So, what's the deal with political conventions and Panama Hats?

[chacoguy]

I'm sure there's been a thread about this, but I'm flailing. Why do people wear imitation Panama Hats to political conventions?

[Captain Amazing]

Those are actually straw boaters (or sometimes fake straw boaters). I can trace it back to at least the 1900 Republican Convention in Philadelphia, where the delegates wore straw boaters because it was a hot and muggy June and they were trying to keep cool. I wouldn't be surprised if it just became a tradition after that.

[Munch]

Panama hat (http://www.panamaforum.com/images/panama-hat.jpg)
Skimmer boat hat (http://www.wellpromo.com/upload/upimg06/Skimmer-Boater-Hat-41306.jpg)

[BrainGlutton]

Panama hat (http://www.panamaforum.com/images/panama-hat.jpg)

Of course, it's just not complete without tan shoes, pink shoelaces, a polka-dot vest and man, oh, man, a purple hat band.

[conway]

They love Van Halen.