Panama Hat Thread

[JC Montecristi Hat]

Friends. I think they can help me with the following:

I'm about to make my own leather sweatband, I'd like to know the measurements of how to place them, I don't want to put them too inside ( or deep, sorry) , maybe a picture with a tape measure would be helpful.

 

[georgie girl]

Somehow I missed this, what a cool hat! Did the transit ticket come with it, nothing like having the vintage narrowed down like that.

Machine woven hat of unknown fiber origin... perhaps casein? Not a milk dud, though - the form is quite beautiful.

View attachment 241208

 

[georgie girl]

I have to ask Alan, do you live in the most fabulous vintage hat store? I can't even imagine owning a fraction of the lovely hats you post here, it's always a pleasure seeing them.

 

[alanfgag]

Somehow I missed this, what a cool hat! Did the transit ticket come with it, nothing like having the vintage narrowed down like that.

Yes, the ticket was tucked behind the sweatband.

I have to ask Alan, do you live in the most fabulous vintage hat store? I can't even imagine owning a fraction of the lovely hats you post here, it's always a pleasure seeing them.

Thank you... I’ve been lucky to have a small head and some good hunting over the years. Glad you enjoy seeing them.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Excellently detailed NYT article about the remarkable artisans who craft fine panama hats:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/20/travel/panama-hats-ecuador.html

 

[Robert Heyer]

Just got a new Optimo from Samuel Windsor. Not bad for the money $69 !

 

[Bill Hughes]

Just got a new Optimo from Samuel Windsor. Not bad for the money $69 !

outstanding

 

[carouselvic]

The Mikado...

taken from THE AMERICAN HATTER DIRECTORY spring 1925

 

[alanfgag]

Knox Baku

 

[Just Daniel]

Another heartbreaker Alan! Sweet hat!!

Knox Baku

 

[alanfgag]

A supernatural leghorn straw from the Ecuadorian Panama hat Company. The shop in Columbus appears as an advertiser in the programs for the Ohio State/Michigan games... back in the days when the school up north would win every once in a while.

 

[1961MJS]

That's a good look on you Alan. I like the hat, tall crown, wide brim, simple creasing, and a decent pug.

Later

 

[alanfgag]

Such an odd summer... I'm afraid not enough time or occasion to get all my straws out for the wearing they deserve. For those of you who enjoyed the NY Times article on the making of Montecristi hats (it must have made the news on the FL?), here is a lovely example that was woven in Ecuador and sold from a shop in Havana, likely in the 1940s or before.

 

[jonesy86]

VS Cuenca with Guatemalan hat band. I stopped worrying about this hat getting rained on, and just let it get a bit scruffy, like me. Another glorious day at my local beach.

 

[alanfgag]

Tie a yellow ribbon 'round the ol' oak tree colored leghorn... from the Stetson factory store c.1938-41.

 

[Fu Manchu]

Hi all,

I finally received my recent eBay win in the mail yesterday. I'm very excited. It's from Casa Arcentales, the same firm that made FDR's hat for the Tehran Conference and HarpPlayerGene's amazing hat. Here are some photos, including shots of the original box, leather band, and certificate of origin! I count around 36 WPI on the brim, which is not too shabby.

I contacted Optimo this morning, but was informed that they no longer finish Montecristi bodies. That's unfortunate news, as I wanted mine to get the same special treatment as HarpPlayerGene's hat. I suppose that this one will be off to VS Custom Hats (unless you all have other ideas).

Also, there's an informational booklet titled "Montecristi, Aristocrat of Straw Hats" that came rolled up in the hat. When I have some time, I'll take photos and upload it. I particularly like the price list and list of recommended hatters. They're all out of business except for Shudde Brothers!

 

[Zombie_61]

VS Cuenca with Guatemalan hat band. I stopped worrying about this hat getting rained on, and just let it get a bit scruffy, like me...

Yes!!! That's a damn fine casual hat!

 

[Tiki Tom]

VS Cuenca with Guatemalan hat band. I stopped worrying about this hat getting rained on, and just let it get a bit scruffy, like me. Another glorious day at my local beach.

I agree with Zombie. In fact, yours is the beach bum look that I will aspire to in about a years time.

 

[Zombie_61]

I could become a beach bum easily. Unfortunately the nearest beach is 22 miles away and the trip there and back would take all of the fun out of it.

 

[Tiki Tom]

I was supposed to retire to the beach in January. But due to Covid-19 we have pushed it back six months. Still... am looking forward to growing my hair and beard out, wearing shorts and a floppy hat and, of course, going to the tiki bar!