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| Montecristi - Before Service |
A couple years back, I picked up a really nice Montecristi
hat. It fit wonderfully and looked
sharp. Well, it used to look sharp. From what I deem was a combination of not
being properly blocked before it came into my possession, coupled with my
having worn it while working a few outdoor cigar events in some humid and inclement
weather, it is one Ecuadorian that has seen sharper days. This wear and tear is pretty apparent in this
picture – the crown is in decent shape, but the brim has lost all structure.
I’m far from an expert in Montecristi hats, which are often somewhat generically called Panama hats. I am however a tremendous enthusiast of them because of their craftsmanship. The Montecristi name is derived from the town of Montecristi, Ecuador, where these amazing works of art are crafted by true artisans.
The Panama name is basically derived from the hats
traditionally being shipped overland from Ecuador to Panama, form which point
they could be shipped to points east via the Caribbean, or west via the Pacific. Teddy Roosevelt also took to wearing one of
these hats when he was down inspecting the construction of the Panama
Canal. T.R. was a venerable brand
ambassador. His later successor, Harry
Truman, also frequently donned a classy Panama, particularly during the time he
spent in Key West.
Back to my road weary straw hat. It’s time for some T.L.C. It is being shipped off to Optimo in Chicago. Optimo is an old school hat shop because they
rightly believe that the old way is actually the high tech way. My Hat Service Form is all filled out and
ready to go. I’m to get a call in a week
or so to let me know that my hat needs to restore it to its full
potential. Stay tuned for the next
installment.
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