The Snakeskin

SNAKESKIN. When I opened the box, the hat looked okay, but not quite as pictured on the website. The indentations on the front of the crown (the ones you are not supposed to pinch) were not nearly as large, prominent or well-defined as pictured on the website. This gives the hat a different (weak) look and feel. I attempted to use steam and reshape them, but with limited success. Now the ribbon seems like it might be coming unglued. Furthermore, the back of the top of crown was flattened out as though the hat was stored by placing the center of the crown's top (the rosette) onto a peg. I have found from past experience with other panama hats that gravity will flatten out the tops of hats stored in this fashion. Again, I tried to reshape with steam...with limited success. Kind of makes me think this was a return that was resold to me.
CREME BRULEE: I was also disappointed with the Creme Brulee I purchased before this recently-acquired Snakeskin. I thought it might have been an isolated fluke though so although I was unhappy, I reluctantly just let it go and said nothing. But when I received the disappointing Snakeskin, I figure two disappointing purchases reflects a concerning pattern and I needed to provide feedback. The problem with the Creme Brulee is the wire in the brim. There are TWO locations where the wire is bent and, as Oska says, the brim looks "wonky." He hates wonky brims, and so do I. So how is it that I received a $200+ hat with a wonky brim? Yes, I tried to bend the wire and straighten it out and it won't get straight. The fibers around the bend are beginning to break so I just leave it alone. Additionally, the rosette (center of the vueltas) is not in the center of the crown. This looks shoddy and cheap.
Lastly, the sizing between all three hats is inconsistent. I provided the same head measurements each time. The Creme Brulee requires spacers because it is slightly large, and I am totally fine with (prefer) that. However, the Snakeskin and Mandrake I purchased both require constant hat stretching because they are always on the verge of being too tight.

Hat looks and feels amazing. The shop did a great job helping me get the perfect style and size on the first try. 10/10.

Top quality and looks awesome

Great artisan hats. Still have my first one from years back. Perfect weight for summer.

I picked up the snakeskin in Saint Tropez and wore it almost every day for years. When I finally lost it on a cruise, I was relieved that i could get another one. Great hat.