Another one for Jock Scot

[gilmore]

I used to get my uniform caps from "Christy's",they make fine hats,but surely you can find a cheaper option? Panama hats can be obtained world wide, you don't have to go to, probably one of the most expensive hat companies in the world.

Right. Here in the American South Panama hats were worn often with business suits in the summer in years gone by. They are cool, ventilated and keep the sun off. However, we also have sudden summer thunderstorms often in the theretofore sunny late afternoons, so they would get drenched and either 1) loose their shape or 2) acquire shapes that have interesting character, depending on your point of view and aesthetics. They seem to have been thought of as temporary, disposable and, most importantly, functional. As I recall, rather than investing in one expensive Panama hat, most men would buy a series of them as needed, perhaps a new one every summer, relegating the older and more rumpled ones to more and more informal occasions until they were worn when fishing or working in the yard.

(Speaking of functional clothing appropriate to the environment, has anyone ever heard of seersucker kilt jackets? I used to really like seersucker suits, and was probably one of the last attorneys I knew who wore them. They are so light and comfortable on a hot summer day that it was like walking around naked.)