Sunday, June 30, 2013

Summer Cool: Panama Straw Hat

 As Cole Porter expressed lyrically it's "Summertime and the livin' is easy".  One of the best ways to express "easy livin" is to don a Panama straw hat.  It will enable one to protect the crown and not only feel cool but look cool.  Let's take a look at some hats as well as explore some things one should consider before purchasing a hat.  First, I have a question for you:  where are authentic Panama hats weaved?  Please choose from the choices below.

A. Panama City, Florida
B. New York City
C. Panama
D. Eucador
E. Cuba

The answer is listed below.  


Actor Ving Rhames in White Gangster Panama Straw




Actor Terrence Howard in Panama Fedora


Actor Mario Van Peeples in Porkpie Panama


Andre 3000 in Panama Fedora



 Rihanna in Panama Fedora




GQ July 2013 Carson Street Clothiers




Now before you go to the store to purchase that hat there are some things you need to consider.  There is no industry standard wide grading system for straw hats.  The implication of the preceding is that you can't rely on grading systems from different sellers because they have their own system.  All straw hats have some type of flaw.  They are made from natural materials and hand weaved and therefore, prone to human error.   Other considerations are the fineness of the weave, quality of the weave, color of the straw, hand blocking versus hydraulic pressing, and the size of the hat.

Fineness of the Weave
Similar to bed sheets and men's suits the finer the weave the better the quality.  Hats with finer weaves take longer to weave than coarser weaves and therefore you should expect to pay more for the higher quality. 


Quality of the weave
Ideally, the fineness and rows of the weave are straight and consistent throughout the hat.  The finer the weave the more difficult it is to keep it straight.  Are there areas where the straw is thicker or thinner than other area of the hat?  Are there bumps or knots that interfere with the flow of the weave? 

Color of the Straw
Unless a hat has been treated with bleach or peroxide it's likely that it may have a reddish or grayish tinge to it.  That's a natural occurrence and no need to be alarmed unless it's excessive.  The more consistent the color throughout the hat the better.  All hats darken slightly with age.  
 
Hand Blocking versus Hydraulic Press
Many years ago all hats where shaped (blocked) by hand.  The majority of hats today are shaped via hydraulic press.  Blocking a hat by hand takes longer and cost more. 



Size of the Hat
The longer it takes to weave a hat the more it is likely to cost.  A wide brim hat takes longer to weave than a short brim hat.  A large hat take longer to weave than a smaller hat.  Hats that are sold in size small, medium and large take longer to weave then hats sold in actual sizes.  

In summary, all Panama straw hats have flaws but now you have some good information when you go shopping for one.  I'm confident you'll find a nice one that will make you look and feel cool.  Now where are authentic Panama straw hats made..........................




Ecuador

I'm sure you must wonder how they came to be called Panama straw hats. The art of weaving is part of the livelihood of the country of Ecuador  and that's in addition to Panama straw hats.  The reason they came to be known as Panama straw hats has to do with their export route through the Isthmus of Panama. The hats that were to be shipped eventually to Europe, the Far East and the Americas were named based on their point of international sale versus there place of origin.  

Summer time just makes you want to look and feel cool so go ahead and get that Panama straw hat, thrown on shades, sandals and a linen suit.  Speaking of summer click on the link below and check out my main man Miles Davis with Summertime.  Enjoy!!!





 

7 comments:

  1. This title suggests a blend of fashion and comfort, offering a chic accessory that shields from the sun's warmth. Ai Automation Cybersecurity It encapsulates the essence of laid-back elegance, ensuring wearers look stylish while staying cool during sunny summer days.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ginuwine’s hat in the video in those jeans. Who made it?

    ReplyDelete

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