On the other hand, it shouldn’t move around or feel as if it’s too loose, either. The classic panama features a black band. If you prefer a less restrained look, go for a hat with colour and less traditional shapes, such as a trilby (with narrower brim and high crown). General hat etiquette has traditionally varied between men and women because of the different styles of hats they wore. The type of shoes you put on can tell you which way to go too. There have been more than a few bad hat decisions lately (Yes, we’re talking about you, Pharrell) and, sadly, not too many good ones. International, Inc. The weave is a determining factor – the finer the weave is, the more expensive the hat will be. It’s hats woven from this fibre that are traditional Panama hats.”, Paul Newman on-set of the film ‘The Long, Hot Summer’, 1958. The traditional Panama is a fedora-style hat shaped with a central dent in the crown which is pinched at the front, with a variable width brim and made from creamy toquilla straw. If you’re still not sure which one to wear, reach for a straw fedora—it’s the most diversely wearable hat around with enough class to match a great suit but it’s relaxed enough to look right at home on the beach. The answer, sometimes, is a hat. Whether you’re on your way to a business lunch or your great aunt’s funeral, a hat’s a great way to add a little something special to your dressed-up look. For a short-brimmed hat, try our Carnaby Snap Brim, which offers you a classic style with a twist, or if a wider brim is preferred, try our Jessica style for a more chic summer look," says Noel Stewart, the creative director at Christys'. Chanel's recent show in Cuba has made us fall in love with the panama hat all over again. Plettenberg Panama, £205, Penmayne of London. This hand woven straw hat is lightweight, allowing plenty of airflow to keep you cool in the sun. From top: red band, £128, Federica Moretti at Matchesfashion.com; gold-leaf band, £335, Emily London at Harvey Nichols; yellow band, £270, Laura Apsit Livens. The cross weave offers a hat that’s slightly different, perhaps a little more casual, although it would be ideal for a beach wedding or summer party. This hat makes AnnaLynne McCord look childish. Hats like our incredibly fine connoisseur hats can take weeks to weave.”. The weaver then begins the laborious process of weaving the hat which can take anywhere from a day for a standard weave sun hat to 3-4 days for a fine rollable hat. If you want to try something different, a black brim is a chic and quirky alternative. Just as a sidebar though, wear the right kind of coat. Like any item of clothing, a Panama hat will look best when it fits properly – which in turn ensures it’s not going to blow off with the faintest of breezes. If you’re wearing a casual button-up shirt, follow those. Allon Zloof of Tom Smarte likes to find variations on the classic roots of the design of his hats, playing with both colour and shape. Above all, wear it with confidence and purpose, like you’re not giving it a second thought. If you're going to a picnic or an outdoor party, wear exactly what Miranda Kerr is wearing here. With the warmer months of summer comes the need to dress cool. Montecristi is famously known for its fine weave, with party-trick ability to roll and fit in a wedding ring. You have three choices here—a straw hat works if you’re going to be outside, especially at the beach, while a baseball cap or beanie works pretty much the rest of the time. If you’re new at it, wear it straight but, once you’ve settled in, a slight angle and a little bit of a downward tilt works but you have to have the personality to back it up.