Straw Hat Questions

[Dash Riprock]

I recently bought a Stetson Brentwood Natural Shantung Straw Hat and I thought the description said it was 10x straw. It's pretty flimsy

So my question is what is 10x straw?

Does the x factor in the description refer to how stiff the straw is?

The Stetson Brentwood Natural Shantung Straw Hat is flimsy so I was wanting something a little more stiff.

So for something more stiff, what X factor should I be looking for?

 

[moehawk]

10X straw is whatever the manufacturer wants it to be. Just like the X value on felt hats, there is no hard and fast definition. It mostly has relevance to denote quality within one manufacturer's lineup for that year. Shantung straw itself is just coated paper. If you want a straw with more body or stiffness, try a Sunbody palm straw, a hemp Milan or if you can get one at a great price, a Monticristi panama.

 

[Dash Riprock]

OK, thanks.

I liked the shape of the Stetson Brentwood Natural Shantung Straw Hat, but I wished it was a little more stiff

 

[moehawk]

There are straw hat stiffening sprays available. I have never tried them, so I can't endorse them.
I have had decent results with blonde shellac.

 

[Dash Riprock]

Would clear shellac spray work like I found at Home Depot?

12 oz. Clear Shellac Spray

 

[moehawk]

Would clear shellac spray work like I found at Home Depot?

http://[URL]https://www.homedepot.c...e5125aaee55444bc756369&gclsrc=ds&gad_source=7

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I think it would, although I would go very lightly with it. I used sanding sealer because it is dewaxed. I diluted it with 99% iso in a little pump spray bottle.

 

[Dash Riprock]

In another thread they were talking about spray painting a straw hat to make it a different color and the lady in the article said to use clear acrylic matte varnish so I wonder if they would stiffen the hat up a little.

My black Stetson straw gambler's hat was stiff enough but it's shiny... I'd rather it be flat black so I may try painting it flat black and then sealing it with matte acrylic matte varnish