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!!!

 Miles Davis - Summertime

 

Bowties: Not just for Professors Anymore

What is your vision of someone that wears bow ties? 

Nerd?

 Professor?

Black Muslim?

Formal Wear?

Today, many are wearing bow ties as part of their ensemble making a statement of boldness and individuality.  Bow ties are not only being seen in the classrooms and at formal events but they're also being worn by Fortune 500 executives, entertainers, musicians, etc.  The bow ties of today come in many colors and patterns for both business and casual wear.  What are your thoughts?  Personally, I like them and I plan to start back wearing them.  Let's take a look at them.  

Labron James

Former NYC Mayor David Dinkins

Jazz Bassist Ron Carter

Andre 3000

Not for Men Only: Singer Janelle Monae

Cedric the Entertainer

New York Knick Amare Stoudemire

Former Cincinnati Bengal Linbacker
Dhani Jones

 

Bow Ties at www.holidays.net

Remember when Michael Jackson was
"Off The Wall"

There are ready-to-wear bow ties as well as ones that you have to tie yourself.  The well dressed man opts for the latter.  Do you know how to tie a bow tie?  For an illustration of how to tie a Bow Tie click on the link below.

How to Tie a Bow Tie

Do you need something more visual to learn how to tie a Bow Tie?
Highlight and click on the link below for a video demonstration:

Stay Fly 101: How to Tie a Bow Tie

By the way, remember that nice tie that you ruined because you spilled coffee on it?  Instead of throwing it away I have just the solution.  Anastasia Green can turn that tie into a custom made bow tie.  Check her out at:

My A. Bow Ties 

My first grade picture sporting a bow tie at Garfield Elementary:

Be bold, be daring and by all means have fun with your bow ties.

Dressed to Kill at the Kentucky Derby

The month of May brings one of the celebrated rites of spring - the Kentucky Derby.  This celebration combines style, money and good times!  This is one of the few times where men can wear bright colored clothing and no one will raise an eyebrow.   Before we consider "derby gear" let's take a look at past derby dapper men as well as beautiful ladies.  

Unknown spectator dons White Hat and Pink Striped Suit

 

Star Jones Usher Smooth Dr. J and wife Dorys at 2006 Derby

Muhammad Ali Sports a nice Windowpane Sportcoat at the 2006 Kentucky Derby

Tyrese and Michael Jordan at the 2012 Derby

Tito Jackie and Marlon Jackson at the 2006 Derby

Star Jones and Chef Herb Wilson at the 2009 Derby

Gabrielle Union and Shaun Robinson at the 2007 Derby

D-Wade at the 2009 Derby

Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy at the 2008 Derby

Smoky Robinson and wife Frances at 2010 Derby

In terms of what men should consider wearing to the derby it's been said that the derby is the unofficial kick-off of the Seersucker suit season.  This cotton  or cotton blend puckered striped suit comes in a variety of colors:

Red Seersucker Suit

Traditional Navy

EJ Samuel Lavender Vested Seersucker Suit

Double Breasted Seersucker Jacket

Another colorful option is the cotton Madras Suit:

Brooks Brother Madras Sportcoat

Brooks Brothers Madras Shorts

Brooks Brothers Madras Bowtie

Another smart option are cotton poplin suits:

The above suits, which come in a variety of colors, are practical in that they're cool, breathable and relatively inexpensive.  In regards to shoes the Buck shoe, which comes in a variety of colors, work very well with these suits.  

Buck Shoes by Assunta

  

San Antonio Shoes

  

Bass Buckingham Shoes

Of course you'll need a hat to complete your outfit.  There are many from which to choose from:

Derby Hats

Former Piston John Salley sports a Fedora Straw with MJ

  

Tom Brady Sports a Straw Fedora at the 2006 Derby

Unknown Spectator dons Flat Top Straw Hat with White Buck Shoes

As I alluded to earlier this is the one major event where one can just "let their hair down" and wear what they want to wear without feeling "out of place".  However:

 Hot Mess at the 2008 Kentucky Derby

So put on your zaniest outfit and party on!