Scala Men's Grade 3 Big Brim Panama

I live in South Florida year round and wear Panama hats all the time. I have five of them in my closet right now. The summer sun is just brutal and the broad brim on this one gets the job done when there's not a cloud in the sky and you can almost feel the sun-burn happening.If you're familiar with real Panama style hats made of real Cuenca Straw from Ecuador, then don't read any further and just buy this hat. At this price point, the quality is a very good Sub-Fino grade and a really great deal and definitely worth it. If you're new to Panama hats, read on.This is a real Panama hat, not a knock-off. It fits well, has a nice extended oval blocking so it is shaped properly, not one of those awful circles that don't fit worth a darn. It's very light weight, has a wider than standard brim and provides great sun protection. It's more of a natural color than the bleached hats, but that also means the straw will last longer. The insert provides really good UPF protection and I'm bald so that's a real benefit.The weave on this hat is at the lower end of the export grade, I mentioned above that it's a good Sub-Fino meaning the weave is tight enough to block out the sun effectively but not the super tight weave you find on the really expensive hats. As long as you can get this hat for under $150 you're getting a good deal. If you can get it under $100 you're getting a great deal and would be nuts to pass it up.Advice from an experienced Panama hat owner; some of the hats available from this brand (Scala) and others are pre-treated with Teflon, but not this model. So get a can of Teflon fabric protector spray and give this hat a couple of light sprays before you start wearing it. Make sure you let the hat dry for a day between sprays and don't overspray the hat, you don't want it to get too wet and don't handle the wet areas. The hat is made out of dried Toquilla Grass and you don't want to damage it, just protect it. The Teflon will make it more waterproof, but even more important it will protect it from stains. These hats tend to get dirty easily when handled, the Teflon will help prevent discoloration.Overall, great deal at this price, well made, good fit, definitely worth buying and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again. If you're buying your first Panama hat and want more sun-protection than the standard brim provides, this is the one to get.

I used to sell hats, including Panamas (really hand woven in Ecuador) and have owned a couple of finos in my time. While not a fino (which can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars) this hat is very well made with a sewn brim, which is more secure than a woven edge. The color is as shown and the hat is very nicely blocked, and finished with a comfortable sweatband. I haven't owned a Panama for 15 years, and I am very happy with this one.

Wasn't sure how this would fit on my husband's head since the medium he's been wearing for 2 years was too small, but this looked too big. But with the enclosed foam spacers, the hat looks just fine. My husband is bald (love it) and wears hats constantly. This is one of his favorites.

I won't wear it. I look like a fool! It is also a little small. The company who sent it was prompt. That is the only good thing. The quality is good, but it is not what I was looking for. I wanted a flat top and the brim not turned up like I saw a regular appraiser wear on the History Channel who worked with the popular Las Vegas Pawn shop. This hat looks more like it would be for a woman than a man.

Hat is very nice, seems to be made of quality materials and exquisitely constructed. Corrugate packaging was too small, distorting the brim of the hat. It has not returned to its original shape.

Very poor quality.After receiving my 3rd hat from amazon, I've decided that it can't just be a problem with their packaging.This hat is very lightweight and if it was sold in a box from the manufacturer I'm sure it would be fine. As it's currently sold "loose" the quality is horrible. Expect the brim to be bent and the crown to be miss shaped.

Delivery in 2 days as promised.Only down side was the box was pretty crushed but the packing was very good so no damage.The XL fit as stated in the figment chart.Bought for being on the beach but will certainly use it for all summer occasions.

Nice hat. Perfect fit. I ordered extra large for a 23.5 inch head.

great quality and fit. would have liked wider hat band so have added it myself - I am lady so I look really great as well as protecting my face from the sun.