Need good source for a high quality Optimo Panama hat.

[skytop]

[video=youtube;W-xFgd_NRwQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-xFgd_NRwQ[/video]

Ever since I saw the movie "Paper Moon" (1973), I liked the look of the Optimo straw hat that Ryan O'Neal wore in the movie. Now I am looking to find one.

There is a about 5 or 6 quality levels concerning the number of weaves per inch. More weaves, higher quality, smoother feel and greater integrity.

I have looked around for a good quality (Milifino) Optimo but of all the dealers I have looked at, they all sell the same 3 hats which are not satisfactory. There are two direct hat makers on Ebay but I am not entirely comfortable buying over seas on Ebay.

I am hoping someone in the Fedora Lounge fraternity can refer me to a good Optimo seller location. Thanks!

 

[jlee562]

Panama Bob at panamas.biz

Optimo Hats of Chicago at optimohats.com

 

[Yeps]

There is nothing on his website, but I would talk to PanamaBob. He is very good to work with, and people looking for the best have been known to buy his hats, but then have them finished by Art Fawcett, who does wonderful work.

 

[RBH]

An old shot of my PanamaBob/Art Fawcett Classic Colonial panama.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Looking cool Rusty

 

[RBH]

Thank you Sir!

 

[Aureliano]

Optimo in Chicago, the best of the best in my opinion.

 

[alanfgag]

Optimo in Chicago, the best of the best in my opinion.

Good advice... and while you are saving up, keep an eye on ebay. Nice old ones turn up from time to time.

 

[Landman]

An old shot of my PanamaBob/Art Fawcett Classic Colonial panama.

Very nice. Looks great on you.

 

[skytop]

I have been to the Optimo site but surprisingly, they do not show any Optimo style hat with the pinched ridge top.

 

[Aureliano]

It's there and now here.

 

[Aerol]

I have been to the Optimo site but surprisingly, they do not show any Optimo style hat with the pinched ridge top.

Try this link: http://www.optimohats.com/#/hats/63/

 

[job]

Check out the block on the home page. http://www.blacksheephatworks.com/BLACK_SHEEP_HAT_WORKS.php

 

[monbla256]

Here are two Montecristi's I got from Panama Bob and finished by Tom Gomez: