For me its a huge negative in durability for Panama to not like the rain, and for it to crack overtime when touched or handled in pressure places such as at the point of the crown. For a fashion hat in certain climates, I could see why this wouldn't be that big of a deal. But I wear my hats for outdoors and for fashion both, and want them to look good and be able to take a beating if I need to go through a rainstorm in them, if I need them for sun protection, and if I need to shove through dense brush in them. I have very specific needs, but this is why Palm Straw hats are my favorite hats. They can look very beautiful and have a unique natural weave, aren't always as dressy as a panama depending on the context and the hat itself, but they can literally be doused in water, in a rainstorm, and go through a beating as work hats either for cowboys and ranch hands or for those who work and enjoy the outdoors without becoming damaged.
I do have one, an Imperia from Mayser, I liked the airholes as I get warm very easily, and I wore it a lot this summer. Would not mind getting some other model as well.
Terrific video and discussion, Alex! Trying to get my hands on one, do you know when @Goorin Bros. might have the Hartman and the Montecarlo back in stock??
I love mine even though im not an older man. Women seem to like it or they give me dirty looks. Its a powerful and controversial hat and you will get haters and lovers for wearing it imo.
