Just got two Panama hats reconditioned from Optimo (Modem burner)

[Aviator]

I had picked up a couple of hats while in Montechristi, Ecuador over the last few year (this before I knew what to look for from reading on the Lounge). I owned them both for a few years and seldom wore them (neither were long ovals and the brim would buckle a bit). After seeing the nice work done by Optimo hats on the Lounge I sent them in to Graham to have a leather sweatband put in, re-shaped and enlarged to 7 1/2 long oval, and new hat bands. I'm really happy with the work (please excuse the crummy photos...my photo skills are weak).

Here is me purchasing one of the hats from the young man who was sewing in a nylon sweatband (since removed):

<a href="http://s97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/?action=view&current=P1010056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/P1010056.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/?action=view&current=P1010055.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/P1010055.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Hear is the lighter colored of the two which the pics above show me purchasing (about 660 wpsi) with a brim length I like more (2 3/8"):
<a href="http://s97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/?action=view&current=PA080012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/PA080012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/?action=view&current=PA080020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/PA080020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Here is the first one I bought: the brim is shorter than I would probably like (2 3/16"), but it has a nice light straw color and is very soft and pliable (about 550 wpsi). I'm not crazy about the shorter brim, and orginally thought of selling it... now I'm leaning on keeping as it is really growing on me, and I love seeing the weaves of the different colored straw. Optimo put a lovely brown ribbon on it:

<a href="http://s97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/?action=view&current=PB140064.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/PB140064.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Front view:
<a href="http://s97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/?action=view&current=PB140065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l230/HercDriver1500/PB140065.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Obligatory head shot:
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I am really pleased with the excellent customer service I recieved from Optimo... perhaps in the Spring if I return to Ecuador I can pick up another hat or two; one to get shaped to the Optimo shape with a 2 1/2" brim and one with a 2 3/4" brim.

 

[indycop]

Those are very nice, I like the brown ribbon too!:eusa_clap

 

[BobC]

Both of those are very nice looking. I like the second best with the brown ribbon and the colors in the weave. It's probably the less nice of the two, but I still like it. The brown ribbon gives it a boost in my mind...black is far too common. The colored ribbon adds some uniqueness, I think. I currently have one with a burgundy ribbon, one with two blue ribbons (one navy and one medium blue) and one with a black ribbon. If I should get another, I would most likely ask for a green ribbon or maybe something with a stripe.

 

[portolan]

Great Hats....I really like the brown ribbon....

matches perfectly. Congrats!

 

[Al_Ojeda]

Great makeover...

Congrants Aviator those are beutifull hats.... could you please tell us if the model shape is the the "serie B" or "serie C" from Graham... I had also a wonderful experience with Optimo Chicago they did a great job for me... this is my hat... my two cents: went you buy you next hat in Ecuador make sure that they are big enough (the brim) to get the brim that you want.

Before:

After:

 

[Panamabob]

Great story and photos. That man in Montecristi is Geovanny Mero Pachay. He's a nephew of some of the greats.

 

[Aviator]

BobC: Though the brown-ribboned hat has fewer WPSI, Graham indicated it was a higher quality had due to the straightness of the weave. I'll take his word.

Al_Ojeda: Very impressive makeover. My next will be the Optimo shape; yours looks great. I don't know whether it is the 'B' or 'C' shape; I just asked him to shape it to a tear drop crown and he took if from there. I have looked over the website to try to guess, but still haven't reached a conclusion. I need to visit there one day and have a look around! And I agree about the brim...the brown-ribboned hat was to be an Optimo, but the brim was too short.

PanamaBob: Last time I was down there (when I e-mailed you...and thanks again for the info, BTW) I did not have time to really shop, but I did see Geovanny and he knew who you were. Talk about small town.