Glad Hatter

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about one of the most important summer staple, your hat baby!

Among other things, it's been one of the MUST HAVE summer accessory items. Women from Tampa to Gibralter haave been rocking them with everything from swimwear to sharp suits, and not only have they been rocking them, they've been wearing them very well. Every celebrity you can think of has at some point been spotted with a summer straw hat but the number one reason our Roundatable give as the reason they do not wear a staw hat is: 1. They can't find one fits their head and, 2. They do not believe it fits their face. "Celebrities have stylists that help them figure out what works. We don't.", RPB Fitness Contributer, Maya of Mermaid Body Fitness summed everyone's sentiments in two sentences. Well we mere mortals will never again question whether or not the Straw Hat is for us. We are going to provide you with everything you need to know to pick the perfect hat this summer!

LESSON #1

The first thing you need to know is that hats range in size, range and depths. So no matter what shape head you have there is a hat to fit you.

LESSON #2

(And probably the most important lesson of all.)

DETERMINE YOUR HAT SIZE

MEASURE YOUR HEAD

Measuring for your head size is both an art and a science. You can use a tape measure (or a length of string that you will have to hold up to a tape measure) to determine the length. Place the string or tape around your head about 1/8" above your ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head. Hold the tape firmly, but not too tightly. Basically you need to measure your head exactly where the hat will sit. If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the next largest size.

COMPARE

Another valid method to determine hat size is to try on a hat and check the size. If you don't own a hat, then try on a random hat next time you are visiting a shop that stocks hats. Sizes, even though they do vary depending on the hat maker, are technically universal. You may refer to the sizing chart below if you need to convert a medium to an actual hat size.

Please understand that hats are not unlike other apparel, in that sizes can vary somewhat from one manufacturer to another.

VillageHatShop

And just in case you need a little addtional help, you can carry this in your purse when you're are shopping:

This is a General Hat Sizing Chart: Please read each hat product page for further sizing information.

SMALL

PEQUEUÑO

Size

6

3/4

-

6

7/8

Tamaño

21

1/8

"

-

21

1/2

"

54

cm

-

55

cm
MEDIUM

MEDIO

Size

7

-

7

1/8

Tamaño

21

7/8

"

-

22

1/4

"

56

cm

-

57

cm
LARGE

GRANDE

Size

7

1/4

-

7

3/8

Tamaño

22

5/8

"

-

23

"

58

cm

-

59

cm
X-LARGE

X-GRANDE

Size

7

1/2

-

7

5/8

Tamaño

23

1/2

"

-

23

7/8

"

60

cm

-

61

cm
XX-LARGE

XX-GRANDE

Size

7

3/4

-

7

7/8

Tamaño

24

1/4

"

-

24

5/8

"

62

cm

-

63

cm

LESSON #3

There is no wrong or right.

Whatever feels right to you. There is no “correct” hat size for you. It is entirely a matter of personal preference. My own personal hats are not all the same size. A tighter-fitting hat stays on better when the trade winds gust. A looser-fitting hat is more comfortable. Some people like ’em high and tight, others lower and looser. It’s totally personal, totally up to you.

Panama Hat Company

LESSON #4

There are three types of Straw Hat.

Boater hat — a formal straw hat with a flat top and brim.
Conical hat— the distinctive hat worn primarily by farmers in Southeast Asia.
Panama hat — a fine and expensive hat made in Ecuador.

BOATER HAT

CONICAL HAT

PANAMA HAT

LESSON #5
(Now we want yur to be as knowlegable as possible when you are making your purchase. We believe the best consumer is an educated one, so we want to make sure if your are buying a straw hat, you have even a rudamentary idea of types of straw that is used to make your hat so you can pick our preference.)

Types of Straw

There are many varieties of straw used in hat manufacturing, some of which you will be quite familiar with, below you will see a description of each of the most popular straws used and many of which are used to make the hats we sell. View our full collection of straw hats and find your perfect summer hat.

Visca Straw

This type of straw is very similar in appearance to parasisal straw, visca is a man made straw and originates from Japan. You will usually find visca straw being used for low priced summer hats as its often mass produced and is easily styled and blocked. Although it is generally coarse when new, visca straw will soften and tends to lose its shape, hense the lower end price, many people will only get wear for one season.

Parasisal Straw

A fine, high quality straw often used in place of sinamay for some of the most expensive hats and fascinators. A very delicate straw but durable. Parasisal straw is made using a two over two weave, it also takes dye well. Often used in millinery.

Panama Straw

Panama straw originates from Ecuador, the straw is made from the plaited leaves of the Carludovica Palmata plant or locally known as Toquilla Palm. A lightweight, naturally breathable straw which is normally available in its natural colour, bleached or sometimes dyed. Panama straw is mostly used to produce mens summer hats and is handwoven in Ecuador.

Rush Straw

A thick, stiff straw often used to manufacture casual sun hats in bulk at the lower priced end of the market. Hats made from rush straw will be stiff with the crown and brim both pre-shaped. Due the the thickness of the straw you will quite often see a section with a wide open weave to allow air circulation. Usually left in its natural colour.

Sisal Straw

Less popular than parasisal, sisal straw consists of a one over one weave and is just a little coarser. Not so popular in the millinery market but often used in mens summer hats as another high quality alternative to panama straw.

Wheat Straw

A natural straw which is thick and coarse, usually left its naturally golden brown colour but this straw can easily be dyed. A hard wearing straw which is easily blocked and and firm to touch.

Seagrass Straw

A natural straw which is very popular for beach hat production. Seagrass straw tends to be stiffened and usually left in its natural colour, a light brown.

Jute Straw

A naturally soft straw, similar to a thick string. This particular type of straw has to be varnished to help retain its shape after blocking. A lightweight straw which is cool to wear as the air easily passes through the weave. Often left in its natural colour although it can by dyed with pastel colours.

Toyo/Paper Straw

One of the most widely used straws today. An imation of panama straw, toyo is woven from Japanese toyo paper usually seen in white or cream but it of course can be dyed. Easily packed and rolled without damage making it a perfect straw to make hats for holiday wear. Low price point due to bulk production prodominatly in the far east.

Sinamay Straw

Widely used today in millinery with the majority of ladies formal headwear being made from Sinamay. Made from Abaca fibre this material has to be stiffened before it can be blocked. Sinamay hats are made from a number of layers which will vary and usually will be 4 sheets minumum they are then blocked and trimmed accordingly.

Raffia Straw

A widely used straw for casual summer headwear. Superior grades of this straw are often used for ladies sun hats, however it is often used for a wide range of styles in a more cost effective grade. A heavy straw to look at and rough in texture, it can be rolled for packing without damaging the straw.

Buntal Straw

A natural straw which is made of the finest buntal fiber which is extracted from buri palm tree. It is often used in millinery for both hats and fascinators. Easily dyed and blocked, a thick, coarse straw.

Just in case you want a few tips on how to wear your hat, here goes: