need gift advice

[kamikat]

My husband has recently accepted his hair loss and shaved his head. Before the shaving, he would generally only wear his hats in the winter, but now he'll need sun protection in the summer. He doesn't wear the classic fedora, but sticks to the stingy brim, "Sinatra" style of fedoras or the pork pie. The questions I have for you gentlemen are about straw hats. I've seen online pics of straw fedoras and pork pies, but usually not on a model. Are straw hats cooler in the summer, even if black or brown? Are they as stylish? Would you wear a straw hat?

 

[carter]

Kamikat, Straw hats are definitely cooler in the summer. They're about all you see in Texas 2/3 of the year. Darker colors absorb heat so they will definitely be warmer than the natural or bleached shades. Another thing to consider is what weave he'll like best. Check out the Panama Hat threads. There is tons of good information. You'll find that many gentlemen on the Lounge wear Panamas and some other straws. Also take a look at OFAS. There are Panamas there year round.

Tell your husband not to forget the sunblock and have a Merry Christmas!

 

[Feraud]

I wear straw hats and like them a lot. Try to avoid the dark colors for the summer. There are plenty of light colored staws to choose from.
Straw hats are cooler and stylish for summer wear.
Your husband will really apprciate the gift.

 

[barrowjh]

On some threads you might see discussion about an inverse relationship between the cost of a straw and whether or not it remains cool - the tightest woven straws, Montechristi Panama hats, can cost over a $1,000 new, and the weave is so small & tight it looks like fine fur felt from a distance. Those are really nice hats, but because the weave is so tight, they are not as cool as a cheaper weave, or a hat that intentionally leaves some patterned open spaces for ventilation. There are some lightweight fur felt hats (vintagesilhouettes dot com or optimohats dot com) that can be just as cool as a tightly woven straw.

 

[Johnnysan]

Although my love of hats preceded my hair loss, my hairline's retreat to my shoulder blades also transformed an "interest" into a "necessity."

Straw hats come in a variety of styles, colors, brim widths, crown heights and material. I find that they run the gamut from casual to formal and are perfect for warmer weather.

There are many kinds of "straw" hats out there...Panama straws, Milan straws, and so-called Shantung Panama straws, to name a few. I own and wear all three of the ones I named.

Instead of rehashing a discussion, check out this thread.

In order of preference based upon the temperature outside, here's my list from "blazing July heat" to "in-between seasons":

• Light weave Panama
• Medium weave Panama
• Milan Straw
• Shantung Panama

I'm sure that your husband will be able to find something to suit his preference...in my experience, there seems to be greater variety out there in straw hats than there does in felt. Good luck!