Straws and Montecristis on Display

[stylinfedoras]

For all of you to enjoy here are a few hats from my collection. Most of what I call straws are no brand namers they are just ordinary hats bought in the 40's & 50's for people to keep the sun off there heads. I love wearing them as they are a minimal investment and look absolutely fabulous when worn.

The 2 hats on the right hand side of the last picture are Montecristis one from the 40's marked "Genuine Montecristi" the other of a more recent manufacture from about 15 years ago.

 

[DanielJones]

Nice little collection you have there. I especially like the Optimo Crowns on the end.:eusa_clap

Cheers!

Dan

 

[Panamabob]

Very nice.

 

[Roger]

Another fine collection of panama's.:eusa_clap

 

[tonyb]

I'm left in a state of wonder over how something as seemingly ephemeral and fragile as a straw hat can remain in such fine condition after half a century or more. Turns out they ain't so delicate after all.
That's a real nice lineup you got there. Kinda makes most of the stuff they sell down at the new hat shop seem like a waste of money, eh?

 

[squid]

That is a nice collection of straw hats. Feel free to post more pictures.

Where do you find so many straw hats in such good condition?

 

[Razzman]

A very nice collection of hats. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap Keep the pictures coming. Thanks for sharing.

 

[stylinfedoras]

.
That's a real nice lineup you got there. Kinda makes most of the stuff they sell down at the new hat shop seem like a waste of money, eh?

It is difficult to make the transition from what you appreciate and know is great style to what they sell today. I have been in a number touristy hat shops that sell sun hats I can't bring myself to make a purchase as their offerings look so tacky. But don't get me wrong I have bought junk before and there is a place for it like working in the garden but for dress now I know better and wouldn't bother.

These straw hats are available but no more so than good fedoras. The biggest problem is their lack of identity which makes searching on ebay a little tiresome. But thru the years they have popped up into my life you only need to bide your time.

I was completely surprised this last weekend while attending a vintage textile show in Burbank. I haven't been to this show in years as it is geared mostly towards the ladies. But there on a rack was an Mallory Open Road Style hat in a size 7 1/2 at bargain price. Let me tell you finding those larger sizes is tough today and so I snapped it up. I wore it today to work the fit is fabulous.

You never know when luck will come your way.

 

[tonyb]

I'm guessing it's a Mallory Dallas you scored. Izzat right? I happen to have one. It's arguably the best of my collection of, oh, must be 16 or 17 OR and OR-like hats.
What color is it?
This may be a topic for another thread, but I want to know more about that Mallory and how cheaply you got it. I scored mine in a deal that still stands as the best bargain I've ever swung. I got it and my only truly "fine" Panama for a combined $23.52, plus shipping, as I recall. Tell you what: post photos of your Mallory and we can chat about it, too, OK?

 

[stylinfedoras]

Tell you what: post photos of your Mallory and we can chat about it, too, OK?

I will try and do that tomorrow. You are right on this one it is a quality hat. The color is sort of a silver browish and the hat is in average condition great for wearing and not for worring about doing something to screw it up.

I have to admit that there are unforseen dangers in wearing a good hat--two of those dangers from the sky have dropped within inches of were I was walking in the last week.

Unfortunately, I cannot clear birds from the path I intend to walk.

 

[tonyb]

That's why we have cats. And shotguns.

 

[DOUGLAS]

You have a beautiful collection sir. I my self do not have many straws in fear of not being able to care for them properly. I certainly love to see them though.

 

[farmerbaker]

Very nice collection, especially the open weaves.

 

[Kaleponi Craig]

Beautiful lids, especially the two Optimos. Can you get a closer picture of the weaves of one of those hats?...KC

 

[stylinfedoras]

Beautiful lids, especially the two Optimos. Can you get a closer picture of the weaves of one of those hats?...KC

Here is your image. Mind you that I used to be concerned about rings and weaves too but now I find it a bit unnecessary. It is the product of diminishing returns. There is a point one reaches with a Panama that the hat has become beautiful and putting more frosting on the cake may make it a bit sweeter but in the end it still is only a cake.

Going all the way with a Panama yes does make small refinements in the looks of the hat but the cost is way out of proportion to benefits. If I had to make the choice today, I would opt for a much less expensive version and use the money you save to buy more great hats for your collection.

Only a thought off the top of my head .

 

[Kaleponi Craig]

Wow, that's a beautiful, tight weave...KC