This hat will be finished with a hand stitched in Leather Sweat Band!
Hold this hat to the light and you will see the many points where light and air can flow evenly through. However this is not a "semi-calado" where the weave is actually woven into the hat with vent holes and a pattern. Rather, this whole hat is what is called locally in Ecuador as a "brisa weave" (windy weave) because air can breathe through due to the openness of the straw patter.
This is in contrast with Montecristi hats which are very tightly woven and have almost air tight weaves. Very lightweight, weighing a total weight of about 100 grams, it is quickly produced and economical. It generally comes standard with a fabric sweat band.
Single woven Cuenca "Brisa" simplest grade of genuine panama hat but is not a Montecristi hat good airy weave with a light weight fabric sweat band.The Classic Optimo Panama hat is one of the most timeless and recognizable Panama hat styles. Robert Redford and many others have worn this model. It is also one of the very best roll-up Panama hat styles, making it an excellent choice if you want a hat that travels especially well. This hat is blocked in a standard oval, which fits most head shapes well. If you know you need a longer front-to-back fit, we also offer a Long Oval blocking option for added comfort and a better fit.
ADD Long Oval Blocking (Special Request)
The standard crown height of the Optimo model is 4" - 4.5", measured from the brim to the top point on the side of the hat. This Optimo Panama hat is blocked on a standard oval hat block rather than a perfectly round one for a better fit.
Prefer a taller crown? We also offer these special-request crown height options:
ADD 1CM Higher Crown Height (Special Request)
ADD 2CM Higher Crown Height (Special Request)
Black Embroidered Hat Linner
Handmade, Embroidered, Black fancy hat liner.
Liners protect your hat from sweat and oils and can be removed for cleaning.
Snap brim on the front causing the brim to tip downward slightly and upward in the back just a little.
Almost a Stingy Brim: Just a little smaller than our standard brim, this size still offers some shade protection while keeping a shorter, sharper look. It is often chosen more for style than for sun coverage. Some people simply look especially good in a shorter brim.
SEE Montecristi Vs Cuenca hats
Semi-Calado - Vented Hats
SEE Fabric Sweat Bands
SEE more Addons like - Stiffener - Rollups - liners - curled brims - expedited service
Each Panama hat comes with one hat band of your choice, but you may want to include a few extra hat bands- a quick way to change the personality of your Panama hat!
Each and every Panama hat we sell is handmade right here in Ecuador, so no two hats are exactly alike.
DID YOU KNOW? You can custom design a hat exactly to your specifications! Click Here
1. Print our measuring tape to ensure an accurate measurement.
2. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your head being sure the tape falls above your ears and the ridge of your eyebrows.
3. Using your measurements, you can view our current stock of all Panama hats for your size.
Send us your question about this Cuenca Grade 1 Optimo hat, and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
You can also give us a call, toll-free at 1 800-876-6956
