Elegant summer hats

RSS · Jul 1, 2009

Originally Posted by ZackyBoy

Does anyone else feel like very very few people look good in panama/fedora hats?

I don't feel that way.

Of course very few people wear Panama's ... still, they seem to be on the increase.

justsayno · Jul 1, 2009

$500 for a hat. really?

dopey · Jul 1, 2009

Originally Posted by justsayno

$500 for a hat. really?
$500 paid to a discount importer like Panama Bob is entry-level for a top-end Panama. I don't mean entry-level for a nice hat (half that amount is plenty), but entry-level for the kind of fine weave that will take your breath away.

mr monty · Jul 1, 2009

Originally Posted by ZackyBoy

Does anyone else feel like very very few people look good in panama/fedora hats?

I don't feel that way. If you love hats and wear them with confidence and passion, you will look good.
If you got to ask how you look wearing a hat? You more than likely look silly.

silly

nice

Roikins · Jul 1, 2009

Originally Posted by dopey

$500 paid to a discount importer like Panama Bob is entry-level for a top-end Panama. I don't mean entry-level for a nice hat (half that amount is plenty), but entry-level for the kind of fine weave that will take your breath away.

Yep, you pay that amount for the quality of the hand weaving. For small-timers that want one of his hats, I believe this is his Ebay outlet. Granted, you won't be getting one of his best hats, but I would say you're still getting a great deal on one of his quality hats.

mr monty · Jul 1, 2009

Originally Posted by justsayno

$500 for a hat. really?

Hats can cost more than shoes.

AlanC · Jul 1, 2009

You can get a Montecristi that will outstrip what Borsalino is selling for probably $150-$200.

That's really about all the Panama you'll need unless you want to jump into the fineness/wip (weaves per square inch) wars. I certainly won't argue that they're not beautiful and elegant, it just depends on what you're going for. $500 will get you a very, very nice hat. Of course, prices go up from there as high as you're willing to pay.

You might also look into one of Optimo's milan weave hats.

dopey · Aug 31, 2009

Originally Posted by dopey

Won't help the OP, but if you are in NYC, go to Casa Rodriguez on Stanton Street. The man in charge, David Rodriguez, is a genius and does an excellent job with caps and cloth hats (like trilbies). His natural inclination is downtown hipster, but he can do anything and will do it very well. Go!!!

Originally Posted by gdl203

That's fascinating. I would not have expected this recommendation from you given the styles of hats he makes and exhibits (one of my friends bought 3 or 4 from him and I visited the store a few times)

Originally Posted by dopey

Why so surprised? I am an omnivore and talent is talent. I think he is really very good. He is also a bit of a friend. Not as close as Foo and the Ambrosis, of course, but when I lived locally I would stop by and visit pretty often. I've got three caps from him - waiting to pick up a fourth when I get downtown again - and my family has at least ten. Last summer, we had him make sun hats for my wife and two daughters before a vacation. The hats didn't exactly match, but they all used either the same fabric or the same style. Each of my daughters have a few others from him as well.

Originally Posted by gdl203

Just that, as you said, his style is more hipster than conservative. I've never seen you write anything about anything casual before. In a word, I've never considered you an omnivore before. Next thing, you're going to tell me that you shop at Supreme and like to do double kickflips in front of the store....

Originally Posted by dopey

To be honest, I have to put a lot of work into getting him to make something to my taste, and then he still insists on "Rodriguefying" it - like, putting in an electric turquoise terrycloth brim on a blue plaid linen cap. But I end up pretty happy, and I hope he does, too. At least one of the patterns he did for me is now in his regular lineup.
A bump for a good guy. We stopped in to see David Rodriguez today and bought a knockout hat OTR for my older daughter (needed only a slight modification) and my wife, younger daughter and I each placed orders for hats as well. Obviously, we are now in fall/winter fabrics, but this is as good a thread as any for the bump. This guy is really good and well worth a visit.

Classically · Aug 31, 2009

Originally Posted by ville_e

I'm looking for a very elegant hat for summer. Something slightly original perhaps (quirky). I'm very fond of Borsalino.. what should I go for? Straw Fedoras? Panamas? Anything slightly more original that you could recommend? Where can I buy them off the net (within Europe) ? Thanks guys!

Depends on how much you want to spend. As previously stated, the most original and well made montecristi is from Panama Bob at around $1000. The hat is museum quality and blocked in a style of your choosing by one of the remaining top American hatters. He also has some nice stuff at lower prices with the same dressings with quality lowering along with the price. I got a $500 montecristi from Panamabob as a birthday present. The hat is so wonderful that I haven't had the guts to wear it yet.

imatlas · Aug 31, 2009

Originally Posted by mr monty

I don't feel that way. If you love hats and wear them with confidence and passion, you will look good.
If you got to ask how you look wearing a hat? You more than likely look silly.

+1. It's all about the 'tude.

Tibor · Sep 14, 2009

I agree with Mr Monty. I gave that hat away 2 years ago as it was just way too small for my head, and looked silly.

Mild Mannered · Sep 15, 2009

Originally Posted by ville_e

I'm looking for a very elegant hat for summer. Something slightly original perhaps (quirky)...
My suggestion for quirky: make sure yours has a jewel in front.

The Captain · Sep 15, 2009

Gentlemen!

1. While summer is almost gone, what about the boater (or skimmer)?

2. Elegant, functional, surprisingly flattering and appreciated (sturdy, as well) - but far too seldom seen today.

The Captain

dopey · Sep 15, 2009

Originally Posted by dopey

A bump for a good guy.

We stopped in to see David Rodriguez today and bought a knockout hat OTR for my older daughter (needed only a slight modification) and my wife, younger daughter and I each placed orders for hats as well.

Obviously, we are now in fall/winter fabrics, but this is as good a thread as any for the bump.

This guy is really good and well worth a visit.

Forgot to spam this thread with the results of my hat purchase from David Rodriguez:

DutchDaedalus · Sep 15, 2009

Elegant summer hats

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