Birthday Help! Seeking Biltmore Milan Optimo Straw

[NW Trojan]

My 55th birthday is Monday and for the life of me I cannot find a
Biltmore Milan Optimo straw 7 3/8. If anyone knows a place or has one to part with, please send me a reply.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

This is as close as I could find.
http://compare.ebay.com/like/260711...ff250e6&itemid=260711827019&ff4=263602_309572

 

[NW Trojan]

Thanks, Lucky. I scoured ebay and online stores without luck. The quest continues..

 

[John in Covina]

They seem hard to find! I only saw these other brands mostly.

http://www.hats-plus.com/s-13-optimo.aspx?categoryID=11

 

[bolthead]

why does it have to be Biltmore?

 

[Neophyte]

I was wondering that as well.

 

[fmw]

I looked at the Biltmore site and they don't have a milan optimo in their product line. That is probably why you are having a tough time finding one. Why not have a custom hatter make one for you?

 

[Lefty]

I can't recall ever seeing a real milan with an optimo crease. There's the classic milan crease, which does have a ridge.
milan mania thread

 

[NW Trojan]

I seriously like that raised center-ridge look. Only seen it with them. Probably will have to go custom. Thanks, Lefty and FMW.

 

[Neophyte]

Doesn't every optimo-crown straw have that?

 

[NW Trojan]

Yes, I have seen another with it (Bailey panama), but the crown appears taller than the Biltmore variety. Maybe I'm just too picky at my old age. Thanks!

 

[fmw]

Optimo crowns have the ridge from front to back, not just on top.

 

[monbla256]

Doesn't every optimo-crown straw have that?

Yes if it is an Optimo crease. It came from the open crowned Panama's that were folded in half and rolled up for transport. Not ALL Optimo's can be rolled though. Just the ones that are made to be rolled up. These usually do not have a leather sweat in them and are shipped rolled up in a small narrow box. Folding and rolling them alot makes them wear out faster than a blocked Panama. DO NOT try and fold and roll a blocked Optimo creased hat that has a leather sweat as you will break the straw fibers.

Onward thru the Fog

 

[monbla256]

Maybe I'm just too picky at my old age. Thanks!

If you are too old at 55, just give it ALL up now I'm 7 years older and am NOWHERE near being TOO OLD

 

[NW Trojan]

You give me hope, monbla!, and I appreciate the education below!

 

[fmw]

Here's an option. They will make it in real milan wheat straw if you like.

 

[fmw]

I lived in Cuba as a kid in the late forties and early fifties. The Optimo style hats were very popular with Cuban men. I can picture them now wearing a linen guayabera, optimo panama hat, sun glasses and a cigar protruding from their head. It was like a uniform. Partagas, el cigarro que gusta mas.

 

[Rick Blaine]

Like these ?

Miller by Biltmore Natural Optimo Straw Hats

Oh, & happy Birthday as well. Many happy returns of the day!

 

[NW Trojan]

Hey, Rick, that's awesome! As close as I've seen available. I'll check it out. Many thanks. Larry