Nice quality. Looks great. Nice and casual.
I love things made out of other things. This hat is no exception.
It's a quality hat, none of the coffee bags are worn, even slightly, and it's lined with cotton, so it breathes nicely and the headband absorbs sweat very well. All the stitching is top-notch, no loose threads, it will wear for a long time. The random patterns make each hat a one-of-a-kind and it suits my personal style perfectly.
It's not a pork pie, but it's its own thing. it's a great outdoor hat, it stays cool and it looks like something you'd wear on your next adventure to the Amazon.
This hat is going into my regular rotation.
Things to be aware of -
1. These hats run really big. Normally I get a 2x, but it was huge. I traded it on a 1x, which is a good fit, but I do feel like I could squeeze into a large if I wanted to. If you're questioning the fit, get one size smaller than normal.
2. The patterns are random. My 2x had a weird pattern on the front that I didn't like, so I went to the shop to exchange for a smaller size and pick a pattern I preferred.
3. I don't think it's a pork pie. Technically, yes, the brim turns up all the way around, and it's the correct width for a pork pie, but the turn up is very high and the curve is extreme. If the hat is tilted back on your head, or someone is shorter than you, all they will see is the brim. That's not a bad thing, it just doesn't have that classic pork pie appearance. And the same goes when you turn it down all around. The angle is such that your head is in a cone, so IMO it doesn't work as a bucket.
That said, if you are even slightly on the fence, I recommend going to the shop if you are able and check it out in person.
I personally think of this hat as a “live” hat, because I can mist it with water and renew the natural pliability of the Toquilla straw fibers. I also easily changed the shape of the hat from standard round to extra-long oval. I started by misting the hat inside and out, then placing foam shims under the hat band, on both the front and back, before gently pulling the hat down on my head and wearing it until completely dry. Then I removed the foam shims and now I have a hat that fits perfectly, plus it is extremely light weight and very comfortable to wear all day long.
After wearing stiff, Shantung straw hats for years, I don’t think I will ever find a better summer hat than a genuine Toquilla, Panama hat. I’m aware that there is a whole world of higher quality Paja Toquilla Panama hats out there, but this one comfortably fits my head, and my wallet.
