Don J.
Four hats so far -- all splendid.
I have bought four hats from Panama Hats Direct, and every one has been a best-buy. The prices, even allowing for high shipping costs, have been extremely competitive. The service is -- well, personal and custom. I have wanted. E.g,, I wanted a pencil-curl brim on a very nice (and absurdly inexpensive fine-weave Montecristi; I called Panama (not that expensive anymore) and had a quick word, and Bingo! just what I wanted just the way I like it arrived a couple weeks later. Since I first bought a Panama Hats Direct hat -- then the special low-cost Cuenca -- things have changed; then there were few people selling The Real Deal, and prices were well beyond my reach. Now others have entered the field -- and they are using the same business model that Panama Hats Direct pioneered. They offer comparable prices and a range of styles. BUT: The new guys have not improved on the original, and they lack that personal something that is a Panama Hats Direct feature. Dealing with Panama Hats Direct has something of the feeling of having a personal hatter (rare thing -- there is one left in New York...); dealing with the new guys is more like going to a department store. So, great product, great personal service, great prices. I see no reason to change. O, and the hats hold up well -- much better than other, more prestigious brands.