, I got it. I explained it on the last page of this thread (307). It was way too big. I called to return it and they gave me the option of another hat. I told them how I didn't want to risk more shipping charges and that I was going to limit my loss by returning it for a refund. William was very helpful and offered another hat for free shipping if I wanted to try again.

I thought about it overnight and decided to take them up on the offer. I picked out another hat (correct size) and they are shipping it. I am sending this one back. In all fairness, the hat was just what I ordered (and very nice, I might add). It was 'my' measuring mistake that led to the problem. William helped me through selecting my correct size. We went through a couple of stock hats over the phone, compared them and I picked one out. Same grade and style, but with a slightly smaller brim.

The communication issue was nothing but an older automated email notification system that sent inaccurate info regarding my order status. I had indeed ordered an actual hat that was in stock, just as the original order process described.

Andy

 

[vmtrevino2]

Yes, I got it. I explained it on the last page of this thread (307). It was way too big. I called to return it and they gave me the option of another hat. I told them how I didn't want to risk more shipping charges and that I was going to limit my loss by returning it for a refund. William was very helpful and offered another hat for free shipping if I wanted to try again.

I thought about it overnight and decided to take them up on the offer. I picked out another hat (correct size) and they are shipping it. I am sending this one back. In all fairness, the hat was just what I ordered (and very nice, I might add). It was 'my' measuring mistake that led to the problem. William helped me through selecting my correct size. We went through a couple of stock hats over the phone, compared them and I picked one out. Same grade and style, but with a slightly smaller brim.

The communication issue was nothing but an older automated email notification system that sent inaccurate info regarding my order status. I had indeed ordered an actual hat that was in stock, just as the original order process described.

Andy

That's what they told me about the emails. Did you have to go smaller than usual? I wear a 59 so that is what I ordered? Also did you ever get an email when the hat was shipped?

 

[AndyR]

I really never knew what 'usual' is for me. I never measured or bought a hat that is sized before. I ordered a 59 and it was wrong because of me. I now realize that I am a 58. I believe the hat was correct. I fashioned their measuring device that I printed and set it to 59 and it fit on me like the hat did. Then I set it to 58 and it was just snug enough to feel like a hat should be. When I first did this, I misinterpreted how the measuring band should feel. Sure, at 59 it was comfortable, but that's because it was too big.

I watched the measuring instructions on the Optimo site and it said to measure thee times and take the largest measurement. Twice it came out to 58 and once to 59, so that's what I chose. I was obviously right the first two times.

Yes, I did receive an email with the tracking number when it hit FL. However, that might have been prompted by a call of mine. So, for the record, I received my hat just one day short of 3 weeks from the order date.

Andy

 

[tropicalbob]

In my ongoing quest for non-traditional straw fedoras, I've come upon Monterrey Hats of Colombia. J.J.'s and Hatsplus carry some of their styles, but I'm particularly attracted to their Reston Brisa, especially in the darker brown, which neither of those companies carry. Can anyone advise me as to the quality of the hats? I was also wondering if either of the shops named above would do special orders. Monterrey has a website but it's in Spanish, and I don't know if I trust my Spanish enough to put money on it.

 

[LeBois46]

I did get my Havana Panama hat from Panama Hats Direct today. I'd have to classify the process as a bust. Casey delivered the correct hat and in a short time frame too. It's exactly as advertised and pictured, the quality of the weave seems very good (blocking/shaping is OK), but it's just too big.

Andy

Go buy some weather stripping. That should snug the hat up. If you like it, this is the way to go. If you don't believe me check out the "the Fedora Doctor". In one of his vignettes he shows how that works.

 

[AndyR]

Go buy some weather stripping. That should snug the hat up. If you like it, this is the way to go. If you don't believe me check out the "the Fedora Doctor". In one of his vignettes he shows how that works.

Thanks for the suggestion. I had tried that right off, but I needed too much of it and it became uncomfortable. It didn't look right or feel right. So, I'm taking one more shot at getting the correct one. They are sending a smaller size. Hopefully I'll report back with good news.

Andy

 

[vmtrevino2]

I received an email that it was shipping today

 

[AndyR]

I received an email that it was shipping today

Excellent! That seems to be about the same time frame in which mine was sent. I hope you get the perfect hat. Let us know.

Andy