Panama Hat

[Talltexan]

I just received a beautiful Panama Hat from Robert over at www.panamas.biz Does anyone know if a panama hat can be shaped and stiffened in the style of a Fedora? Or are panamas made to stay natural without doing anything to them?

Happy Trails,
Jerry

 

[Austin]

Nice hats. I'm digging the Sweetwater.

 

[maxman]

For the past two years I've looked at panama hats.
Bob has a strong following.
Maybe next year will be the year.
Check out the forum the fedora lounge for hat geeks.

 

[Stevew443]

I also own one of the Panama hats from panamas.biz. Supposedly a good Panama is made so that it can be rolled up to put into a suitcase. I have not tried to reshape my Panama because I bought it because of its shape, but a with little steam and a little work, you should be able to shape your hat into any shape you wish.

 

[johnmrson]

I also own one of the Panama hats from panamas.biz. Supposedly a good Panama is made so that it can be rolled up to put into a suitcase. I have not tried to reshape my Panama because I bought it because of its shape, but a with little steam and a little work, you should be able to shape your hat into any shape you wish.

I bought a Panama hat last year that came rolled up in a wooden box. The blurb said that is was great for travelling which is what I bought it for. It has never held a decent shape. I look like a hobo with it on. Suffice to say that it's been relegated to my gardening hat.

 

[Leatherneck]

I have an old Panama that I found in an antique story in Indy a few years ago. Still had the "Optimo" crease down the middle and a tear in the front of the brim.

I took it to Optimo Hats on the south side of Chicago to have formed and the tear patched. It fits and looks awesome. It's a Monticristi with a fine weave, around 900 -1000.

So, the answer is yes, there are people who form hats. It's going to take some digging on your part. You may very well have to send it out. Optimo mailed mine back to me double boxed and it arrived in fine shape. Next I had them clean and freshen a Stetson fedora. they do great work. Also make custom hats. My advantage is I live within an hour and a half from them.

I hope you can find someone close also.

Good luck

 

[ShaveDave]

I have 2 Monticristi panamas from Robert.

My understanding is Monticristi hats can be re-blocked over and over, but cuenca hats can be reblocked but not reshaped. I think it has to do with the sulfur bleaching process that stiffens the toquilla straw in the Cuenca manufacturing process rather than the monticristi process.

Looks like his website has changed, but there used to be an article on the difference between Monticristi hats and Cuenca hats and this topic was specifically covered.

 

[Talltexan]

Update***

I found a place in Oldtown Spring (Spring, Texas) called, The Hat People that shaped and stiffened my hat for me. All for $10.00 plus the gas it cost to drive down and back one day and pick it up the next!

Now, I need a Fedora for Fall.

I found a Bailey of Hollywood Curtis Indy Fedora for $69.95 through The Fedora Store here:

http://www.thefedorastore.com/Bailey-Curtis-Indy-Fedora-p/7005.htm?on=Serpent+Brown#product-reviews

I am looking for a Fedora with:

a low crown

wide brim

stylish

and crushable or at least stands up to the elements