The Story of the Legendary Panama Hat—Father’s Day Gift Idea

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Panama hats are legendary, with a long history. I can picture stylish men in the 1940s donning these handsome hats (in fedora style), cigar in hand, lounging in a comfy chair. Greg and I went to a hat shop in Mexico City where they had a large selection of straw hats, Panama style and otherwise. Let me tell you—the hats were gorgeous! So much so that I wish I had a better shaped head so that hats would look decent on me, and I also thought that if I were male I would be the type of guy that wore beautiful hats all the time. 

I came across this colourful and interesting book in the Assouline catalogue and thought it would be interesting to share—maybe you’re stumped for a Father’s Day gift idea? This book, or perhaps an actual Panama hat would make for a great gift idea?

Brent Black Panama Hat Company has a nice selection of different styles, and sells high-priced hats for collectors—think upwards of $8,000 each! They have more economical hats, too, though—for men and women. Brent Black are still several hundred dollars. I love my dad, but. . .

book photos from Assouline site.

Do you like the look of hats? Would this be something you’d buy for your dad or significant other?