Business & Economy Updated: June 16, 2011, 11:26 a.m. ET

The Cat in the Hat

Paul Solman's signature hats have become somewhat of their own celebrity. While Paul regularly answers questions about business and economic news, Thursday's queries are two questions about his bright-brimmed coiffure.

BY PAUL SOLMAN

Name: Richard Howell

Question: I know I should have a proper question on the piece about technological stagnation, but really I would like to know where you got that great hat - the light colored one with the black band?

Name: Mike Valentine

Question: The real question is why is Paul Solman wearing a goofy Panama hat?

Paul Solman: Okay, America, make up your mind: "great" or "goofy"? Vote below.

As to the reason, Mike, my dermatologist will tell you it's to prevent skin cancer to my otherwise indefensible pate; my associates, to avoid the need to powder my shining scalp; me, both of the above, plus the fervent hope that I look cool instead of dorky.

I got the hat through J. Peterman, Richard, but can't find it in recent catalogues. Looking inside the sweatband, I see that the hat is made by Ultrafino, is marked "Authentic," and can be purchased at ultrafinopanamahat.com, though when I visit the site, I can't quite tell which one it is. I think it's the Montecristo, though.

Follow Paul on Twitter.

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