Show your Panama hat

Here's is my "en route" new addition for this scorching Summer...


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So it's Bates v Lock & Co; does anyone have any thoughts on the merits of both? They both look very good quality for the price.

I don't think you can go wrong either way. Both shops are a stone's throw from each other, so if in London, why not visit both?

IMO Lock & Co may have the edge when it comes to customer service though.
 
I've bought flat caps from Bates when they were still on Jermyn Street. Great quality and good service. Their Jermyn Street shop was very convenient being next to TOBS. Nothing like a new hat and bag full of shaving goodies to brighten up one's day.
 
Lock and Co do have very good customer service. I agree that it is a significant purchase for irregular wear. We all know that the top panamas go for thousands and even a half decent one you need to spend around the £250 mark. I have never owned what I would call a real one. Can one really feel the difference when wearing a Bates / Lock & Co panama and do they really keep your head cool? Most seem to have the leather internal head band, does this cause one to sweat? What are peoples' views on bespoking the external headband or is this considered rather naff? I understand that the black external colour band was a nod to Prince Albert's death, has anyone any other views on this?
 
Lock and Co do have very good customer service. I agree that it is a significant purchase for irregular wear. We all know that the top panamas go for thousands and even a half decent one you need to spend around the £250 mark. I have never owned what I would call a real one. Can one really feel the difference when wearing a Bates / Lock & Co panama and do they really keep your head cool? Most seem to have the leather internal head band, does this cause one to sweat? What are peoples' views on bespoking the external headband or is this considered rather naff? I understand that the black external colour band was a nod to Prince Albert's death, has anyone any other views on this?
You can feel the difference when you physically have the hats in hand, there is a difference in the weave, it's tighter and the surface feels smoother. Whether that translates into a difference by keeping your head cool, I don't know. I assume the tighter weave lets less sunlight through though so it may help. The internal band in mine is fabric, not leather. The best thing you can do is head to Jermyn street and go into the shops. It will be much easier to decide what suits you best.
 
I did like the look of your one, I assume that both have folded brims and not sewn. The tighter the weave the more the cost. Don't get up to London much these days but agree it is the only way; really need to look, touch, and try on. Anyone with any thoughts on the external black band? And can a leather internal band be changed for a fabric; I expect that can be arranged with the supplier?
 
I did like the look of your one, I assume that both have folded brims and not sewn. The tighter the weave the more the cost. Don't get up to London much these days but agree it is the only way; really need to look, touch, and try on. Anyone with any thoughts on the external black band? And can a leather internal band be changed for a fabric; I expect that can be arranged with the supplier?

The black grosgrain band can easily be changed at a hat shop. I suppose black goes with everything, but I've also seen brown/moccha which looks really good with a linen shirt and/or suit. Navy works well with some outfits too.

I don't think a leather inner band makes you sweat more than other materials, it's just a different feel. The issue with bands made of cotton, terrycloth or other such materialss is that sweat absorbs into the fabric more than with leather and can eventually stain the exterior of the hat. Of course the inner band can also be changed. I believe panamas sold by Lock & Co, etc. come ready made from South America, so any change to the bands would be an additional cost...
 
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