Panama grade after stretching ??

[punkinhed]

From posts here, it sounds like it's pretty easy to substantially stretch Panamas.
My question is this: Won't the "quality" of the hat (at least the parts related to the tightness of the weave) be diminished by "loosening" its weave?

Kevin

 

[Panamabob]

The tightness of the weave is what people like to hear. There are many, many factors regarding quality.

 

[Fedora]

From posts here, it sounds like it's pretty easy to substantially stretch Panamas.
My question is this: Won't the "quality" of the hat (at least the parts related to the tightness of the weave) be diminished by "loosening" its weave?

First, I am not very knowledable in regards to these hats. But, I bought one from a guy named Casey, and while I had told him I was looking after a taller crowned variety, (5 inches once creased) I got the regular short crowned version. Who said it was easy to stretch these hats? Mine will not stretch, as I tried it a couple of years ago. I applied the same pressure and steam that I would use on a felt hat. The only way I could get a taller crown was to lose brim width, and I could not afford to lose any brim width. I had someone else tell me they would stretch, but not in my hat shop. I was so disgusted with the chore that I vowed to never ever tinker with straw hats again. To the guys that work with these hats, I tip my hat to you. Fedora