Dobbs Centredent Shantung

[David Conwill]

I once had a c-crown Shantung with a tag inside marked "Made in Occupied Japan." It never fit me and the brim was tearing off the crown even when I first got it (I think the pinch was splitting, too), but I always loved it. I'm thinking that my next hat purchase will be a Shantung (particularly given the frightening prices of "real" Panama hats). I'd like to go to a real hatter and see that Henry the Hatter carries a Centredent Shantung from Dobbs.

It's not a C-crown, but it's pretty nice looking. Does anyone have experience with this hat? Good, bad, indifferent? Anything else I should consider in the sub-$100 range?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[analogist]

Paper or Plastic?

Shantung is an industry term indicating your hat is made of paper. There is nothing wrong with a paper hat for New Years Eve or your four year old's birthday party but for a real hat, I think not. There are several plastic based straws but they too leave much to be desired.

If your budget is limited, I would suggest a hat made of Milan, Baku, or Parabuntal straw. They are vegetable matter and would be within your budgetary constraints.

Should Henry not have anything, try Bencraft, a lounge sponsor who has these hats.

analogist

 

[Johnnysan]

I had one of these Dobbs and wore it for a couple of years. It looked great, but it was hotter than blazes. Unlike natural straw, it just doesn't breathe and let the air through. Sadly, my perspiration killed it...imagine what happens to a cardboard box when it gets wet and you'll get the picture.

Unless you have an unusual size, you might also have some luck scouring local antique shops/malls and thrift stores. I have found several very nice straws this way and have never paid more than $40 for any of them. Good luck!

 

[David Conwill]

I don't know what it is about West Michigan, but I haven't seen vintage (real vintage, not 1980s) clothing in an antique or thrift store in about a decade. I can remember, as a kid, buying fedoras in antique stores around here, but no longer. Furthermore, even back then they were all 6 3/4 or 7. Nothing ever shows up in my size (7 3/8).

Thanks for the feedback, folks. I actually did know that Shantung is paper straw. That hasn't deterred me too much, as I kinda like the feel. The perspiration melting bit has me concerned, however.

Regards,
Dave