Panama - What to Wear?

[TrueBlue]

So, my first post explained how I met a fantastic young lady earlier this week at the theatre whilst wearing one of my hats. Following that, we've arranged to meet for lunch next week.

Now, as next week in my area looks to have some decent weather arriving (apparently), I've decided a picnic would do just dandy - get the good picnic set for two out, get the good blanket, et cetera, and as it's looking good for the moment, I've decided a picnic at the seaside (as I only live about three-quarters to an hour away if you drive quick, and for an oldie, the ol' Morris Minor is a real goer) would be spot on. Now, rather than my rather sombre-looking trilby (which is great for work, formal evenings out and the odd dinner party), I've decided on my panama (pictures available on request - not the highest quality, but it looks sturdy enough, even if I will have to keep a tight hand on it with the breeze!).

You, ladies and gentlemen, now have the arduous task of telling me what the best thing is to be wearing with it - colours, styles, et cetera. I'd prefer to get away with shirt-and-trousers if possible, so colours are the main thing I'm needing help with.

Further to that, it's got rather an upwards curve on the brim at the sides and back. Should it be like that? If not, how can I remove it? If yes, the sides aren't quite equal - is there any way to even them up?

 

[cookie]

Guayabera.

 

[TrueBlue]

Guayabera.

Oooh, now there's an idea. Might require a bit of shopping around, but that's something that'd look about dandy to me. Thanks!

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Hello, TruBlue. I like that you and your hat caught her eye.

I have confidence that you can choose from your own wardrobe an outfit which will look fine with the Panama. They are such versatile hats - seen in the old days with short sleeves or three pice suits and all in between.

As far as shaping the hat; I dampen the straw with water from the tap and once pliable, just manipulate it as necessary. If it's a minor adjustment, I just let it dry on its own. If I need to 'set' a shape, I carefully use a hairdryer - ON LOW HEAT AND FROM 12" AWAY - to sort of 'bathe' the hat in warm dry air while I'm holding in the adjustment I made.

G'luck on the date!

P.S. Don't make us "request" photos from you, just go ahead and support your posts with images. We like to see them.

 

[RBH]

P.S. Don't make us "request" photos from you, just go ahead and support your posts with images. We like to see them.

Very wise words Gene!

 

[Aerol]

A spring day in England...

Have you considered this: http://www.barbour.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.view&ProductID=17113&FeatureId=541

 

[TrueBlue]

Well, that's fair enough. At any rate...





Apologies for the mess of a photo(s), it was taken at about 3am on a Sunday morning with a mobile phone rather than my camera (being borrowed, and what a bad time to do it!). I do a lot of amateur photography, so I'm normally so much better than this! It's either that or I have it developed on my old Pentax 35mm camera (my baby)!

As for the Beaufort jacket, lovely though it is, I wish I had the money to spare! Do they do credit? I get paid next Friday, so there's no chance of getting it before next week. That, and the various other bill sucking about £250 a month from me. Roll on that first year's no claims insurance bonus!

 

[Goose.]

I'm not one to advise on what to wear with your Panama (http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=739764&postcount=25)

But I know a tiny bit about them...Don't use direct heat. For my felt hats I use distilled water in a sprayer and air dry. If it's in need of heavier artillery, I fill a pan with water, cover it tighly with foil...then I poke a pencil width hole in the foil near the edge. This directs a decent blast of steam. You could use a tea kettle, but I don't do tea and crumpets...so no tea kettle in my crib.

BUT, back to the Panama, in the thread linked below there are some tips. I do use the distilled water sprayer for touch ups. For real work, I run the shower to steam up the smaller bathroom and work it in there. Sounds odd...looks odder mentally I'm sure. But get the visual outta your head...I'm fully clothed when doing this.

The reason for the steam in the room is to reduce the risk of a direct over heating blast. Plus, the steam does a better job being contained in a room thus evenly steaming your straw. Being in this confined space that is steamed up also allows you time to work it the way you want.
Then, as previously stated, a blow dryer from a distance on low or no-heat (once you're outta the steam room).

Take pics of you in your ensemble and ALL THE BEST on your date.
Good for you Brother!

Cheers...

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?p=736532#post736532

Your mileage may vary. Don't run with scissors.

 

[Tomasso]

Who's the maker?

 

[TrueBlue]

@Tomasso: No idea. No labels inside or out, which leads me to deduce that it's most likely a cheap chinese imitation of a panama hat. Not bad for what it is though. I'll probably use it as a prop when I manage to buy a good quality one. You can likely see some glue behind the bow in one of the pictures that I'm going to remove at work tomorrow (we've got heating equipment and such I can use for an hour after work, including a still - so I'll be able to look at doing your method Goose).

@Goose: I shall do what I can. Fortunately, I DO do tea and crumpets, so my kettle should come in handy. Failing that, the bathroom isn't massive and provided that the shower can actually maintain a constant temperature, I should be able to manage that. As for the photos, if the weather holds out, then you shall - if not, the picnic will be indoors!

 

[Pduck]

Off topic, but I love that ribbon!

 

[TrueBlue]

That's what sold it for me! That old public school look that it has. Very British Empire

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

"Very British Empire"

"True Blue Brit"

I love it. Rightly proud, sir. I'm one of a zillion who have descended from Englishmen turned pilgrims in the 1600s (with one part of the family tree traceable to the Mayflower and back into 13th century England) and I have felt the kinship all my life. Had the pleasure to set foot on your kingdom's soil a couple years ago. Felt very comfortable to me.

Back on topic:

I am very particular about some things but then there are exceptions. Your hat looks pretty good and would probably work with any outfit whatever. Even in a slightly rumpled state. I know, I know, but to me the magic of those hats - as worn in the past when in actual fashion - was the cavalier way in which they were teamed with almost any attire. And one with 'character' is even better and more interesting. I'll bet she'll like that. I've noticed that too much self-consciousness and preening in a fellow can actually be less effective at impressing a lady, where confidence in whatever look one has, combined with a greater interest in her than one's self can go pretty far.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

TrueBlue wear what your ever you want.

From my experience if someone has the good taste to choose their own hats, then they have the good sense to choose the right clothes to wear with it.

It is not a big deal you will be fine

 

[Goose.]

...where confidence in whatever look one has, combined with a greater interest in her than one's self can go pretty far.

TrueBlue wear what your ever you want.

From my experience if someone has the good taste to choose their own hats, then they have the good sense to choose the right clothes to wear with it.

It is not a big deal you will be fine

Yep, what HPG and CB said sums it up.
I truly hope you have a great time!
We want a "trip report" filled out when the shindig is over.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Tru I am sending Goose out there to chaperone this situation. lol lol

 

[TrueBlue]

@HPG: I like to think we're a very comfortable country! I'm genuinely glad you enjoyed your stay here - as much as the posturing suggests otherwise, we genuinely love our pan-Atlantic cousins visiting! You appreciate our history far more than a majority of the natives!

Bearing in mind the potential for the weather, I think I know what I'll go for! Thanks for the reassurance and advice - we'll see how we go and you can expect a comprehensive report Sunday morning sharpish

 

[Boodles]

Morris Minor!

fftopic: Oh gees True Blue, you are taking a woman on a first date an hour's ride in a Morris Minus...er...Minor! Think about what ye are doing man; consider antiquated Lucas and SU/Solex. Think about the impression you will leave on the woman when/if the Minor lays down on you. At least accessorize with a mobile phone, motor club membership card, coveralls, your oldest threadbare driving cap, spare bits, tool kit.

Boodles, owner Land Rover SeriesIIA.

 

[TrueBlue]

fftopic: Oh gees True Blue, you are taking a woman on a first date an hour's ride in a Morris Minus...er...Minor! Think about what ye are doing man; consider antiquated Lucas and SU/Solex. Think about the impression you will leave on the woman when/if the Minor lays down on you. At least accessorize with a mobile phone, motor club membership card, coveralls, your oldest threadbare driving cap, spare bits, tool kit.

Boodles, owner Land Rover SeriesIIA.

I should've expected as much from a Land Rover owner! I spit on your chunky tires!

My ickle Morris can still make 70!That makes it 55 minutes tops! And my coveralls are already in the boot :LOL:

 

[Boodles]

Well...did you make the round trip or...

I should've expected as much from a Land Rover owner! I spit on your chunky tires!

My ickle Morris can still make 70!That makes it 55 minutes tops! And my coveralls are already in the boot :LOL:

fftopic: ...did you make the return leg with the Minus on a rollback, your date squashed between yourself and the greasy, snaggled toothed, coverall clad lorry driver?

Chunky tyres, indeed. No dog can pass bye the IIa without hiking his leg up on those chunky tires. Salvia is like rain. 70, indeed. May I remind you sir, of the story of the hare and tortoise?

Land Rover, the most traveled vehicle on earth.