Panama Hat Thread

[JC Montecristi Hat]

Can you elaborate? Is it because of the weave style?

I’m going to focus on two elements that, in my opinion, are the most notable differences.

1. The beginning of the weave is too large and elongated. While it does have the typical braids of a traditional Montecristi hat, the proportions are quite different. Here is a reference photo — the hat shown has 14 WPI.

2. The number of rings: A true Montecristi hat must have at least six rings. If it has only four or five, as seen in the hats you posted, it cannot be considered authentic. It should have six rings o more, like the one in the photo.

Sell Peruvian hats as Montecristis are not a new practice. There are records dating back to 1940 of hats being exported from Peru to Panama. Today, this is even more common. Here is a video from a 1940 newsreel that illustrates this.

 

[The Shoe]

My second Wolfbrae Panama arrived today. Once again, we provided the ribbon material (kimono silk) to make it a one of a kind hat. The head shots get closest to the colour. Initially Robert felt the colour was a little bland, and suggested the strip of plain green fabric in the middle. Etsuko suggested the accent on the bow keep using another piece of kimono fabric we’d sent. Great calls, both of them. Thrilled with the hat.

 

[Short Balding Guy]

My second Wolfbrae Panama arrived today. Once again, we provided the ribbon material (kimono silk) to make it a one of a kind hat. The head shots get closest to the colour. Initially Robert felt the colour was a little bland, and suggested the strip of plain green fabric in the middle. Etsuko suggested the accent on the bow keep using another piece of kimono fabric we’d sent. Great calls, both of them. Thrilled with the hat.

Congrats. Your panama is gorgeous. Eric -

 

[Pellie]

My second Wolfbrae Panama arrived today. Once again, we provided the ribbon material (kimono silk) to make it a one of a kind hat. The head shots get closest to the colour. Initially Robert felt the colour was a little bland, and suggested the strip of plain green fabric in the middle. Etsuko suggested the accent on the bow keep using another piece of kimono fabric we’d sent. Great calls, both of them. Thrilled with the hat.

Nice and one of a kind!!

 

[The Shoe]

Congrats. Your panama is gorgeous. Eric -

Nice and one of a kind!!

Thank you both!

 

[steur]

My second Wolfbrae Panama arrived today. Once again, we provided the ribbon material (kimono silk) to make it a one of a kind hat. The head shots get closest to the colour. Initially Robert felt the colour was a little bland, and suggested the strip of plain green fabric in the middle. Etsuko suggested the accent on the bow keep using another piece of kimono fabric we’d sent. Great calls, both of them. Thrilled with the hat.

That is beautiful. Very cool ribbon and bow.

 

[The Shoe]

That is beautiful. Very cool ribbon and bow.

Thanks, Stefan. I couldn’t be happier with it.

 

[singlechange]

Today I moved this vintage Stetson panama into my summer rotation. Crown shaped at 4 3/4 inches and brim is 3 inches. Despite having a 6 7/8 size label , being vintage, feels bigger like size 7. It wears relatively light and does not get hot like wearing a Montecristi with high w.p.s.i. Lucky to have found this years ago in good condition I thought.

 

[Rmccamey]

i love it!

My second Wolfbrae Panama arrived today. Once again, we provided the ribbon material (kimono silk) to make it a one of a kind hat. The head shots get closest to the colour. Initially Robert felt the colour was a little bland, and suggested the strip of plain green fabric in the middle. Etsuko suggested the accent on the bow keep using another piece of kimono fabric we’d sent. Great calls, both of them. Thrilled with the hat.

 

[The Shoe]

i love it!

Thanks, Randy.

 

[Pkyoakum]

A fellow who has a Panama hat for sale sent me this from the underside under a light, after I requested such. He says the hat is tight weave and high quality. However, I am not sure after looking at this photo. Can anyone give an opinion of the quality? He is asking almost $500. Thanks

 

[JC Montecristi Hat]

A fellow who has a Panama hat for sale sent me this from the underside under a light, after I requested such. He says the hat is tight weave and high quality. However, I am not sure after looking at this photo. Can anyone give an opinion of the quality? He is asking almost $500. Thanks

It appears to be a hat woven in Cuenca. This type of photos is not very useful beyond indicating that the hat was made using straw for fine hats, which is a thinner and more flexible straw.

 

[belfastboy]

A fellow who has a Panama hat for sale sent me this from the underside under a light, after I requested such. He says the hat is tight weave and high quality. However, I am not sure after looking at this photo. Can anyone give an opinion of the quality? He is asking almost $500. Thanks

Ask him to count the weaves per inch so you can get a clearer idea of the quality. What is the condition of the hat? Does it have a leather sweat? Any stains or blemishes in the straw? $500 will get you a very good quality new Panama

 

[JC Montecristi Hat]

Depending on where you buy your hat, with USD 500 you could get a grade 26–28 hat. Unless it’s a collector’s piece, there are better options at that price.

 

[belfastboy]

Depending on where you buy your hat, with USD 500 you could get a grade 26–28 hat. Unless it’s a collector’s piece, there are better options at that price.

Yep, that is my thought. For $300 I ca offer a Grade 3 with 18-20 per inch, which is a decent weave for an everyday hat.

 

[JC Montecristi Hat]

A calado-operwork-ventilated hat like the one in the photo is priced at USD 420, which can give you an idea of what you can get with that budget.

 

[belfastboy]

A calado-operwork-ventilated hat like the one in the photo is priced at USD 420, which can give you an idea of what you can get with that budget.

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This is a Wow!

 

[steur]

These were sold as panama hats, even though it was very clear from the pics they were just bodies. But at the price: sure, why not.

Industria Ecuatoriana Montechristi. This one is less refined and has some discolouration issues. Not as pronounced as the picture shows (I tried to wash it, to see if that made a difference - it didn't).

Second one doesn't have a stamp or anything. Just what seems to be the word "horita" written inside and a "57". Some discoloured fiber on one spot near the brim break, but otherwise a very fine looking hat body.

 

[shopkin]

horita = a small hour or short time

 

[steur]

horita = a small hour or short time

I suspect it took a bit longer than that!