Straw Hats & Summer Hats
 
Today we are even more aware of the importance of protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun. In the summer gentlemen can wear any number of summer occasional hats. At Ascot Top Hats, we can provide styles suited for all of events. From the Panama to wear at Wimbledon or Lord's, the Boater for Henley or Cowes, to the Bombay Bowler pith helmet to wear at Guards or Cowdray.
 
 
Panamas
 
 
Panama hats are made from weaving "Paja Toquilla" straw in the Ecuador. There are two main manufacturing regions the most famous being Montecristi and the second being Cuenca. In choosing a Panama you can consider many deciding factors not the least being size and shape: Style, Ability to fold for travelling, Weaves Per Inch (WPI), Quality of weaving, Type of weave ( Llano or Brisa ) Colour and finishing, Brim edge finishing.
 
If you hold the Panama hat up to a light source you see spiral rings inside crown. These rings are called "vueltas". A rule of thumb can be used to tell if the hat is of good quality; is to count the number of rings. Under 6 is a standard hat, the more rings inside the crown, typically the better the weaver. Using the number of vueltas to identify if a hat is a Montecristi does not always work as there are some fine woven Cuencas also.
 
Many shops will try and sell "grades" of weave (grade 8, grade 10, grade 12, grade 14 or greater), though it is important to know that there is no standardised grading system between hatters. Other firms use Sub Fino, Fino, Fino Fino, and Super Fino to Panama hats, which also is not a standardised descriptions system. We use the "Montecristi Cuenta" sytem which multiplies the number for weaves in one inch vertically by the number of weaves in an inch horizontally to get an overall WPI ( Weaves per Inch)
 
A standard entry hat is about 100-150 WPI, with 500 WPI a very good mid range hat. Hats can go up to 2000+ WPI though are considered of very high quality and superb condition, and are available through our bespoke exclusive service please call us on 0870 919 2820 to find out more.
 
 
Christys' Cuenca
 

	Stock Number : ATH_7505
	Sizes Available : 54cm - 63cm (6 & 5/8 to 7 3/4)
	Approx WPI : 100
	Style : Cristys' Trilby Cuenca Panama and Red Christys Hat Box
	Cost : £49.95 Size 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54

	Stock Number : ATH_7507
	Sizes Available : 54cm - 63cm (6 & 5/8 to 7 3/4)
	Approx WPI : 100
	Style : Cristys' Optimo Folding Cuenca Panama and Red Christys Hat Tube
	Cost : £49.95 Size 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54

 
 
Boaters
 
 
Originally just called straw hats, the name boater first became popular around the Edwardian period. The design was taken from the Royal Naval sailor’s hat of the previous century, now their wearing is synonymous with Henley Royal Regatta and other boating events. Available with black band as standard, club or regimental ribbons can be provided by arrangement. Our boaters are blocked and made in England.
 
 

	Stock Number : ATH_7560
	Sizes Available : 54cm - 63cm (6 & 5/8 to 7 3/4)
	Style : Straw Boater with Black Band
	Cost : £49.95 Size 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54

 
 
Pith Helmets
 
 
Pith helmets come in various styles, from the British diplomatic "Boer war" style, to "French explorer" and military "Wolseley" styles. Our pith helmets have been designed by us in the traditional "Bombay bowler" style. A classic gentleman's summer hat in the old empire, lined with green cloth on the underside these helmets can keep both the sun off and reduce glare. Perfect for watching the polo!
 
 

	Stock Number : ATH_7570
	Sizes Available : Adjustable 57cm - 62cm (7 to 7 5/8)
	Style : "Bombay Bowler" Pith Helmet
	Cost : £24.95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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