Durability question

[brwwe]

A couple of years ago, I bought a custom straw hat from Optimo in Chicago, which I just love. During the cold months, though, I've been wearing an inexpensive wool felt fedora. My family has recently chipped in to buy me a new fur felt fedora for my 50th birthday. I only live about an hour from Optimo, and my family has been gracious enough that I can afford one. I don't mind spending the money for it if it will be durable enough to wear day in and day it, rain or shine, for many years. (For all its faults - and they are many - my wool fedora has held up remarkably well.) My other thought is to buy a less expensive off-the-rack hat and replace it every year or two if needed. I really want the Optimo, but I want a hat I can wear every day. I'd like to get your opinions about the Optimo's durability over the long haul.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Feraud]

If there is little reply I would use the search feature on the Lounge to read prior comments.
Never having owned one I can only tell what I have read. Optimo has a good reputation for quality but on the expensive side.

 

[deanglen]

Welcome to the Lounge, BTW, brwwe. Hope you stick around!

dean

 

[Zemke Fan]

Matt Deckard says...

That his gray Optimo (the one in his avatar) has become his personal favorite and he wears it constantly...

Besides, one of the benefits of actually going to the shop is having them correctly measure your noggin with the conformer. Although I don't own an Optimo, I've got one of Art's creations and it is far and away my best fitting and most comfortable hat.

Col. Z.

PS: I echo, Dean... Welcome Aboard!

 

[art92101]

Optimo recommended

I have used Optimo for my vintage hats and they are beyond reproach. they are excellent company. I would not worry about durability. At their price point my guess is that you will baby the hat. Splurge! You are worthy!
On the durability note. I have a Borsalino 48 gram fedora that I have been wearing almost daily for 8 if not 10 years and its a very light weight hat. I do not wear in heavy rain due to its lightness but I am surprised at how well it has held up. We are talking very thin material. I have had it cleaned once over the years and I still get compliments on that hat. I would recommend you go with Optimo since they are close to you. A custom hat is a special treat for oneself. Lastly, where can Americans still get anything custom made at a reasonable price?...and made in America? Go for the Optimo!

 

[MattC]

Optimo Hats are great.

Tell Graham durability is important to you. He'll take good care of you.

 

[brwwe]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm leaning hard toward the Optimo. I plan to wear whatever I get every day, eight or nine months a year, unless it's pouring rain. If I know ahead of time the day will be a real soaker, I'll can just wear my old wool hat or my cotton Tilley. As long the Optimo can hold him under careful, daily wear and the occasional snow or rain shower, I don't mind dropping the money for it. When I bought my Panama, all I could afford was Graham's least expensive model, but the quality and fit are excellent. I get lots of compliments, and it's so comfortable that I forget I have it on. I'm not a hat expert, but I tend to think that over the long haul I'll get more enjoyment from the Optimo than from several off-the-shelf hats. My wife thinks that if I buy a couple of $100 hats, I won't be really satisfied and will end up buying and wearing the Optimo in the end anyway. I've been searching the forum for durability issues, and I haven't seen anything so far do dissuade me from the Optimo.

This is a great web site for those of us still finding our way in the hat world!

 

[Joel Tunnah]

My wife thinks that if I buy a couple of $100 hats, I won't be really satisfied and will end up buying and wearing the Optimo in the end anyway.

Your wife is smart.

Joel

 

[brwwe]

Decision made!

Yep.

We went to Optimo this afternoon and ordered it. I told Graham I intend to wear the hat every day, and he suggested a mid-weight felt. Since I seldom wear a suit, we talked about the outerwear with which I'll be wearing it. I'm a little bit color blind and have to rely on others in this area, but Graham, Marlene and my wife were very helpful. The color will be what's called Brownstone (brown with flecks of color blended in), with a dark brown ribbon. It should go fine with my green winter coat, and it looked great with my brown leather jacket. It will be a center-crease with 5 1/8" crown and 2 1/2" brim. I couldn't be happier! I'll post a picture once I get it. Thanks again for your help!

 

[Matt Deckard]

Good choice. My Optimo, the grey one has been rolled rained on baled up dirt covered, spilled on and the hole set of life that can be tossed at a hat. I still wear it.

It's a beaver nutria blend and As far as I can see hasn't met it's rival. I do however need to get on of Art Fawcet's new hats when I have the funds. Peraps to replace that stolen hat from the QM. I hear good things and have seen good felt from his recent hats.

 

[RBH]

Welcome to the Lounge, brwwe !

Hope you enjoy yourself here.
I look forward to seeing your new hat!