THE SUNBODY ASSOCIATION

[deadlyhandsome]

This is mostly for those considering buying a hat, and not you old hands:

My SunBody 3" fedora in fine palm. I ordered it with the brown leather band which is an option.

It fits just a little on the small size. I'm a 7 5/8 and I'm thinking that a 7 3/4 might have been better. This is not unusual as there is always variations between brands.

At first, I was concerned that the 3" brim was too big and that I should have opted for the 2.5". After wearing it, I'm quite pleased with the extra width for this style of hat.

Don't let the "fine palm" fool you. This is an unrefined hat that no one will confuse with a Panama. It's also heavy and not the coolest hat in hot weather. The palm doesn't allow sunlight through, but it is slightly breathable.

As received:

After five minutes of shaping after soaking the brim:

These are ridiculously easy to shape when wet.

These are great hats that occupy a niche. If you accept them for what they are you should be happy. These are not dress hats, but a great knockabout.


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[Zombie_61]

...It fits just a little on the small size. I'm a 7 5/8 and I'm thinking that a 7 3/4 might have been better. This is not unusual as there is always variations between brands...

Under the "Getting the Right Hat Size" link on their website (which should probably be more prominent) they do mention that the "foam-padded cotton twill" sweatbands on their Guatemalan palm hats tend to shrink about 1% and advise ordering a size larger than you would normally wear if you're unable to try the hat on before buying it to determine which size is right for you. I rolled the dice and ordered my usual size, and my hat was slightly loose when it arrived. I soaked it in a sink filled with water for two minutes because I wanted to re-shape the brim and the crown, and as a result it took about eight hours to fully dry. Because I was concerned that it might shrink I wore it for the last couple of hours, and it conformed to my head rather nicely. It is a little snug, but not uncomfortably so and it's easily wearable.

...These are ridiculously easy to shape when wet...

I agree. I didn't do much to mine and was careful not to bend the straw so sharply that it might get damaged, but otherwise it wasn't much different from shaping my fur felt hats and it has held the shape well. I wouldn't try to re-shape an actual Panama or "high end" straw hat the way I did with this one, but these Sunbody hats are resilient little buggers.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Under the "Getting the Right Hat Size" link on their website (which should probably be more prominent) they do mention that the "foam-padded cotton twill" sweatbands on their Guatemalan palm hats tend to shrink about 1% and advise ordering a size larger than you would normally wear if you're unable to try the hat on before buying it to determine which size is right for you. I rolled the dice and ordered my usual size, and my hat was slightly loose when it arrived. I soaked it in a sink filled with water for two minutes because I wanted to re-shape the brim and the crown, and as a result it took about eight hours to fully dry. Because I was concerned that it might shrink I wore it for the last couple of hours, and it conformed to my head rather nicely. It is a little snug, but not uncomfortably so and it's easily wearable.

I did see their sizing recommendations pertaining to the cotton sweats shrinking 1%. The problem was I had just received a hemp Stratoliner in the same size that was too large so I figured the SunBody would be a bit large too and shrink to a perfect fit. It was not to be. I let the SunBody dry on my head and so far the fit is more than acceptable. Time will tell.

I agree. I didn't do much to mine and was careful not to bend the straw so sharply that it might get damaged, but otherwise it wasn't much different from shaping my fur felt hats and it has held the shape well. I wouldn't try to re-shape an actual Panama or "high end" straw hat the way I did with this one, but these Sunbody hats are resilient little buggers.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Under the "Getting the Right Hat Size" link on their website (which should probably be more prominent) they do mention that the "foam-padded cotton twill" sweatbands on their Guatemalan palm hats tend to shrink about 1% and advise ordering a size larger than you would normally wear if you're unable to try the hat on before buying it to determine which size is right for you. I rolled the dice and ordered my usual size, and my hat was slightly loose when it arrived. I soaked it in a sink filled with water for two minutes because I wanted to re-shape the brim and the crown, and as a result it took about eight hours to fully dry. Because I was concerned that it might shrink I wore it for the last couple of hours, and it conformed to my head rather nicely. It is a little snug, but not uncomfortably so and it's easily wearable.

I agree. I didn't do much to mine and was careful not to bend the straw so sharply that it might get damaged, but otherwise it wasn't much different from shaping my fur felt hats and it has held the shape well. I wouldn't try to re-shape an actual Panama or "high end" straw hat the way I did with this one, but these Sunbody hats are resilient little buggers.

I did see their sizing recommendations pertaining to the cotton sweats shrinking 1%. The problem was I had just received a hemp Stratoliner in the same size that was too large so I figured the SunBody would be a bit large too and shrink to a perfect fit. It was not to be. I let the SunBody dry on my head and so far the fit is more than acceptable. Time will tell.

 

[Zombie_61]

I did see their sizing recommendations pertaining to the cotton sweats shrinking 1%. The problem was I had just received a hemp Stratoliner in the same size that was too large so I figured the SunBody would be a bit large too and shrink to a perfect fit. It was not to be. I let the SunBody dry on my head and so far the fit is more than acceptable. Time will tell.

I've had mine since late March and have worn it in weather that was so hot that I saturated the cotton sweatband with perspiration two or three times. It hasn't shrunk beyond that initial shrinkage when I first shaped it, so unless I accidentally leave it in my truck on a hot day I'm not expecting any more shrinkage from mine. But then, I'm talking about a period of only seven months, so maybe someone who has had theirs far longer will share their experience with whether or not their Sunbody has shrunk more as the years have passed.

It's been a while since I've read through this thread so I can't recall if anyone here has ever used a hat jack/stretcher to increase the size a little and/or how well that worked out, but I'd be willing to give that a try if/when it becomes necessary. I'd soak the hat thoroughly first, of course, but if the hat shrinks to the point where I can't wear it anyway I figure I'd have nothing to lose if I somehow damaged it while trying to get a better fit.

 

[tropicalbob]

I think the sizes may vary a bit. My first Sunbody, a 3-inch brim regular palm fedora, came in quite a bit large, although I ordered my usual size (the one I established with Art Fawcett and his head-measuring device); that one shrank a bit when I first got it about two years ago, I think it was, and it's still a tiny bit large. The other one, a custom job in oak-colored straw, that I got around the same time Zombie got his, came in just a tad large and has since shrunk down to just about perfect.
I should add that I wear both hats to work with a jacket and tie fairly often and think they look just fine, though I'm no fan at all of the Panama "dress" hat, for a number of reasons, chief among them being their vulnerability to rain. Here in the tropics, at this time of year especially, this is a major consideration, and it's one I don't have to worry about with the Sunbodys.

 

[Monavillecowboy]

The Guatemalan palms are easy to stretch and shrink.
All you need to do is wet them down and do as you will.
To shrink them I usually just squeeze them by hand at the bottom of the crown.
Tightening a belt, rope etc. around them works well if you want to be a bit more extreme.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I think the sizes may vary a bit. My first Sunbody, a 3-inch brim regular palm fedora, came in quite a bit large, although I ordered my usual size (the one I established with Art Fawcett and his head-measuring device); that one shrank a bit when I first got it about two years ago, I think it was, and it's still a tiny bit large. The other one, a custom job in oak-colored straw, that I got around the same time Zombie got his, came in just a tad large and has since shrunk down to just about perfect.
I should add that I wear both hats to work with a jacket and tie fairly often and think they look just fine, though I'm no fan at all of the Panama "dress" hat, for a number of reasons, chief among them being their vulnerability to rain. Here in the tropics, at this time of year especially, this is a major consideration, and it's one I don't have to worry about with the Sunbodys.

I live in a very arid part of California so rain and summer are mutually exclusive concepts. Here, the Panama is wonderful as it is light and cool. It looks smart and it has been around long enough to also qualify it as a conservative hat that does not mark one as a hipster; whatever that is. It does seem odd that the Panama came to fashion in the tropics where rain is a normal and expected occurrence. If I lived where I expected summer rain I don't know what hat I'd chose when wanting to dress well.

I like the SunBody hats quite a lot. I'm looking to add at least one more to my wardrobe. I have two issues with the SunBody hats replacing the Panama: The SunBody is a much heavier and hotter wearing hat; not what I want in a summer hat. Second, the SunBody, to my eye and sartorial preferences, it too unrefined to be used as a true dress hat. They are wonderful hats, but for me they have limitations too. Their ability to handle rain and to be so easily shaped are wonderful qualities and mine get a fair bit of use. However, I won't pair them with anything more than an sport coat and even that is a bit of a stretch. Again, just my own personal preferences. I wouldn't sneer at someone pairing it with worsted wool (or a fine linen or poplin) I just wouldn't do it myself. If I lived with summer rain...I would chose the SunBody over a Panama because I would choose a small lack of refinement over the delicate nature of the Panama. Did I just come around to agreeing with you? .

 

[Zombie_61]

The Guatemalan palms are easy to stretch and shrink.
All you need to do is wet them down and do as you will...
To shrink them I usually just squeeze them by hand at the bottom of the crown.
Tightening a belt, rope etc. around them works well if you want to be a bit more extreme.

Valuable information, and thank you!

 

[RJR]

Valuable information, and thank you!

+1

 

[tropicalbob]

I live in a very arid part of California so rain and summer are mutually exclusive concepts. Here, the Panama is wonderful as it is light and cool. It looks smart and it has been around long enough to also qualify it as a conservative hat that does not mark one as a hipster; whatever that is. It does seem odd that the Panama came to fashion in the tropics where rain is a normal and expected occurrence. If I lived where I expected summer rain I don't know what hat I'd chose when wanting to dress well.

I like the SunBody hats quite a lot. I'm looking to add at least one more to my wardrobe. I have two issues with the SunBody hats replacing the Panama: The SunBody is a much heavier and hotter wearing hat; not what I want in a summer hat. Second, the SunBody, to my eye and sartorial preferences, it too unrefined to be used as a true dress hat. They are wonderful hats, but for me they have limitations too. Their ability to handle rain and to be so easily shaped are wonderful qualities and mine get a fair bit of use. However, I won't pair them with anything more than an sport coat and even that is a bit of a stretch. Again, just my own personal preferences. I wouldn't sneer at someone pairing it with worsted wool (or a fine linen or poplin) I just wouldn't do it myself. If I lived with summer rain...I would chose the SunBody over a Panama because I would choose a small lack of refinement over the delicate nature of the Panama. Did I just come around to agreeing with you? .

I didn't mean to sound churlish at all; in fact I thought the results of your reshaping were fantastic. It really is a matter of compromise down here, but for me it's between my VS Milans and my Peters Bros. hemps as against my Sunbodys. Every morning I have to check the (very untrustworthy) weather for the day to decide on which hat I can wear, and then I always carry a plastic bag in my satchel in case of a surprise downpour if I go with one of the lighter hats.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I didn't mean to sound churlish at all; in fact I thought the results of your reshaping were fantastic. It really is a matter of compromise down here, but for me it's between my VS Milans and my Peters Bros. hemps as against my Sunbodys. Every morning I have to check the (very untrustworthy) weather for the day to decide on which hat I can wear, and then I always carry a plastic bag in my satchel in case of a surprise downpour if I go with one of the lighter hats.

Your responses were informative and from a perspective that educated me. I appreciate your insights and willingness to share.

How do your hemp hats handle the wet weather?

 

[Zombie_61]

Your responses were informative and from a perspective that educated me. I appreciate your insights and willingness to share.

I agree. @tropicalbob, I didn't think your post was churlish in any way, probably because I agree with everything you wrote. Sunbody's hats are a little rough around the edges and there are variables with regards to sizing, shaping, and brim widths, but in my experience such variables are to be expected in a hand-made product. I think of them as working/casual hats rather than dress hats, so I embrace and appreciate those "flaws" to some degree. But anyone looking for a dress straw hat would do well to look elsewhere; there are lots of options available in that market.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I agree. @tropicalbob, I didn't think your post was churlish in any way, probably because I agree with everything you wrote. Sunbody's hats are a little rough around the edges and there are variables with regards to sizing, shaping, and brim widths, but in my experience such variables are to be expected in a hand-made product. I think of them as working/casual hats rather than dress hats, so I embrace and appreciate those "flaws" to some degree. But anyone looking for a dress straw hat would do well to look elsewhere; there are lots of options available in that market.

I couldn't have said it better.

 

[tropicalbob]

Your responses were informative and from a perspective that educated me. I appreciate your insights and willingness to share.

How do your hemp hats handle the wet weather?

Thanks, DH. I'm really very careful about getting any of the straws or hemps wet, so I can't answer as to their reaction to the rain. As I usually carry a satchel I've usually got an umbrella besides the plastic bag with me. Funny, though: as they were predicting a lot of rain last Tuesday I decided to forego any hat that day and was surprised to find how odd it felt not to be wearing one. It had been that long since I hadn't worn one.

 

[tropicalbob]

I agree. @tropicalbob, I didn't think your post was churlish in any way, probably because I agree with everything you wrote. Sunbody's hats are a little rough around the edges and there are variables with regards to sizing, shaping, and brim widths, but in my experience such variables are to be expected in a hand-made product. I think of them as working/casual hats rather than dress hats, so I embrace and appreciate those "flaws" to some degree. But anyone looking for a dress straw hat would do well to look elsewhere; there are lots of options available in that market.

Cheers to you. I really am a big fan of Sunbody, as I remember how grateful I was when I discovered them. Try finding anything comparable in any of the online hat shops. For quite a while I searched for a decent straw for not too much cash and couldn't find anything, other than Borsalinos, but they're a bit pricey and only come in center-dents, which I avoid. Plus, we've all seen the problems members here have been through in the treacherous waters of the S.A. Panama industry. The Sunbodys fill a real need, and they couldn't be greater to deal with, which to me means a lot.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Thanks, DH. I'm really very careful about getting any of the straws or hemps wet, so I can't answer as to their reaction to the rain. As I usually carry a satchel I've usually got an umbrella besides the plastic bag with me. Funny, though: as they were predicting a lot of rain last Tuesday I decided to forego any hat that day and was surprised to find how odd it felt not to be wearing one. It had been that long since I hadn't worn one.

Thanks for the information. I hope to return to the Pacific Northwest someday and rain will be something I'll have to plan for again. I can't see myself wearing a Gore-Tex boonie hat. I have three hemp hats but aside from the shaping process I haven't gotten them wet. I hope they do better than toquilla straw.

 

[Zombie_61]

...I can't see myself wearing a Gore-Tex boonie hat...

Funny you should mention that--I just got my first boonie hat last month after reading the Boonies and Buckets...and Cloches thread. I wanted a hat that was purpose-built, lightweight, would keep the rain off of my head, could be folded or rolled up and stuffed into a jacket pocket, and wouldn't break the bank if it got lost or damaged and I needed to replace it. I haven't had an opportunity to wear it in the rain yet, but so far it meets all of my other criteria very well. They're definitely a case of "function over fashion", but I tend to like items like that.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Funny you should mention that--I just got my first boonie hat last month after reading the Boonies and Buckets...and Cloches thread. I wanted a hat that was purpose-built, lightweight, would keep the rain off of my head, could be folded or rolled up and stuffed into a jacket pocket, and wouldn't break the bank if it got lost or damaged and I needed to replace it. I haven't had an opportunity to wear it in the rain yet, but so far it meets all of my other criteria very well. They're definitely a case of "function over fashion", but I tend to like items like that.

I hope you didn't take me wrong. I have a couple Gore-Tex boonies. For hiking and hunting they are great. My Outdoor Research (OR) boonie has some wonderful miles behind it and it never let me down. It certainly has a place in my wardrobe. However, I was thinking of dress hats, or at least hats that could be dressed up.

It's nice to have the perfect tool for each job. The boonie fills a niche and the SunBodys fill another and the Panamas yet another. I suppose that it is my pedantic nature that makes me look for the perfect hat to fill every niche. I'm envious of those who can adapt one item for multiple uses. I've been called OCD more than once, but I say vive la différence.

 

[Zombie_61]

I hope you didn't take me wrong...

Oh, not at all. I don't think I did, anyway. Once again, I agree with you--the perfect tool for each job. I like my boonie hat, but I wouldn't wear it to a wedding or a job interview or any other event that required "dressy" attire any more than I'd wear a suit and tie to do yardwork or crawl under my truck to change the oil. I suppose I'd put my Sunbody hat in the same category--wonderful hat, great for casual occasions, but not quite "polished" enough for anything more formal.