In the '90s, the folks at Meyer the Hatter recommended Scotchgard to waterproof a hat. I bought some and used it, and never had any trouble with my hats; but then the un-Scotchgarded ones I have now (Akubras and vintage items) don't seem to have trouble with rain.
There can be a difference between a Panama and a straw fedora: a Panama is a type of fedora, but there are many other choices available. For a number of reasons, I'm not a big fan of the standard white fedora, the main one being that it's hard to get a nice one at a reasonable (for me) price. Of the brands you mention, Optimo and Brent Black are really going to cost you, and PHD have always seemed a bit shaky to me (check out the Panama Hats thread). You might want to take a look at Art Fawcett's Milan straws: I have two in the fedora style and love them to death. One of the problems with white Panamas is that they easily pick up dirt and smudges, but the real Milans (and Art's one of the only makers who has access to Milan straW) only get better as time goes on, developing a beautiful golden color. Peters Bros. also have their hemp line, which are really nice and can be ordered in pretty much any style you choose (I have two in the Stratoliner style) and in a variety of colors. Art's Milans will run you between $300 to $400, and the Peters Bros. just $100 to $150, depending on whether they're giving a discount to Loung members. Good luck.
I'm also considering a Panama straw fedora with a high crown. I'm looking for a 6 inch open crown blocked to no less then 5 inch. Those are the dimensions you should start to look for if you need/want a higher crown Panama so talk to your vendors. Whomever you chose and start from there. Many can not easily get 6 inch open crown Panama hat bodys. At your price point I would look towards Optimo or Brent Black.
A couple of things to remember, even with hats made from fur felt (i.e., rabbit or beaver): When they get wet, let them dry on their own. Never, ever, ever use a blow dryer, or a space heater, or other kind of heat source to try to dry them faster because that can cause the felt to shrink. And never, ever...you get the idea...leave them in a hot car during those "sunny and hot" times of the year.
I don't know much about fabric hats, but I do know that your sister hasn't got a clue about hats in general!
Are you sure Robert to be able to bash a so high crown in a panama?
+ 1
Agreed
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Couldn't agree more about Tom's work. I was recently elated to see him asking Tim of Alley Kat Hats on his Instagram page about getting larger hat blocks. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
I seriously doubt that would happen. If it did, you can bet you'd read about it in the reviews.
You might have a problem if it was a pretty pink bow with My Little Pony embroidered on it. Other than that......I also sent my sister a link to the Capdraft. She doesn't think I'm tough enough to pull off a hat with a bow on the side.
Hey, no judgement here...Brony.
