Straw hat with a suit...

[Selvaggio]

Hello. I recently saw a thread here about (the problems) of wearing a fedora with casual attire. I don't have that problem.

My question is whether it is approariate to wear a straw hat with a standard, modern business suit. What do you think?

(apologies if this has been done before)

 

[carouselvic]

Perfectly OK

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

Selvaggio - it happens all the time here in subtropical Brisbane. I do it myself. As a matter of fact...I'm doing it today!

And I'm not alone...

 

[Selvaggio]

So what type of hat do you think works best? Traditional Panama I guess?

I have an inexpensive (styled in England) Panama with a navy and dark green hat band and a cream cloth bound brim. Have thought about that one, but it feels a bit beachy.

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

I have two. One is a modern Akubra Balmoral with thin leather hat band. Fantastic hemp straw hat.

The one I'm wearing today (which I'll post a pic of later in the 'What Hat Are Your Wearing' thread) is a 50's Stetson genuine Panama with thin black ribbon. Both are 'natural' colour and both work well with business atire.

I'm having a hard time visualising your pommy lid. Care to post a photo?

 

[filfoster]

Straw dogs

Often seen in summer here in Cincinnati. Hope that does not 'kill' it for you.

 

[Selvaggio]

Unfortunately it is back at Casa Selvaggio, but I will describe it. It is natural Panama type straw with a fairly tightly curled snap at the back. The angle where the brim meets the body of the hat is quite obtuse, giving a bit of a casual look (maybe that can be changed?).

Will see if I can find shot of a similar lid.

 

[tonyb]

Depends on the straw hat. The body material wouldn't in and of itself render a hat unfit for wearing with a business suit, unless it were some obviously cheap stuff. The ribbon would make a big difference, I'd think, as would the style of the hat. Anything that says "cowboy" or "golfer" might be best avoided, unless your business was at the horse show, or the clubhouse. But in those circumstances, it would likelier be the suit, and not the hat, that would be out of place.

 

[Torpedo]

Much as TonyB said. Avoid too "coarse" or "rustic" straw styles, and avoid fancy ribbons. A milan or panama for instance, would work well. The most common are in the classic fedora shapes, but a homburg looks fine, too. And a boater, if you are daring enough!

I do it all the time at the right season:

 

[johnnycanuck]

Only if it is a seersucker suit.

Johnny

 

[billysmom]

Much as TonyB said. Avoid too "coarse" or "rustic" straw styles, and avoid fancy ribbons. A milan or panama for instance, would work well. The most common are in the classic fedora shapes, but a homburg looks fine, too. And a boater, if you are daring enough!

I do it all the time at the right season:

Torpedo -

That Milan Homburg is just outstanding!

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Sue

 

[Selvaggio]

I have to agree with billysmom. I had never thought of a straw homburg - but it is a cracking good look. Don't think I could pull of a homburg in felt - bit too formal. But the style lifts the formality of a straw so that it is perfect with a work outfit.

Boater? Down here they are pretty much reserved for high school boys. So, no, I am not daring enough.

If I may, I would like to congratulate you Torpedo on your dress sense - which is, by any measure, superb. You set a high standard.

 

[Selvaggio]

I have two. One is a modern Akubra Balmoral with thin leather hat band. Fantastic hemp straw hat.

The one I'm wearing today (which I'll post a pic of later in the 'What Hat Are Your Wearing' thread) is a 50's Stetson genuine Panama with thin black ribbon. Both are 'natural' colour and both work well with business atire.

I'm having a hard time visualising your pommy lid. Care to post a photo?

Here, this is what I mean...what do you reckon? Too much like I'm "walking on to a yacht" (though my accessories are not apricot - with apologies to Ms Simon).

I saw your Stetson btw. It looks fantastic - I'm guessing you did not buy it in Oz.

 

[Selvaggio]

I also have this one...

It is very light weight straw, made in Italy...but I don't wear it much, because of a slight problem with the fit. It feels okay, but I think my head is a little wide for it. When I put it on the brim goes out of whack - I haven't explained that at all well! Anyway....

 

[avedwards]

I never wear straw as there is no need to in the comparatively temperate climate of Britain, with only very few days above 25C. However, if you do wear straw; a boater, homburg or fedora shaped hat will work with a suit. Needless to say a cowboy or outback hat could look a bit strange.

With a linen or other lightweight suit it should never be a problem. However, in my opinion it could be worn with a wool suit as well. Back when hats were common there are pictures of people in light suits with felt hats, so I think it would work the other way round with a straw hat and a dark suit.

 

[cookie]

It is very light weight straw, made in Italy...but I don't wear it much, because of a slight problem with the fit. It feels okay, but I think my head is a little wide for it. When I put it on the brim goes out of whack - I haven't explained that at all well! Anyway....

That is because your head is probably long oval and the hat torques. You probably need to have it stretched or go up a size or go long oval.

I wear a straw hat - Milan or Panama everyday in summer.

= Nice hat.

 

[cptjeff]

That is because your head is probably long oval and the hat torques. You probably need to have it stretched or go up a size or go long oval.

Or round oval. If his impression is that his head is too wide that would be my suspicion.

Anyway, having your head measured and the hat reblocked would be the way to go.

And I need a straw.

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

Selvaggio,

Nothing at all wrong with those straws my friend. They'd do Tony Greig proud! Slap 'em on your melon and walk tall.

No I didn't buy the Stetson here but from an elderly lady in the US. It belonged to her father. I do, however, have a modern Akubra Balmoral straw that I wear often to work. Here it is:

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

And a boater, if you are daring enough!

Bloody Hell Torp! We're talking about Sydney here, not the civilised shores of Franco's fair land! Think Texas - but with a social conscience.
Wearing a boater here would at best leave you exposed to ridicule and at worst exposed to a flogging. Definitely not for any businessperson who wants to be taken seriously in the rough and tumble of the colonies.

 

[Aureliano]

fftopic: Eph, I just sent you a PM, please check!