Panama Hats

**kilted2000** · 8th February 22, 12:10 PM

I know here wear Panama and other straw hats in the summer when outdoors and kilted, where do you find these hats? I know they are readily available but I'm looking for one of decent quality. So...

Where did you get that hat?

**walkerk** · 9th February 22, 01:45 AM

https://www.millerhats.com/

**Bruce Scott** · 9th February 22, 02:10 AM

Perhaps from here for "handwoven in Ecuador" examples: https://www.villagehatshop.com/hats/Made-In-Ecuador

**Jock Scot** · 9th February 22, 04:27 AM

Without hesitation, if you want quality, I would recommend Herbert Johnson, or Locks. Both from London UK.

Panamas usually come with a black hat band, but University, College, School, Regimental, Club, coloured hat bands are not unusual, as seen below.

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After many, many years the panama from Herbert Johnson is a tad battered, but still going strong.

**PassingW** · 9th February 22, 06:21 AM

Thanks, Jock, for the Herbert Johnson referral. I look forward to seeing their Panama range. We used to have a master hatter here in Rochester, New York by the name of Dave Brown. Sadly, he closed his shop several years ago. I do still have the Panama from his shop, as well as a bespoke beaver fedora I had made for going afield in pursuit of Rule 11 activities. Fine stuff.

**MacKenzie** · 9th February 22, 08:40 AM

http://www.optimohatworks.com/

Not cheap. But it'll be the last Panama you buy. Unless you want another style.

**OC Richard** · 11th February 22, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by Bruce Scott

Perhaps from here for "handwoven in Ecuador" examples: https://www.villagehatshop.com/hats/Made-In-Ecuador

That's my local shop!

Pair one of those hats with a Panabrisa Guayabera and you're ready to explore Isla Nublar

**Really a McQueen** · 20th February 22, 07:49 PM

If you were in the Portland, Oregon vicinity, I would recommend John Helmer, Haberdasher. Of course, if you are working with a more restricted budget you might consider the one I picked up from REI Co-Op.

**Dr Bee** · 21st February 22, 04:46 AM

Over the years I've had some beautiful Panamas from Olneys - sadly they recently stopped trading although their products are still widely stocked by online sellers by the look of things.
One thing I've noticed with more than one Panama hat is that once worn they become an irresistible snack for dogs - even otherwise highly trained and well-behaved dogs seem to think it worth facing my wrath just to get a nibble at the brim of my panama hats. Gone are the days when I might carelessly toss my Panama onto a table or desk, or even the seat of the car, where a mischievous hound can sniff it out and cause it permanent injury. Hang 'em high, I say - the hats that is.

**kingandrew** · 24th February 22, 07:24 AM

I have a different Optimo to recommend. This store is in Chicago and the quality is second to none. Hats are custom made to your size and desires. I have two straw hats from them, a Panama and a Milan, and can't say enough good things about them.

The store is a great place to visit if you are in Chicago. A trip will give you an education in hats, a chance to try out a wide variety of styes and materials, and probably a much lighter wallet.

The web site is full of interesting and useful information, including the adventure story of the owner's travels to source the straw hats. https://optimo.com/

Be warned, prices are not cheap. But the quality and style are timeless.

Andrew