Straw Boater

[Shanghailander]

It's the good ol' summertime.

How many of you actually wear a straw boater out and about in the summer? I know Panamas of various persuasions are popular, as are other straw hats, but this is one I don't see outside of movies or plays.

The other day (90 degrees) I took a drive out to Harrisburg and decided to dig out my straw boater to wear, topping off my black and white spectators, linen pants, and band collar shirt. Now, I am used to getting compliments and remarks about my various hats (in the winter, a Russian Ushanka usually brings out a lot of them) but for some reason folks were mum on the subject of this day's choice of headwear. At the newstand I frequent, the kid behind the counter cracked, "going for the State Fair look?" which I took in the same good natured spirit in which it was given. But for the rest of the day, not one comment. I wore it while visiting a binding and printing company and I didn't hear a word.

Since it is the Fourth of July weekend, I'm planning to wear it to a cookout as well.

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

I am waiting for a boater to arrive in the mail, and am planning on putting in into regular use. Part of the appeal of the boater is that basically nobody wears them anymore even though they look so cool.

 

[Shanghailander]

Part of the appeal of the boater is that basically nobody wears them anymore even though they look so cool.

Ah, just the opposite of what was the case in the summers of the 1920s, when EVERYONE wore one. Apparently this caused problems when it came time to reclaim YOUR straw boater from the pile of hats, after a show or event was over. I once saw a card placed inside one such hat which, in bold print, proclaimed, "The Hell it's yours! Get yours where I got mine - [followed by the name of the hatter who sold them.]"

Mine is a vintage hat from Hackett in Easton, Pennsylvania.

 

[Sefton]

It suits you perfectly, especially with your mustache. I guess they were all just speechless...:eusa_clap

 

[epic610]

it's clear to me...

you didn't go to the "Town News" on second street! otherwise you would have gotten a more positive response.

try wearing it to next year's "KIPONAH" on the Susquehanna River . . . or just try strolling with it on along Front Street. i will bet all the runners will grant you a wide berth as well and defer to your presence.

 

[scotrace]

A Natural

Perhaps there were few comments because that boater looks made for you. A perfect match/blend, so it wouldn't stand out. If we could all nail it like that...

 

[Joel Tunnah]

Long oval skimmer?

A classic. Looks good on you too.

I want one of these, but I don't think any current makers (Tesi?) have them in long oval. And I was under the impression that they can't really be stretched like a felt hat... so am I out of luck?

Joel

 

[Dinerman]

I saw an old one in an antique store once that had the brim turned down in front, and up in back, much like a fedora, but there was no mistaking it for anything but a boater. I really liked the look, but alas it was a size 7. Maybe I'll try that on my newer one. any suggestions on how to do this? would steam work? Anybody seen one done like this besides me?

 

[Matt Deckard]

Well I took mine out for the Fedora Lounge Gamble house tour we had a few weeks ago and I think it was a hit.

Need to break it out more often.


see this thread
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=119&highlight=boater

 

[up196]

See Avatar . . .

I wear mine whenever I feel like it during the season. It looks good with a suit or just a nice casual outfit. Enjoy it, whatever anyone says . . .Tom

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Straw boaters have been around, in one form or another, since at least the Civil War era.

They were still considered "normal" summer headwear into the 1950s.

.

 

[clevispin]

up196

Up,

Is that a Winchester shotgun in your avatar? You're dressed for still-bustin'.

m

 

[up196]

Yes it is . . .

an 1897 Winchester, an original riot gun (take-down model) made around 1918 . . . Tom

 

[Shanghailander]

They were still considered "normal" summer headwear into the 1950s.

.

Yes, I thought so, but they don't seem to get as much screen time in period movies as the Panamas. I know there is a scene in "The Sting" where two FBI "agents" are wearing them.

Speaking of "summer" wear (I'm talking about temperate climate zones here - not Southern California or the deep South) is it considered a fashion faux pas to wear spectator shoes in the fall or winter?

 

[SHARPETOYS]

Your mustache in this case make the boater perfect for you... Looks good.

 

[scotrace]

That's it. We Are Officially Looking For a Boater.

 

[Shaul-Ike Cohen]

Moustache or not - you certainly picked a very fitting shirt!

 

[feltfan]

Your mustache in this case make the boater perfect for you... Looks good.

As far as I can tell, this guy can pull off a boater
with the same ease with which he wears a fedora
or a homburg. A natural!

I don't have one myself, and not for lack of trying.
Hard to find a decent one in 7 1/2 LO or 7 5/8.

 

[jake_fink]

Yes, I thought so, but they don't seem to get as much screen time in period movies as the Panamas.

Check out Dillinger from 1973.

I wear mine now and then. I find them very comfortable - cool and easy to wear, but they do sort of stick out in a crowd. People tend to comment indirectly when I wear them, that is to say, they comment though not to me - apart from the generic, "Nice hat" (which usually means nothing more than "You are wearing a hat and I noticed it, yay me").

Also, Shanghailander, I like the monicker... are, or were, you really a Shanghailander, or are you choosing where and when you'd like to live?

 

[ortega76]

Speaking of "summer" wear (I'm talking about temperate climate zones here - not Southern California or the deep South) is it considered a fashion faux pas to wear spectator shoes in the fall or winter?

Strictly speaking, yes it is a faux pas after Labor Day. I wear my spectators
year-'round since it tends to give one a jazz/swing/retrophile connotation. I figure with those around me in thong exposing low-rise jeans, $50 distressed baseball caps and worse, I can be allowed the eccentricity of wearing spectators after Labor Day.