Optimo south side mobsters

[Hats Matter]

The person related to me by marriage had one question about the 19 hats - how do you organize, store, and display them?

I keep them in the original hat boxes which are stacked up in my bedroom. The boxes are labeled.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Another Optimo, and it just about fits…just a bit tight. Despite the older liner, the felt is nicer than most Optimos that I’ve had. Nicely made, but it reinforces my opinion of Optimo. 2 ½” wide brim with an underwelt. Size is 7 ⅝ or 61cm.

 

[Altiori]

Beautiful hat and great photos.

Optimo makes stunning hats that respect tradition without becoming shackled by it. I own two felts and one straw. They are expensive but I also believe worth the price especially as Graham is supporting skilled employees in a brick and mortar shop in a restored location. All good things for the city.

I’ll be there in March and likely will not walk out empty-handed.

 

[Altiori]

Beautiful hat and great photos.

Optimo makes stunning hats that respect tradition without becoming shackled by it. I own two felts and one straw. They are expensive but I also believe worth the price especially as Graham is supporting skilled employees in a brick and mortar shop in a restored location. All good things for the city.

I’ll be there in March and likely will not walk out empty-handed.

As mentioned, I did as I said.

Saw Graham who took considerable time working with me. His patience is matched only by his knowledge of our shared appreciation of high quality hats.

And he is a gentleman.

Talked not only of felts etc but how best to make a C-Crown, how best to store hats and brims, the history of the Cavanagh edge etc. And I thought I knew hats. No. He’s forgotten more than I’ll ever learn.

I purchased this hat.

A “blueberry” made of silver beaver and enhanced by a vintage French ribbon from the 1930s. Check out the edge.

First photo: (The Hat purchased) I think it is a stunningly well made and beautiful hat.

Second photo: He has several others that are also worth considering. But I must be disciplined.

Last (third) photo: Your man (Altiori) with Graham.

 

[Neil Macdonald]

I recently bought a 7 ½ Optimo. Doc @NewJack reached out and offered a trade. This 7 ⅝ was my end of it:

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It’s in great condition, but it’s half to a whole size too small for me. The felt on the 7 ½ blue-gray was more to my liking with a softer hand.

I’ve now owned around seven Optimos now. They are all well-made hats. The styling, including the tapered crowns and modest crown heights, just don’t work for me. The felt has been good or better, but I’ve never found it to be exceptional.

Are you selling the hat?