This is the classic Montecristi, Grade 30, from Manabi Province in Ecuador-how it was originally made and sold. This hat is becoming somewhat hard to keep in stock as it is becoming increasingly difficult to find weavers capable of committing the time and having the skill to weave a hat at this level of fineness and complexity. If we are out of stock, your order will be put in a queue and fufilled on a first come first served basis. You will not be billed until the shipping date. So flexible and durable it can be rolled like cloth for storing or shipping. Available only in the traditional color of unbleached "paja toquilla" straw (Carloduvica palmata) from which they are made. We will ship a slightly elastic black trim we discovered in Quito, Ecuador. This band holds the hat snugly and comfortably to the head while creating a nice roll to the brim. As a trim option to the elasticized band,, we'll also send a length of the more traditional black grosgrain ribbon that can be pulled comfortably around the base of the crown and knotted as a finish on the side. There is no sweatband nor affixed trim, so that the hat can be rolled for transport. Rolling this hat for transport will create a crease down the center of the hat -this is a style-point that is the forerunner of the Optimo-style associated with the history of Panama hats. We'll send use and care instructions. Brims vary from about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches. Crowns are about 4 inches high. Sizes: Indicate your hat size in the Special Intructions section on the shopping cart. The hat we ship may be slightly big, but with the elastic trim or grosgrain ribbon pulled snug to your size, the hat will most likely fit. Importantly, this process of wearing the hat and placing the trim, will create an attractive look/style to the hat that may not be apparent beforehand. We invite you to price compare this hat at this quality with all other hat sellers. [IMAGE ON THIS PAGE IS THE INSIDE OF THE CENTER OF THE CROWN. IT SHOULD GIVE VIEWER SOME IDEA OF THE WEAVER'S WORK. COMPARE TO THE GRADE 20.]
We send an information letter to people who purchase this hat. Here is the link to this Montecristi Fino letter. Reading it may answer many of your questions.
On April 17, 2004 Tom Miller, author of THE PANAMA HAT TRAIL, spoke at our Hillcrest store in San Diego. This 1986 classic of travel literature and the hat industry was re-issued in 2001 by National Geographic Adventure Press with an introduction by Tony Hillerman. When Tom was here, we had him sign a number of copies for our customers. While they last, we will include a signed copy of THE PANAMA HAT TRAIL with the purchase of this hat.
