The Hats: Montecristi

The Montecristi Panama is the most coveted hat in the world. It is an extraordinary hat - a legend in its own right.

Only one region of Ecuador produces the special straw which is harvested, prepared and woven - all by hand. Each Montecristi Panama hat can take anywhere from one month to one year to produce.

We make numerous trips to Ecuador each year in order to purchase and secure the most refined and evenly woven hats for each season. All of the hats that we bring back are specially commissioned for the Optimo Hat Company.

Back at our Chicago workshop these hats are formed and finished in expert fashion. It takes skill and experience to work these beautiful hats from their raw form into a wearable piece.

The finishing process at Optimo is exceptional, and the final, essential step in the creation of a Montecristi Panama masterpiece.

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