Snapping a Straw Brim

[Gilgamark]

Just got a new Stetson Retro Panama and I want to put a little more snap in the front of the brim. What's the best way to do that with straw?

I'll post some pics in the new hat thread when I have it the way that I want it.

 

[bolthead]

Scouts...

Spray it with some Scouts to stiffen it up a bit. [huh]

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Is it that the brim just isn't snapping down low enough, or is it to floppy to snap?

 

[Gilgamark]

Is it that the brim just isn't snapping down low enough, or is it to floppy to snap?

Brim isn't snapping down low enough. Of course, it was turned up in the box. I've snapped it, but I'd like to bring the front down lower.

 

[J.J. Gittes]

Put it on top a a few books with the front part brim nudged up against a wall. Works for me every time.

 

[Gilgamark]

Put it on top a a few books with the front part brim nudged up against a wall. Works for me every time.

There ya go. I knew somebody would have the right suggestion. Thx.

 

[Al_Ojeda]

There ya go. I knew somebody would have the right suggestion. Thx.

you can steam also, or spry with water

 

[Michaelshane]

So why is it some say never get your panama wet.Then some say go ahead and dunk it or spray it or steam it to shape it???[huh]

 

[Gilgamark]

So why is it some say never get your panama wet.Then some say go ahead and dunk it or spray it or steam it to shape it???[huh]

Ditto. I've read not to steam Panamas.

 

[Dewhurst]

I have heard from several sources now that the Stetson Retro Panama doesn't snap in the front all that well without a little training. I just read that like a day or two ago, and then you post here.

 

[J.J. Gittes]

There ya go. I knew somebody would have the right suggestion. Thx.

No problem, just show us the results!

 

[Gilgamark]

I have heard from several sources now that the Stetson Retro Panama doesn't snap in the front all that well without a little training. I just read that like a day or two ago, and then you post here.

I'm going to take J.J.'s advice and pinch it between some books and the wall. I've been working it by hand all afternoon. It's beginning to take.

 

[RobFedoraField]

similar question???

what's people's opinion on shaping an artificial straw like the akubra capricorns, they've gained quite some popularity around these parts recently.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Real straw can get wet, just not soaked. That would be bad. But a little bit of water won't hurt it.

Fake straw is usually made of paper. I wouldn't dare use water on those.

 

[Gilgamark]

what's people's opinion on shaping an artificial straw like the akubra capricorns, they've gained quite some popularity around these parts recently.

I've been looking at a Capricorn, but not sure about the artificial straw. Anyone have any thoughts or feedback? My other option is a Stetson Weston, which is a Milan straw.

 

[Dewhurst]

So why is it some say never get your panama wet.Then some say go ahead and dunk it or spray it or steam it to shape it???[huh]

Moisture tends to cause straw to puff or SWELL. This results in a loss of integrity and general shape.

 

[CRH]

I have heard from several sources now that the Stetson Retro Panama doesn't snap in the front all that well without a little training. I just read that like a day or two ago, and then you post here.

So if this brim is indeed trainable.... and if anyone has indeed had success training such a brim....

...what works best for training - high, mid, or low frequencies?

I've had my scope on this Retro Panama for some time. I'm waiting for a guide to put a hand on my back and say the magic words "all right, this big one pranc'n in from the west, take it."

 

[CRH]

...This results in a loss of integrity and general shape.

sounds like our economy.......

 

[BobC]

I've been looking at a Capricorn, but not sure about the artificial straw. Anyone have any thoughts or feedback? My other option is a Stetson Weston, which is a Milan straw.

I bought a Capricorn after reading about it here, and I'm not too happy with it. At the same time as I ordered the Capricorn I ordered a Country Club too, but after receiving the Capricorn I cancelled the Country Club.

The "straw" is obviously plastic and not the least bit natural looking. I will wear the hat, but if it gets damaged or otherwise becomes unwearable my feelings won't be hurt and I won't replace it.

I have a milan coming, expected to arrive today as a matter of fact, from Miller Hats.

 

[gtdean48]

....Then some say go ahead and dunk it or spray it or steam it to shape it???[huh]

I think the dunking is for PALM leaf hats not Panama straw hats. Sunbody hats are palm leaf & get dunked & reshaped. Other straw hats like bangora will not tolerate or do well with this method...