Optimo SE
The Cocoa straw and the Ivory ribbon were made for each other, yes?
Major fashion statement. Very tropical. Craves linen and silk.
The classic Optimo dome and center crease evoke thoughts of British ex-pats presiding over the warmer colonies. This particular look suggests India to my mind. What one might wear after a hard day of Bengal Lancing.
Freshen up a bit, then swan over to the Officer’s Club for an India Pale Ale, or two. Or twelve. Sit near a window, with the light coming from your side. Side light shows off the center crease better than front or back light.
No matter how many compliments and free rounds come your way, do call it a night well before you are at risk of falling down and wrecking the hat.
I hope your first thought wasn’t: “Can I roll it up?” Yes. If you must. But it looks so crisply shaped, so sharply creased, so smoothly rounded, so…perfect, just as it is. Why risk it? You’ve made it this far in your life without rolling a Cocoa Optimo with an Ivory ribbon, maybe you shouldn’t tempt the Fates.
Specs—Hand blocked. My hands. 41⁄4 inches tall, mas o menos. Snap brim 23⁄4 to 3+ inches wide, woven edge. Many choices of ribbons, hand sewn. Cotton twill sweatband, hand sewn. Weave count comparable to some of my hand-blocked Montecristi hats.This is a serious hat.
PRICES Why One Panama Hat Costs More than Another
$500
BRIM
2 3⁄4 to 3 inches
CROWN
4 1⁄4 inches
SIZES details
21
1⁄2
to 24
1⁄4
inches
(54.5 to 61.5 cm)
I will send you size test bands
and will custom size your hat,
included in the price.
Extra shipping cost outside of U.S.
SWEATBAND see choices
Standard sweatband for this style is cotton twill.
RIBBON see choices
Standard ribbon for this style is 1 1⁄16 inch ivory.
Optimo SE Order Now
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Text and photos © 1988-2010, B. Brent Black. All rights reserved.
