Straw question

schwammy · Post by **schwammy** » Sat May 08, 2004 12:19 am

I had a recent skin cancer scare, so I impulsively bought a Stetson straw panama that was one of those 'too good to pass up' kind of deals. Only problem with it, and most of the other straws for sale at this store, was that the weave was cracked at the point where you're not supposed to grab the hat but do anyway - the front dents. I had seen a hatter fix this with Elmer's glue, so I did the same, and it worked. My question, though, is about the really expensive panamas. This was a $50 hat, so I expect it to crack. But does that happen on the really good ones?

Indiana Texas-girl · Post by **Indiana Texas-girl** » Sat May 08, 2004 9:58 am

schwammy, you might direct your question over at MK's fedora lounge too. There are probably more guys over there that know about straw hats, although some of the guys there browse around here, but they might not catch your thread.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sat May 08, 2004 10:59 am

IndianaMontecristi is the guy you want to ask. He may still be in Equador, but he lives miles from me the rest of the time. He's in the business making high-quality straw hats, so he should be able to answer your question. Don't panic if he doesn't have the chance to get back with you immediately, but he will send a reply.

I have an older straw hat that belnges to my grandfather which developed a crack in the same place. I took some invisible thread and lightly brought it back together. My newer Dobbs straw (same quality as your Stetson, I'm sure) hasn't had that happen yet, but I'm gonna keep my eye out for the same problem. Good luck!

bink

jbbowers · Post by **jbbowers** » Sat May 08, 2004 2:52 pm

Schwammy,

I just received my Indy-style Montecristi from IndianaMontecristi in Ecuador this week, and I can't imagine this hat ever cracking, unless it's left out in the sun for years, I suppose. This is my first experience with a straw-type hat, and I'm blown away. The paja toquilla fibers are nothing like the typical Stetson straw hats. They are very soft and tightly woven, almost cloth-like. Very beautiful. I would think these hats have considerable longevity. Consider spending a little extra on a good Panama, it's worth it.

Brad Bowers

zohar · Post by **zohar** » Sat May 08, 2004 3:00 pm

A good Montecristi can crack, but I think it would probably take decades of sitting in direct sun to do so. I have one that is around 60 years old and it's still very flexible.

Bowers is right, a good Montecristi is very flexible and floppy, and feels much like linen. They are nothing like the typical western straw hat.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Sat May 08, 2004 4:50 pm

I had a new Stetson Panama that I used to wear, and it cracked at the same place. I think, once the hat ages, and the fibers dry, the cracking can happen. I did notice that if I moistened that area once a week, it stopped the cracks from growing. These hats are made from organic matter, and we all know what happens to that stuff after some years and mileage. I got those same cracks......... on my face.

Fedora

IndianaMontecristi · Post by **IndianaMontecristi** » Sun May 09, 2004 5:36 am

Unlike a beaver, you can be 100% guaranteed of the genuiness and material used in a Montecristi.

STETSON and Montecristi Comparison *NO COMPARISON*

Machine blocked, glue starched CUENCA Stetson 180 weaves per square inch

Unblocked (on its way to a nice shape), unstarched, natural, MONTECRISTI 1700+ weaves per square inch.

I've a 54 year old Montecristi with nary a problem

Like Zohar, you can still find very old Montecristis that are soft and supple.

The many straws I've seen from N. American distributors are not Montecristi, but Highland straws from Ecuador or maybe even from other Latin Countries. I wouldn't compary any Stetson hat I've seen to even the lowest dollar Montecristi.

I'll edit this post and add more when I really wake up tomorrow.

IndianaMontecristi · Post by **IndianaMontecristi** » Sun May 09, 2004 10:34 am

A closer photo of a museum quality Montecristi.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Sun May 09, 2004 11:30 am

STETSON and Montecristi Comparison *NO COMPARISON*

I don't doubt that statement. My knowledge regarding Montecristi hats is very limited indeed. On the inside of the hat, it has a stamped design that looks to be a leaf, and the word Toquilla. Wonder if that is kin to Tequila?

I bought a Montecristi hat last year, for a summer hat, and much to my surprise, the darn thing was as hot or hotter to wear than my felt hats. At least the felt will breath, while the really fine Montecristis are too tight to let any air in. My Stetson did come with 3 eyelets on either side of the crown which really made it a true summer hat. My authenic Montecristi had no eyelets. This year, I am looking for a Montecristi with eyelets, and they are hard to find unless you buy a Stetson, or the like.

Fedora

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sun May 09, 2004 11:35 am

I did notice that if I moistened that area once a week, it stopped the cracks from growing. These hats are made from organic matter, and we all know what happens to that stuff after some years and mileage. I got those same cracks......... on my face. Fedora

Fedora, just moisten those areas once a week and that should stop your cracks from growing.

You, my friend, are like a favourite hat that has been worn lovingly for ages. Despite the wear, it's just added character -- you still look good.

As for the straw hats, I hope to aquire a true Montecristi someday. My straw Dobbs is just a hold-me-over to keep me cool, and to keep the sun out of my eyes in the summer. Just as Fedora is the authority on fedoras here, I believe IndianaMontecristi is our local authority on straw hats!

IndianaMontecristi · Post by **IndianaMontecristi** » Sun May 09, 2004 12:00 pm

84 year old Montecristi, soft, supple, nary a crack.

We have a local cobbler who is willing to put eyelets in the hats if wanted.

Remember, you bought your Montecristi from Casey. Casey believes one man is blocking his hats while I know for a fact another man is. That man that is blocking those hats uses entirely too much starch and doesn't let the hats breathe.

I always suggest an everyday use hat should be of the looser, lower quality. A fine dress hat should be the quality you like and nothing more nor less.

To be honest, that Stetson is no more than $3.00 on the street and the intro Montecristi is about $20.00 on the street.

SHARPETOYS · Post by **SHARPETOYS** » Sun May 09, 2004 4:38 pm

I have several straw hats and none have cracked yet and i live in Florida.What i;ve learned is you can get a nice Montecristi hat for the same price as a Stetson,Scala,Dobbs etc. The Montecristi Panama hats will last for generations.IndianaMontecristi a vendor here has taken care of me on many hats at different price points just let him know your budget and quality you are looking for.I have some of my straws posted at http://fedoralounge.skyblueproductions. ... readid=828

http://fedoralounge.skyblueproductions. ... readid=827

http://fedoralounge.skyblueproductions. ... readid=829

I hope this helps,

Sharpetoys

schwammy · Post by **schwammy** » Mon May 10, 2004 12:38 pm

Thank you all for your responses. That answers my question, and then some!