When to put away Panama Hat

[RJCNTX]

So, I started my hat journey this year by purchasing a less expensive Panama Hat to use when golfing. It quickly expanded its use despite my wife saying I look "old fashioned", etc. I am of course, ignoring her comments and will soon be adding additional hats.

Anyway, I live in Houston, Texas. Considering it is hot down here through October and often beyond, when is the time to put away the straw hat for other alternatives?

 

[Josephine]

When you need an overcoat/jacket, if I recall the other threads about this subject.

 

[dhermann1]

I had put my beat up old panama away a couple of weeks ago, but the last couple of days here in NY got back up to the 80's with HIGH humidiity, so it's back on my head. The whole idea is making your head feel comfortable. Felt = insulation, panama = ventilation.

 

[kpreed]

Tradition

The "old" way was straw from Easter or depending on who said it, May 15th till Labor Day or September 15th, then felt during the Winter months. But I am pretty sure whoever said that was not from your area and who will know besides you, what you do and any "old Rules" anyway? I say do what you feel is right and try to do the old ways the best you can.
P.S. Hat Etiquette is my thing.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

If you look around Houston, you will see men (both Anglo and Hispanic) wearing straw cowboy hats year round. While I personally find that distasteful, it's their head and none of my business. Wear what you feel comfortable with.

 

[Edward]

It's nice to know the old rules, but there's no ponit sticking to them if it's uncomfortable. I guess too in part personal outlook will affect it: do you wear straw because it's too warm for felt, or felt because it's too cold for straw? I treat a panama as a hat for when it's just too hot for a fedora - felt for when I find it bearable, as well as of course when it rains. If you prefer a panama and the felt is what you wear when it's too cold for straw, you'll likely stretch out the straw season further. Of course, local climate is also an issue. If I lived in the middle of the desert, much as I prefer felt I'd probably wear straw most of the year (in daylight at least - felt for the cold nights!).

 

[thefedorastore]

If it's warm enough to sweat with a hat on, I wear my straws. It not, then I put on the felts. I always look forward to a warm day in Winter that would warrant a straw.

 

[RBH]

Here in Arkansas it is much like your part of Texas, I wear what feels good. yesterday I wore a straw, today it was my felt Campdraft.
Wear what feels right, I have started the day off with a felt and changed to a straw before the day was out.

Oh by the way Welcome to the Lounge!!!!

 

[Samsa]

This question comes up from time to time here, and the almost universal answer is "wear a panama when it's warm, wear felt when it's too cold to wear a panama." Almost all of us who wear "proper" hats wear them because we march to the beat of a different drummer, so there's not much room for conformity - do what you want!

 

[carter]

It's still warm enough in Dallas for my Panama during the day. Felt in the cool of the morning though and in the evening.

You get enough rain in Houston for at least two good felts to get you through the year.

Your wife should be vigilant lest she become surrounded by hats. It's addictive!

 

[cookie]

A Plethora of Hats

It quickly expanded its use despite my wife saying I look "old fashioned", etc. I am of course, ignoring her comments and will soon be adding additional hats.QUOTE]


You are going to fit in just fine around here IMHO...:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[RJCNTX]

Thank you all for your comments and feedback. Much appreciated.


Bob