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Panama Hat Thread

Roninjedi

One of the Regulars
Messages
140
Location
Central Texas
So, it's my understanding that Panamahatsecuador on the Bay is Panama Bob's shop, right? Because I just bought a hat there. Any idea how many weeks until it should arrive in Texas. I'm very exited!
 

tortswon

Practically Family
Messages
511
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Top of the Line Panama Hats Direct- A Review

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Cue the whistle...

The hat arrived today. It was a bit anticlimactic after all the waiting. It is the Panama Hats Direct Special Reserve, purchased on sale for $500 down from $580.

The good news is the hat body is really nice. I feel like I got my money's worth out of this deal based upon the body alone. On top of that, the block is great. I like the shape and the weave is consistent as is the color.

The bad... The liner in the hat is not merely unnecessary but a negative. I've seen lighter satin in coffins. The liner is heavier than in Art's hats. Fortunately, it is held on by spit. It looks like it was made to be yanked out and that is what I did. It came out with almost no pulling at all. Inside the hat, covered by the liner, is the pencil markings of some of the weavers and/or inspectors. I like that. It shows the handmade quality of the hat.

The ugly... The bow has to go immediately. How they can slap such a piece of garbage on a beautiful hat body is beyond me. It's like putting a Minnie Pearl outfit on Angelina Jolie. The bow is so terrible it is a complete distraction. After the summer is over, I think this baby is heading to Oregon for a top of the line Art Fawcett ribbon replacement.

Best, Sam
 

Garrett

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,782
Sounds good. I definitely can see what you mean about one component throwing off a masterpiece. Luckily, we have Art!
 

carter

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,921
Location
Corsicana, TX
tortswon said:
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Cue the whistle...

The hat arrived today. It was a bit anticlimactic after all the waiting. It is the Panama Hats Direct Special Reserve, purchased on sale for $500 down from $580.

The good news is the hat body is really nice. I feel like I got my money's worth out of this deal based upon the body alone. On top of that, the block is great. I like the shape and the weave is consistent as is the color.

The bad... The liner in the hat is not merely unnecessary but a negative. I've seen lighter satin in coffins. The liner is heavier than in Art's hats. Fortunately, it is held on by spit. It looks like it was made to be yanked out and that is what I did. It came out with almost no pulling at all. Inside the hat, covered by the liner, is the pencil markings of some of the weavers and/or inspectors. I like that. It shows the handmade quality of the hat.

The ugly... The bow has to go immediately. How they can slap such a piece of garbage on a beautiful hat body is beyond me. It's like putting a Minnie Pearl outfit on Angelina Jolie. The bow is so terrible it is a complete distraction. After the summer is over, I think this baby is heading to Oregon for a top of the line Art Fawcett ribbon replacement.

Best, Sam
I have to comment that I concur with Sam's opinion of the PHD Special Reserve. The body is beautifully-woven, light as a feather, and well-blocked. The unnecessary liner, sweatbnd, and ribbon don't do justice to the body. Mine will be heading out west as well.
 

jonbuilder

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,563
Location
Grass Valley CA Foothills
Pictures of the Stetson Panama I found last week at a consignment store

IMG_0854.jpg

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IMG_0856.jpg

IMG_0857.jpg

IMG_0859.jpg

IMG_0861.jpg

The brim developed waves once I started wearing the hats. I followed HPG method to straighten the brim with a stretcher to replicate my long oval head shape and weighing down the brim with books. I add some water and steam time. The first couple of times the wave returned but I think with persistence I am working the wave out of the brim
 
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ScottF

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,755
jonbuilder said:
IMG_0854.jpg

The brim developed waves once I started wearing the hats. I followed HPG method to straighten the brim with a stretcher to replicate my long oval head shape and weighing down the brim with books. I add some water and steam time. The first couple of times the wave returned but I think with persistence I am working the wave out of the brim

That's a great find. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
 

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