Óptimo Custom Hatworks in Bisbee, AZ

[Serial Hero]

I was reading “True West” and saw an ad for “Óptimo Custom Hatworks” in Bisbee, AZ. I was wondering if anyone has been there and checked it out.

From their web site it looks like they specialize in Panama hats but also do fur felt fedoras.

The web site also has a lot of mention about the “golden era”, and how men used to wear hats and took pride in how they looked.

Here is the link to their site: www.optimohatworks.com

[randystokes]

I'm not in the market for another hat -- I have a new AB beaver and an HJ rabbit -- but what's the consensus about the Optimo? I've heard/read some offhanded negative comments, but haven't seen much discussion of this brand. I know what folks think of Dorfmans (!), but haven't seen much detail on the Optimos. (I also didn't know until this post that Optimo was in my own homestate of AZ.)

Still, can't imagine now buying anything other than an AB. As I've said in other posts, I LOVE this hat!

Randy

[Daniel Riser]

This is a very different Optimo. Visit www.optimohats.com Optimo Hats is located in Chicago and is owned by Graham Thompson.

Graham makes some of the most beautiful hats you have ever seen. His prices are high, comparing it to the other Indy selections, but you get what you pay for. His selection of felts, ribbons, gosh even the leather he uses for his sweat bands are beautiful. He takes great pride in his work and is definitely an artist.

Dan

[Strider]

I handled IGB's Optimo Indy at the summit, and I must say, I was immediately taken with how thin the felt was. IGB commented to me that it was the closest to vintage felt you could find. I was impressed, to say the least.

[IndianaGuybrush]

I love my Optimo, but they're definitely dress fedoras. I know Agent 5 is very fond of his, but I wouldn't recommend getting one as an Indy fedora. For a dress fedora on the other hand, they're tops.