Optimo
Cuenca/Montecristi Straw
This hat is named after the distinct reptilian spine that runs the length of its crown and is often called "The Natural" by Ecuadorian locals. It's style came from the center crease formed by the repetitious hand rolling of an unblocked straw hat body, then delivered or carried in its rolled form. Finely woven Optimos were the finest hats one could buy in the early days of "Panama" hats. Its a classic amongst classics.
They say Al Capone owned and wore many straw hats and even went as far as to bring a weaver to Chicago from Ecuador to weave for him.