Potentially Dumb Question

[Pilgrim]

...but it's the quesion you don't ask which has the potential to be dumbest.

I have a cheap Panama which is too floppy. The brim won't hold its shape well at all. I know it could use some stiffener to give it more body, but I only have felt stiffener around...nothing labeled for straw.

So -

Does anyone have an idea whether spray starch would work? I may be crazier than a loon to even think of it, but I'm wondering.

Spray starch, I DO have around. lol

 

[Lefty]

I haven't tried it, but I've heard people discuss Aquanet.

 

[Hoss & da Posse]

Check out this page:

http://www.hatsupply.com/mens_supplies.htm

They claim their felt stiffener work on straw as well...

 

[Stoney]

If it is a Panama the brim should be floppy. If you want a stiffer brimmed straw hat then you should buy a Milan or standard straw hat.

 

[RBH]

I have used Scouts Felt Stiffener on both straw and felt.... works fine on straw.
You just might have to spray the straw a few more times to get it where you want it.

good luck!

 

[Pilgrim]

Well, I guess I'll try the felt hat stuff. I realize it should be a bit floppy, but mine is too much.

Thanks!

 

[Pilgrim]

So, what the heck. I sprayed it about four times with hat stiffener last night. This AM it feels better, and there's no discoloration or any other visual problems. Also, the front part of the brim snaps down a bit more crisply and looks better than before. I'll see how it wears! Could be the first time it gets humid that it will revert to its previous floppiness.

 

[jec]

Try hair spray

When I asked a similar question to Panama Bob earlier this summer, he recommended that I try a water-soluble hair spray to stiffen the brim on one of his Panama hats that I had just gotten.

I never tried it, but that's what he suggested.

Robert? You there?

 

[Pilgrim]

That also sounds like an excellent option!