I just came across these old pics I took at Optimo Hats here in Chicago. For those who may not know about these guys, they do custom hats of any kind in various straw weaves and high quality felt from the same felt source as some of the AB's. They're a little pricier than all other offerings but when you have the option to have practically any style hat (not just Indy) in a wide assortment of colors, the price may be worth it for you.
I haven't been in there for over a year but these pics were taken sometime in 2003, I think. Just thought some of you may like to see these pics and may appreciate them.
I'd sure love to work here.
I'm sure some of you have walls like this at home already.
Last edited by agent5 on Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:50 am, edited 2 times in total.
For those who may not know about these guys, they do custom hats of any kind in various straw weaves and high quality felt from the same felt source as some of the AB's
...and also lower quality felt from the same felt source as the AB-Dlx. Not all the felt they make and sell is the top grade felt I get custom made for my hats. Please don't take any offence in this. I just want to point out that seeing an Optimo is not equal to seeing a different sort of AB-Dlx. Neither in felt, nor in the way they are put together.
Yeah, Marc...thanks. It's fairly obvious that the AB is NOT an Optimo. I wasn't attempting to compare them. Merely stating what you already know to be fact, that you (AB) sourced SOME of your felt from the same place Optimo was getting theirs and that's all I stated. That's all. Not wanting to compare them to start up the usual suspects, just wanted to show the pics for those who may enjoy them.
Optimo sure has that vintage classy look to the shop. And they are a complete hat shop as well. They can make any kind of hat. As far as I know, Optimo is one of a very few true vintage-esque dress hat shops left. There are multitudes of western hatters, but few full service dress hatters left. Put it this way. I appreciate Optimo much more now than I did a few years ago. The hat education has broadened my appreciation for Graham and Optimo. If I were after a fine dress hat, with bound brim, or another classic style, I would buy from him. Great pics Agent!!! And a fine looking hat shop. If Indy had really existed, this is the sort of shop that one would have found on various streets in the big cities, and towns too, in the 30's. Nowadays, they are rare. Fedora
PS. I think Graham offers the higher quality felts as well as his staples from what I hear and even has a walkin cigar humidor in his shop. Correct me if I am wrong.
That is a great looking shop with some sweet looking hats. It's nice to know a shop like that is around and can survive. Hurray for Chicago! I'll take a beef with hot and a dog on the side.
I always regret not having had the time to visit the Optimo shop when I lived a couple hours or so from Chicago. Every once in a while I'll come across a hat shop and walk in, but nothing I've vistied compares to what I see in these pics. It's a good thing I'm not a millionaire, because I'd probably go broke buying hats from everybody! Thanks for sharing these, 5!
5, I don't believe I've ever seen these photos before. Thanks for posting them. That IS one classy looking operation!
Reminds me just a bit of walking into Peters Bros shop, though their shop is a lot older...it still has the same 'feel' about it.
Thanks for sharing these, 5! 
