The Safari, from Christys of London is a classic dress hat with universal appeal. This handmade grade 8 Panama straw fedora hat features a 2 1/4" brim with a pinchfront crown. The Safari comes with a grosgrain ribbon band, covered crown tips, and a Vom Baur sweatband for added comfort. Available in Natural and Putty (Shown) Large image shown in Putty; Smaller image shown in Natural What is grade 8 Panama? The grading 8-20 on a Panama hat is an indication of the thickness of the fibers and the complexity of the weave. It can take up to 20 hours for a skilled artisan to hand weave the exquisitely fine strands of straw.
When Miller Christy began making the finest quality hats in London in 1773, no one could have known the quality and tradition of that bygone age would live on more than 200 years later. It took Miller a seven year apprenticeship to learn the "art and mystery of feltmaking". Those skills have not changed and have been passed down to the current generation of hat makers. The large red hat boxes with the "Christys' London" name embossed in gold are a familiar sight wherever quality hats are sold. Throughout the world when people see a Christy hat, they know there has been no compromise in quality and that the hat on their head bears the tradition started by Miller Christy all those years ago. Today the tradition carries through not only the felt making but into a wide range of products suiting the demands of the modern world. Christys’ & Company LTD think Miller would be rather proud of their Riding and Dressage hats; perhaps be a little surprised at their choice of colors on some of the more fashionable Felts; they know he would greatly appreciate the casual elegance and quality of their Panama's; as far as their Baseball cap and fashion ranges are concerned, they think it best not to ask...! Christys of London is a division of Dorfman Pacific Hats