Recent content by Aerol

I dropped in to Optimo today. There were easily 100 hats on display, all available for immediate purchase. As far as having a cigar goes... really, a cigar in a retail store? Not here, and not this century.

Rick: Optimo in Chicago. Always Optimo.

Have you thought of Optimo? http://optimo.com/collection/top-hat

Got asked if I had my whip with me today. I was wearing a green waxed cotton Barbour coat and a light fawn Akubra safari (redone by Optimo) with a center dent and no pinch. Go figure.

Lots of Trilbys, no 3-piece hats: http://www.lockhatters.co.uk/Trilbys-list.aspx

Optimo's standards are very high. I've noticed that things that are invisible to me are problems to them. RLK is right: if it concerns you, send it back. If not, just enjoy the hat.

I've actually been happy with my Akubra Stockman: http://everythingaustralian.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=5 AUS$90 + inbound postage. Great service.

The brim of Montecristi is backwoven. That is, the strands are woven back into the brim, to create a "bound" edge. When trimmed it's usually (cloth) bound, to protect the raw edge.

Optimo has semi-calados, and they're quite beautiful. Just give Graham a call.

The "Dirty Little Secret" of Panama hats is that the better the hat, the hotter it is. Sad, but true. (It's also lighter in weight, though.) Optimo's Milan hats have a coarser weave and are slightly cooler. You might be able to wear a Tilley hat...

Could this be it: http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/products/manco-all-purpose-lacquer-sizing-13-5oz

Very sweet, Flute.

Optimo lists 8 different shades of blue. http://www.optimohats.com/#/swatches/

Rogers Peet was a men's store in New York, similar to Brooks Brothers or J. Press.

Summer wedding? Montecristi!